What if it’s way more than I bargained for?

It is. Trust me.

The Gardener is gardening. The Vinedresser is dressing the Vine and cutting off the branches that no longer bear fruit. Where there is growth, He prunes so that even more growth will come. (John 15:1-2) Mary Magdalene bumped into Him when she went to the tomb. Mary expected the Gardener. (John 20:15) No one expected to meet Jesus...alive. No one really understood what it truly meant to be a disciple of Jesus. Not until they realized the Truth about resurrection. God had the last word over death. He had won the battle. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me, though he may die, yet shall he live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) Every one of us must answer this question. Do I believe this? True Christian discipleship acquaints us not only with death. But, also with real life—eternal life. The audacious Truth is you’re going to have to die in order to live. I know this may sound extreme. But, it is true.

1. Die to self. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

2. Die to selfish ambition. And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

3. Die to the old ways of doing things. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. (John 12:24)

4. Die to expectations. Those who love their lives will lost it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (John 12:25)

5. Die to whatever you thought it was going to be like. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)

There is always eventually a ‘trade up’ with God. I give this and God gives me that. God is spectacularly clear on the law of sowing and reaping. (Galatians 6:7-8) We give a little—we receive a little. We give a lot—we receive a lot. We give it all—it only gets better! Yet, all of this harvest and holy produce comes with a price. Yes, there is great joy that comes in the morning. But, there is also night and we are acquainted with pain that accompanies us along the way. Pain is simply an indicator that you care, that you acknowledge and validate you’re leaving something important behind…and that you loved someone or something well to the end.

God is up to something exciting and new at Wheatland. Regeneration is a powerful experience. But, it’s not without significant pain and the need for a time for mending and meaningful healing. Be part of it. Don’t wait. Get up and come along. We have work to do!

And without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6

Pastor Jen

A Passion for Missions: Pam Moga, Missions Chairperson

Romans 10:14-15 are two verses I feel God has been whispering to me throughout my life. 

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I can’t speak of my passion for missions without speaking of my dad. Growing up I witnessed him serve others on a daily basis. He has played a major role in my faith journey including my dedication to missions.

When I was in second grade, my parents were youth group leaders. I often tagged along to youth group events. At the end of one of these events, there was an altar call and the youth were going forward to pray. I kept asking mom and dad if I was supposed to go forward too. They said that this time was for the youth.

Later that evening we were eating dinner, but I couldn’t eat. My dad asked me what was wrong. I said I wasn’t hungry and that I didn’t feel well, so he excused me to go to my room. He then came up to my room and again asked me what was wrong. I said that I didn’t know, I just felt empty, like I was missing something. My Dad told me that he thought he knew what I was missing. He shared with me how much God loved me. He told me that I can have a  friendship with Jesus. He shared the scripture of Romans 10:9 in words a second grader could understand:  If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  (Romans 10:9) My dad and I prayed that night. As I think of those moments shared with my dad I can’t help but  think, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News.” (Romans 9:11)

The first mission trips I served on were with my Dad. We went to Henderson Settlement in Kentucky with youth groups. We did work around Henderson Settlement, worked with local families to help them make repairs on their homes, helped run summer children’s programs, and helped with the book mobile. On one of these trips, we met a teenager named Judy who had a summer job at Henderson helping the work crews who came to serve. She was working on a project with my dad, and  one day she told me how lucky I was to have my dad for a father. She said he had told her about Christ’s love for her and no one else had. She said that he listened to her, answered her questions and prayed with her.

This was the first time I truly realized that not everyone has a dad who will share Christ with them. 

I didn’t know the verse then….but God was whispering verse 14 to me...How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 

I first went on mission trips because I cared about others and wanted to help them. After that trip, I realized that I wanted everyone to have their physical needs met, but I also wanted them to know Jesus.

 “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” 

When I graduated from college, Wheatland Salem Church became my home. I first served in youth ministry and went on youth mission trips. Then I clearly remember serving on the missions team as a fairly new member and meeting Donna Trinko. At each meeting she would talk about trying to connect with Lowell and Claudia Wertz and wanting to go serve with them in Tanzania along with her husband Neil. Each time I would see Donna, I would ask her how her plans were going and what she had heard from Lowell and Claudia. Finally, it was a winter day and I was really sick. I was on the couch and didn’t think I could feel much worse. I’m not even sure why I answered the phone. Donna had called me and said she was going to Tanzania but Neil wasn’t going to go. She asked if I was going. I said, “Yes, but I’m really sick so I’ll have to talk to you later.” And I hung up the phone.

Donna and I had never talked about the possibility of me going to Tanzania. I don’t think I had even thought of going to Tanzania. If I had actually thought beyond the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I probably would have said NO! I was going through a difficult time emotionally, my finances were a mess, I had a dog and a cat that would need to be cared for, and I would be away from family and friends for 5 weeks. The truth is, God took care of all of those things through people responding to mission in their own ways. Some prayed, some gave financially, some cared for my pets and home, some gave items needed in Tanzania, and some gave encouragement. 

I’ll never forget Florence Gregory. 

She started mailing cards with Bible Verses and words of encouragement so that one would be waiting when we arrived in Tanzania and we would receive them the whole time we were there. God provided all of this through others. And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? (Romans 10:15) My job was simply to respond “yes” to the Holy Spirit. 

What I learned about giving.

The time serving on this mission trip was a time of great personal transformation for me from the moment I said “Yes, I’ll go.” First of all, I discovered the amazing peace that comes with knowing you are following God’s plan. Then, one of the many ways I grew on this trip was learning about giving. We were in a refugee camp worshiping with hundreds of people. After worship Lowell pointed to the blue roof of the church and told us that the refugee church members had donated the plastic they were given for their shelters so the church could have a roof. At that moment I was so humbled and knew I needed to change how I thought about my financial offerings to God. I hadn’t been giving to the church because of my difficult financial situation, but I made a commitment to give when I returned home. 

On the same trip I was teaching English to Mwenge. He is one of the Joy in the Harvest leaders. He brought up the idea of living in America and how “everyone” wanted to move to the United States because life is so good here in the land of opportunity. I told Mwenge that not everyone in the United States has an easy life. I told him that we have homeless people in the United States. I still hear Mwenge’s response to me today. He said, “Shame on you. There is plenty for all.” 

When I returned home, I came home with a desire to help the homeless and started volunteering at Hesed House. God spoke to me through Mwenge, and I was blessed by the people I met at Hesed House during the time I volunteered there.  I think each one of us are blessed when we listen to God and respond to how he would have us serve Him.

Wheatland Salem Church supports both global and local partners in missions. In Romans 10:15 it says: And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? Through Faith Promise, Wheatland Salem Church has developed amazing partnerships with both local and global missions organizations and missionaries. Our missionaries have listened to the Holy Spirit’s call and followed God’s path to serve. This doesn’t come without sacrifice as they may leave family and friends, give up jobs and homes and face many other challenges. They put their faith in God to provide for their needs. 

Through Faith Promise Giving, Wheatland Salem is able to support our missionaries and mission organizations with some of their financial needs, but our partnerships are so much more than that.  Our missionaries pray for us as we pray for them. They encourage us and we encourage them. We have gone to our missionaries to serve and worship with them, and they have come to us to serve and worship with us. At Wheatland Salem, each one of us has the opportunity to be part of these partnerships, whether it is through giving financially, praying, sending words of encouragement, serving at a local mission or on  a mission trip, sharing Jesus with someone in your life or in any other ways God calls you to serve. All of these things help take the Good News to those who have not heard. I encourage you to learn more about our missionaries on the missions portion of Wheatland’s web page, and I encourage you to pray for these missionaries, and pray about any other steps God is calling you to take to share the good news.

Who will you share Christ’s love with?

God Bless You!

Pam Moga

Here’s what I want you to know: Robert Lindon, Stewardship and Finance Chairman’s going on here, God?

Stewardship is not a modern word and sometimes not inviting in today’s world. We have replaced it with words that mean the same things like generosity or contribution. But for me there is nothing complicated in describing stewardship for the Church. It is the use of our time, talents and resources to be used to further God’s kingdom. It is my belief if folks give of their time and talents they likely give of their resources.

How did I start giving?

I grew up in a small Southern Illinois town of 850 people on a small farm with 6 kids and mom and dad. Dad farmed and somehow he and mom made ends meet. For sure each year we had a very large garden and chickens and livestock so there was always food on the table. We went to Church virtually every Sunday and looked for the day we would get our pin of 100% attendance for Sunday School. When we were young Mom would give us money to put in the offering envelope . The offering was collected in Sunday School. This became a habit. Now I’m not saying I was an angel during those formative years but I knew church was supposed to be a part of my life.

As with many of us when we move away from home we did not have a regular pattern of worship.

Kris and I started a family and Church again became a natural part of our life.

Growing up I was used to putting something in the envelope each week.

However it was not until I started trusting God that I realized it was not just about the amount of money but what it represented. The bible provides multiple examples of giving.

Moving to tithing—which means giving 10% of our income to God— did not happen overnight. I can remember writing a check for $20 and thinking I was giving all that was available. But it was not all that was available it was all that I thought we could give. As we started using more of our time and resources in the church we started moving toward tithing. Priorities shifted and changed. So in my mind stewardship is not complicated, it’s a decision and up to us to be a good steward. We have to put our faith in God and trust that he will provide. It does not mean there won't be bumps in the road and challenges to overcome. We are given the Holy Spirit to be with us during these times.

Over 30 years ago a very wise man that attended Wheatland Salem Church gave me some advice and it sticks in my mind yet today. I was explaining that I was not getting some things done. His response to me stayed with me all these years,“You have not made it a priority."

God is asking us to make him a priority in our lives. We should not let ourselves of the hook just because we are in challenging times. It is during the challenging times that our faith is tested and made stronger. We all have sinned and are short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) The least we can do is be good stewards to his Church.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV)

Pastor Jen

What’s going on here, God?

In Mark 3, we discovered that God knows the order in which things need to happen in our lives. God’s order is established and revealed everywhere in Creation. All we need to do is look around! But, God’s order and our order often do not coincide. Things get out of order. Trusting God means that we stop rebelling against His ways. We trust God when we accept His ways. We trust God not only to do what He can do—but trust Him to accomplish things in His own timing. When things get out of order, they stop working. Consider this:

1. So that's why spending your money before you tithe is a bad idea, because it's out of order. Too early? Too soon. God won’t bless me with more until I know how to spend His way.

2. So, that's why sex before marriage is a dangerous proposition. Too much, too soon. Now he doesn't value you. Instead, he objectifies you.

3. So, that’s why I don’t focus on my emotions or feelings. Too much me, too little God. The true challenge of faith is surviving the waiting period.

There’s an order to things. There’s an order to things. There's an order to things. "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise". (Psalm 100:4) Our prayer life is out of order when we start with us or the situation, instead of, starting with praise and honor for Him. Consider this:

1. Start with: “Thank you God for what You've already done! Right now, in spite of how I feel or what I'm going through, I want to give You about 30 seconds of praise". (Praise Him!)

2. Let God know—you know who you are: “I am NOT you, God. I don’t know everything that is going on and I cannot be everywhere, all the time.” Give yourself permission to surrender to Him. (Breathe.)

3. Then make a statement: I've got some things I think I need. I’ve got some unresolved issues that I want to bring before You. I need Your guidance and direction. (Listen—stop talking so much!)

In Mark 4, we discover that what’s going on below the surface has deeper meaning. Jesus used an illustration to reveal what the Kingdom of God is like. Jesus does not describe the Kingdom of God like anything they ever heard before. Jesus used a description that most likely offended people. We have a parable. Jesus taught in parables. Mark’s gospel shares several of them. Remember, Mark is giving us a curated account of the ministry of Jesus. And he's building for us what he believes to be an accurate picture of the purpose of the ministry of Jesus. And now, Jesus is teaching about the nature of the kingdom of God and our faith.

Maybe you've heard the parable of the different types of soil in Mark 4. God’s work in our life will feel or seem insignificant and then it will go into the soil where it will be invisible. And then, a lot of times, when God is working in our lives in the greatest ways, we won't even know how He's working. We will be ignorant—God’s work is often something we cannot see. The Kingdom of God is like a seed. Consider this:

1. Spiritual growth often seems insignificant—you won’t feel like you’re growing.

2. It often appears invisible—spiritual growth happens below the surface.

3. Often we feel ignorant—you won’t know how until later.

Now, you’re most likely going to be offended. Because a lot of sermons in my lifetime have been about spiritual growth. We talk about spiritual growth all the time! But there is an ELEPHANT in the prayer room. We often talk about what, but we never really talk about how. I don't know how. I don't know how reading my Bible helps me grow—but I do it daily. I don't know how to pray for more than 10 seconds without thinking about something else—but I do it minute by minute, hour after hour, day by day and year after year. I don't know how to make a God-honoring decision—but I trust that no matter what decision I make—He is with me and will forgive me no matter what situation I put myself in. I don’t know how….AND that's the most spiritual thing you've said all week! Consider this:

1. Who did Jesus select as His disciples? Religious elite with academic knowhow?

2. Who did God select to be a mother for His Son? What was the first thing Mary asked when Gabriel said, "The One born of you is the Holy One of God"? What?…. How!?

3. How did the disciples respond when Jesus said, "Feed these big crowds even though you didn't pack a lunch"? What's the first thing they said? …..How!?

That is the starting place of spiritual growth. I don’t know how—but I trust Him. God commands me or calls me to do something and I trust Him. I act. I follow through. I obey. I don’t always know how things will happen—honestly—I never know how things get done. I don’t know when money will come in to pay the bills but I trust Him to get it done. I don’t know….I don’t know how some prayers get answered and others do not. I don’t know how life will play out. I don’t know how things will go tomorrow. I don’t know how God does what He does. He is the omniscient one…not me. There. I said it. And you need to say that too.

Consider this: all I need to do is trust and obey. And let the dirt do it’s work.

He also said, “This is what the Kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.” (Mark 4:27 NIV)

Pastor Jen

It’s not working.

Have you noticed of the ‘out of order’ sign? No, really, have you ever noticed what it says? Out of Order. I glanced at one and forgot about it. But, the Lord brought my attention back to the sign. Something is out of order and needs attention. Out of Order. If something is out of order, does it mean there is a benefit to being in the right order? Because in my mind, when something is out of order—it’s not working.When something is in order—it is working.

Jesus Challenged their Priorities.

Jesus makes a public appearance in Mark 3 in front of synagogue leaders and people. Religious leaders and people who practiced a high level of piety were often appointed to positions of authority in local synagogues—because they demonstrated the Law. Few people challenged the authority of the Law, so the local religious leaders often became synonymous with the power and authority of the Law. Jesus often publicly challenged religious leaders with their power and their authority. Religious leaders discussed certain things in secret meetings and then religious leaders followed up with a kind of ‘Gang Up on Jesus’ plan. Jesus taught or challenged people to think and respond publicly. Imagine the meetings after the meetings for the religious leaders who were always conniving. “Did you hear what Jesus said??” "Did you see what the people did??” “Why does Jesus answer with a question??” “By what authority is Jesus doing these miracles??” 

No one likes to be embarrassed. No one wants to be revealed as a hypocrite. No one wants to be humiliated in front of their peers—let alone in front of the people they lead. Jesus’ savvy style of leadership always inspires me. I’ve wanted to respond like Jesus in my leadership style, too. But, when someone has their own agenda or a group secretly meets to discuss a plan and then comes to me with questions, I think of the Jesus-type of thing to say or do twenty minutes afterwards. Sometimes the religious leaders were convicted when they had interactions with Jesus. Other times the religious leaders were angered and looked for a way to get rid of Jesus. I’ve always been astounded at the response of people who wanted to kill Jesus, aren’t you?

Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. (Mark 3:1) Notice that a man with a special situation is involved. The man had a public deformity—I wonder sometimes how many of the men present had private deformities. Clearly, the man could not be part of the religious elite nor become any kind of religious leader. A public deformity was often considered something that made a man ‘unclean.’ The man with the shriveled hand was separated from the very thing that could heal him, restore him and make him whole. The synagogue leaders made sure of that. Oh, wait, What? Hold on. Something doesn’t sound right—seems out of order.

Have you ever wondered what made Jesus mad? 

Jesus questioned the effectiveness of their belief—the very religion the synagogue leaders professed and protected. Do you remember what Jesus did when he arrived in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday? (Mark 11) What was the purpose of the Temple, local synagogue or religion itself? Had the first-century religious leaders and people been confused or even deceived about the role of the Temple and synagogue? What was the role of religion? Did religion replace the relationship with God? By the time of Jesus, the whole system had become corrupted which is why the call of John the Baptist in the Wilderness had stirred up and challenged people to straighten out their lives and get their priorities straight. Jesus asked the question:”Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or kill? But they remained silent. He looked at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts…(Mark 3:4-5)

People are hurting, suffering and lost.

How stubborn have we become? I wonder if the twenty-first century church is struggling because something is 'out of order.’ Perhaps we can use Jesus’ own words from Isaiah 61 to begin and measure our effectiveness not only as a church—but as individuals: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19) Start there—share the gospel of Jesus Christ with one other person. Proclaim freedom to someone who’s living in a prison of abuse, addiction or an affair. Talk with someone about the limitation of perspectives and broaden your own in the process. Sin is a reality for each of us whether it is public or private—but Jesus sees sin as sin and separation from God. Has your relationship with Jesus Christ made an impact in you, your family, your church or community? If so, how?

We welcome a new friend to worship with us Sunday. There are many people hurting, suffering and lost. She may be able to help us answer the question Jesus asked and continues to ask of all of us. Is it possible there has been something ‘out of order’ for you? John Wesley once claimed that there was no holiness but social holiness—meaning Christians need to socialize and incentivize one another to do the works of Jesus Christ when ever and where ever we can…was JW onto something? Some people still think JW had things in proper order.

Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or kill? But they remained silent. He looked at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts…(Mark 3:4-5)

Pastor Jen

Sometimes it’s the people you least expect that become your best friend.

It’s a well-known bible story. Vacation Bible School leaders love to build a set, direct promising child actors and brilliantly tell the story of the Paralytic and His Friends. (Mark 2:1-12) I can still hear the friends break through the roof to get to Jesus and the audience gasp as the paralyzed man is healed right before our eyes. It’s a miracle! I never get tired of watching proud parents gather around Broadway bound thespians congratulating them on their performances.

Imagine yourself in this story—you are the players now. Which of them would you want to be: one of the crowd of people from Capernaum, a teacher of the law, one of the four friends, the paralyzed man, Jesus or the home owner? It may make a difference to you now as you consider the characters and their role in the story. The gospel always has a before and after effect on people. Which of the characters were influenced by the miracle? Was there a ‘before and after’ gospel story for one of the participants? Read closely and you may ask yourself what did the faith of the friends have to do with the sins of the paralyzed man? 

Obedience is an essential partner to our faith. Some may say that we cannot actually have faith unless we understand obedience and its role in our maturity. It’s not easy to accept that our disobedience created the worst type of failure and sin ensued. Legalities tried to train us. Judgments, rules and regulations developed as protective barriers against sin’s hard line reality. But, laws couldn’t do what a relationship of grace would do. So, God crashed in. No one ever talks about what it took for the four friends to get the paralyzed man to the house. What was the conversation like? Was it uncomfortable? I think it is tempting to imagine the paralyzed man was joyful and hopeful to get to Jesus and that he wasn’t embarrassed at all about what his ‘friends’ were doing. No one wants to admit what happened was actually quite a stunt. It ruined the homeowner’s roof! Imagine the talk of the town the next day! But the four men didn’t think about all that—they had a mission to achieve. You see, I believe we all need friends like these because we quit too soon. Someone else has to find another way to get us to Jesus!

The four men were on a mission—who or what inspired them to go to the lengths they went? They did what the paralyzed man couldn’t do because there was something the friends would do: bring him into the presence of God. Few could ever be in the presence of God before. Did the four friends bring the paralyzed man to Jesus against his will? Maybe. Did the friends mobilize their mission without thought to cost or consider the damage they might do? Most likely. What did other people…influential people…. religious people…. think about their stunt? Not only was the crowd from Capernaum amazed, the teachers of the law stunned, the man miraculously healed and the home owner blessed…but, faith in Jesus’ ability to forgive sins followed an overt act of courage and obedience. This time, it took a group of four to bring a soul to salvation. 

Faith follows obedience no matter what the cost. Sometimes it is the obedience of others that is the catalyst for salvation—not only for theirs but for our own. Imagine the talk around town…

“We have never seen anything like this!” (Mark 2:1-12 NIV)

Pastor Jen

It was the story that mattered.

I was thinking about how communication as changed during my lifetime. I grew up listening to the radio. The radio was our primary source for information, weather forecasts, community news, announcements and all kinds of advertisements. You might remember a radio jingle selling ‘Carters Liver Pills' or ‘Phillips Milk of Magnesia.’ I even remember thinking that buying a car with an FM radio was luxurious. The car even had electric windows, instead of the kind you roll down yourself. Radio programs were a specific type of communication. Radio programs often included vital information about the world and far away places. Radio shows broadcasted a story line that was often riveting and portrayed with such excellence and acuity that a listener couldn’t tune to another station or turn the radio off! The radio voice that we heard needed to be sound of someone trustworthy—yet calm in delivering the news. Maybe you know of someone who has a ‘radio voice.’ Jerry Springer is credited with saying, “Somebody once said that I had a face for radio.” You may also recall when video took over our purely audio world and a song that defined the loss for all of us. Video Killed the Radio Star. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8r-tXRLazs

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words but a story can change the world. As children, my dad drove my brother and I to Sunday School and dropped us off at the corner. He always had the radio on and we all listened to a radio program called Unshackled. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgFd08IQuKo Story is a powerful medium. Few of us ever consider stories being a communication device—but they are incredibly persuasive and have powerful effects on those who choose to listen. 

Gospel Stories

Our October sermon series will include stories of transformation taken from the Gospel of Mark. Sometimes they're are called ‘Before and After Stories.’ The first four chapters are so jam-packed with events that we will focus on the content included there. John Mark is credited with writing the gospel but it is widely accepted that it was Peter who recollected the content. You will be astonished at the amount of detail included in this fast moving literary documentary. Imagine Peter summoning from memory what it was like to be with Jesus—dancing like a teenager at some moments and weeping like a toddler at others. The voice Mark heard wasn’t limited to Peter—it was the voice of God. You and I have the honor of holding the Word in our hands and listening to the Word with our ears. But, does it have an impact?

Before and After

Scholars can tell us what themes are present and what they mean. I get tired of reading so many different interpretations and what fancy people think. Sometimes, I think God wants me to read the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to show me something. I’m not a scholar and I am not fancy. What I noticed about these chapters is the ‘before and after’ effect of obedience. Obedience isn’t a word we use today. “No one is going to tell ME what to do.” That’s what I hear most often when I talk about obedience. Rebellious hearts rarely understand the benefits of obedience—I know there were lessons I learned the hard way. Humble pie is best served hot. Shortly after I began ministry at Wheatland, a clergy brother asked me what it was like to be appointed to Wheatland Salem while I was at Annual Conference. “It’s an act of obedience,” I said. I don’t think he was expecting me to say obedience because we had a long conversation afterwards about what it meant to take on the burden of obedience.

Notice the preparation for the arrival of Jesus by John the Baptist. Johnny B was preparing the way publicly before…”After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.” (Mark 1:7) Consider who was part of the preparation process for you. Don’t limit yourself to family or church people. What experiences prepared you to receive the Savior? Was there a Messenger sent to you—what was the message? Remember that our message comes out of our mess. The highest form of proclamation of the gospel is demonstration—a life that is changed—we could even call it the 'after effect' of Jesus being revealed to us. Think about this again—the people and events of childhood, adolescence or young adulthood influence us and prepare us. Which of them would you choose to ignore or regret or wish never happened? Consider whether or not those very people and events prepared you to accept the Savior of the world as someone you could believe in and count on for your own personal life.

Peace comes after.

Jesus arrived on the scene. He is there to fulfill all righteousness and as an act of obedience. Look closely at the text. As Jesus was coming out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:10-11) Jesus came from Nazareth—a nowhere place. Can anything good come from Nazareth? You might even ask God—can anything good from my nowhere place—my place of beginnings? Maybe we have to wait and see because we are still working on being obedient. Maybe we are still resisting the very calling God is working in us. Maybe…your peace that you long for is just on the other side of your obedience. Notice when the Dove descended—Dove being the image of peace. Validation followed obedience. God loves us unconditionally and His love is not based on performance. But, you and I will struggle our entire existence with whom we allow to the the Lord of our life. Obedience is key. 

What has God called you to do—today? Simply follow through with what He asked. Don’t get tripped up on the Big Life Question. Focus on today. Fulfill what He places on your heart and see what happens. 

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 (Recall who influenced Mark to write the story. Peter may have some personal experience with what it meant to be obedient.)

The Buggles - Video Killed The Radio Star (Official Music Video)

Unshackled-Story of Michael Germi #3559

Pastor Jen

Why ask for a double portion?

Elisha was a miracle worker—no doubt about it. He was a man of God. His ministry set a precedent for us to recognize the miracle working ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. Scripture documents miraculous events with world class leaders and with widows who had nowhere else to turn. But, scripture doesn’t really give me any indication if Elisha struggled with his calling or if he was an emotional wreck before, during or after a miracle was successfully accomplished. I don’t get a sense of whether or not his life was an emotional rollercoaster or whether his spiritual life took a turn for the worse at all. I get the idea that Elisha was the kind of leader that all of us hope to be when the going gets tough. He’s the General Patton in the midst of the cataclysmic battle. I would spend some time with him—to learn and listen. So did a lot of other young leaders. Scripture doesn’t give us a job description for Elisha—all that we really know is that he asked Elijah for a double portion of his Spirit. Why ask for a double portion? Elisha’s heart was committed to the next generation. 

What am I doing to spiritually train the next generation?

It seems to me that Elisha devoted much of his time and attention to training of young prophets and preachers. Many of the next generation leaders were formed into schools and designated "the sons of the prophets," which in the Hebrew language would emphasize the nature of their calling which contained no reference to their ancestry. There was one group at Bethel and another at Jericho (2 Kings 2:3, 5) and yet another at Gilgal (2 Kings 4:38). It is from the last reference we learn that Elisha was accustomed to pitch his tent with them for a while and preach or teach them, as their "sitting before him” signifies. (Deuteronomy 33:3; Luke 2:46; 10:39) From the repeated mention of "the people" in this connection (2 Kings 4:41-42), we could gather that these seminaries also served as more general places of congregating where the committed in Israel gathered together for worship and to receive great teaching and encouragement through the servant Elisha. I imagine that Elisha was the beloved Dean of Students or the Superstar Superintendent of these schools. He was a major influencer of his time and it is evident from his students that they loved him. The next generation prophets rightly considered him as “the man of God" (2 Kings 4:40) and a “master." (2 Kings 6:5)

An Incident Takes Place at School

Before Elisha left the tranquil rolling hills and the comfort of his adoring fans, an incident took place. The company of prophets declared their meeting place was too small and they wanted to expand. They invited Elisha to accompany them and he obliged. So, Elisha and the company of prophets arrived at the Jordan. This river is deeply symbolic and holds tremendous power in the lives of the People of Israel. I have termed it as the ‘water of identity.’ (If you find anyone else who termed it first—give them credit.) But, going to the Jordan releases spiritual power that reveals God in miraculous and personal ways. Crossing the Jordan was a significant display of trust for the People as they inherited the Promised Land. Now, returning to the Jordan for building materials was significant. The company wanted to expand. They wanted to build something greater. What could the next generation do that would be greater? How would the next generation experience the presence of God? Would they one day remember Elisha with fondness as someone who helped them achieve all they needed to achieve for God….even more importantly, would the double portion last?

While hard at work, one of the prophets whacked at a tree and the next thing he heard was a heavy ‘Kursploosh’ into the water. The iron ax head fell into the water. (2 Kings 6:5)

It’s a strange set of circumstances. Weird. Prophetic. The ax head was sharp and made of iron. It sank into the waters of the Jordan. To make matters worse—it was borrowed.

Something borrowed.

Most of us don’t allow other people to borrow our stuff. Why? When we borrow something from someone—there is an expectation of returning the item to it’s owner exactly like we received it—or in better condition than we received it. Trust has been developed between two parties. Borrowing something reveals there is a level of relationship and reciprocation. Borrowing something expensive and significant implies you know the price and are willing to pay it if something were to go wrong. There is an expectation that you will care as deeply about what you borrowed as I do. But, if you lose something that was important to me—we are BOTH in a position of loss. You for losing it and me for giving it to you in the first place. How far are you willing to go to restore that which is lost? What if that which is lost belongs to someone else…would you help search? Do you help search? 

Restoration is key. 

Elisha did something miraculous in order to save that which was lost. Perhaps the moment with Elisha alongside the Jordan became a teaching moment between generations. It is certainly a significant transition between an anointed leader and a next generation member of the company of prophets. We might recognize this incident as a transitional moment much like when John the Baptist acquiesced his role in order for the Messiah to be recognized. Elisha’s behavior is a lot like Jesus. Both were willing to search for what was lost. We discover something impactful and profound--Jesus saves people that were lost. Jesus goes to greater lengths than anyone would imagine to find lost people. Miracles help us remember who actually does the saving. We get a sense of the baptism covenant from this passage as Elisha retrieved the ax head from the waters of the Jordan. I am eternally grateful that Jesus, our Savior and Messiah, reached in and lifted me up. (2 Kings 6:7) He expects me to do the same for others.

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10 NIV

Pastor Jen

God’s creation is miraculous!

IN CREATION we are surrounded with both that which is useful and that which is ornamental. The earth produces a pantheon of beauty and a display of God’s majesty. Consider spectacular Redwoods and the tiniest flowers along the roadside. Take in the endless rolling hills of grain and water-soaked vegetables for our human enjoyment and diet. The Creator has graciously provided things which charm our eyes and ears as well as supply our bodies with food and clothing. The same feature marks God's Word. 

IN SCRIPTURE we discover the miraculous even more fully. The Scriptures contain something more than dos and don’ts, doctrine and precept, the war between good and evil. Within God’s captured Word there are wonderful types of literature which display the wisdom of their Author and delight those who are able to trace the merging of the shadow into the substance and the mysteries of prophecies. The Word demonstrates the foreknowledge of the giver and administers confidence to those granted the privilege of sharing in the preparation for and pre-knowledge of their fulfillment.

THE WORD and prophecies form part of the internal evidence for the believer which the Bible furnishes as its divine inspiration. Prophecy reveals proof of a wisdom which immeasurably transcends that of the wisest of men and women. Nevertheless, we might be tempted to limit ourselves to turn to the doctrinal and preceptive portions of THE WORD in order to learn the way of salvation and the nature of that walk which is pleasing to God. We miss the beauty and the majesty—we miss the fun, the joy, the creativity and the spectacular amazement of what it feels like to be in the presence of the holy and magnificent, ultimate God Almighty.

Consider what a glorious sunset reveals about God.

A SUNSET is an exquisite sight, but it supplies no nourishment to someone who is starving. The perfumes experienced from an early morning garden walk among the roses may delight the senses, but they are a poor substitute for a good breakfast for a child in poverty. Only after the soul has fed upon the doctrine of Scripture can we put into practice its powerful precepts and truly be ready to enjoy the beauties of the types and explanations of the mysteries of God’s miraculous WORD and it’s power of prophecy among us as His people and for the lost and broken world. There is food and it is up to the LORD to supply. We are workers both in the vineyard and in the harvest. (Matthew 20 and Luke 10)

Elisha has done us a great service.

MIRACLES happened through a man who requested a double portion of what Elijah had received from God: a portion for himself and a potion for others. The great service Elisha delivered in the previous chapter of 2 Kings 3 for the three kings was due to Elisha’s commitment to God first and foremost. The three kings owed their lives and triumphs to Elisha’s directives. One would have expected that the next chapter should reveal what honors and what dignities were poured out on Elisha for his services to the three kings!

IMAGINE for a moment that Elisha should have been immediately been the Man of the Hour! Elisha would’ve gained a preferred position at court in three kingdoms or made prime-minister of at least one of the kingdoms. King Jehoshaphat of Judah should have taken him home with him and given Elisha a fantastic position with the corner office and placed him among the elite of Jerusalem. No, not for Elisha. He gave the three kings a victory, but no one remembered it. Even if he had preferred preferential treatment offered him, Elisha would have declined it. Elisha preferred the honor of being obedient and doing good in the sight of the LORD. Elisha’s role was the training of other prophets in the school of the prophets. Elisha remained great in the sight of the LORD. Meanwhile, his name was forgotten among the elites in the courts of kings. TODAY we still read about Elisha and the names of those kings was forgotten long ago.

Sometimes it’s the little things that have the greatest impact in our spiritual life.

A WIDOW of one of the prophets who was a disciple of Elisha approached him full of desolation. This event reveals much about Elisha’s disposition. Had Elisha been full of himself, Elisha would miss the miracle and the greater revelation of who God is—even to the lowest. We witness God’s greatness as we travel right along with Elisha from the pinnacle of power into the depth of despair.

SHE had been impoverished of her husband, left destitute, in debt and without the means of paying it. She was also faced with losing her sons to a life of slavery. Terrified and miserable, she approached Elisha and told him of her dire situation. Her husband may have died while Elisha was absent with the kings in their expedition against the Moabites. Elisha was most likely unacquainted with her troubles.

THE SITUATION confronting this poor widow was indeed a drastic one. Her husband as her human provider and protector was dead. She was in a vulnerable position. The widow had been left with a debt she could never repay. Imagine the heaviness of heart and the burden of guilt. Not only was she in immediate danger but both of her two sons faced being sold into slavery. Consider this—her future was stolen from her as her sons were seized and taken from her by the creditor who captured them to serve as slaves. 

Consider this: what if it is the Lord who brings us to the end of our own resources so that we might witness his majesty and glory?

Elisha asker her, "what can I do for you?" The same question Elijah asked Elisha before being taken to heaven. "What do you have?” asked Elisha. "I’ve got nothing.” the widow responded.

THIS MIRACLE has a remarkable revelation to all of us who identify as Christians. Aren’t we too like the poor widow? Have we been convinced lately just how destitute we truly are—we owe a debt we can never repay and our children are in danger of being sold into slavery if we don’t make decisions that correct our trajectory. This miracle in 2 Kings 4 is the outpouring of God’s immeasurable grace and glory. It is a manifestation of his provision and sustenance. The wealth of our Father is poured out with compassion, power and significance. Eternity, destiny, redemption, salvation, atonement and grace with immeasurable glory come pouring out not to be contained in jars but poured out over all creation.

We might errantly think of items that would elevate or improve our position in this life if we consider how we might answer the question: what can I do for you? This is cause to pause and consider our answer and pray: O, LORD, do not give us something selfish—a power, a healing, a special place in the Kingdom or a Kingdom luxury! Because we would never think to ask Him to give up His life for us and pay the debt we could never repay. We would forget to thank Him for setting us free from a life of slavery and saving our children and future generations from a slavery worse than death. Maybe today, we are grateful for Elisha and pray that we become an outpouring for this generation as we seek Him more fully and become like Him more ardently.

And he said to her, “There is not another vessel.” So the oil ceased. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.” 2 Kings 4:6-7 NKJV

Pastor Jen

It’s complicated

We arrive at a somewhat lengthy and complicated miracle. So it will be wise for us to patiently consider what led up to and what was the occasion for this miracle. Sometimes we become so enamored with the miracle—we forget what it took for us to get there. Just as a diamond appears to reveal its true worth when placed in a suitable setting, we can appreciate the works of God when we take the time to consider the framework. 

Joram son of Ahab became king of Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned twelve years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, but not as his father and mother had done. He got rid of the sacred stone of Baal that his father had made. Nevertheless he clung to the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them.        2 Kings 3:1-3

Four things we can learn from this scripture as a leadership lesson. 

1. God Himself personally observes our wrongdoing. This phrase appears a lot in the bible: “doing evil in the sight of the LORD.” Consider for a moment how much evil is perpetuated secretly and under cover of darkness, supposing no one is watching. Consider what activity we describe as ‘brash or bold’—doing evil in broad daylight! The truth is that God sees both—so what does it matter? "The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3) That ought to curb our appetite for a while.

2. God documents our evil deeds. The evil which Jehoram did in the sight of the Lord was that of his parents before him and further back still to "the sin of Jeroboam." God not only observes but records every infraction of His Law. We have a record! We break His law and think little or nothing of it.  But the very One who will judge us all has noted every infraction. We can all think our sins may all be forgotten but no one gets away with anything. “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” (Revelation 20:12) Tell me again about Jesus—I’ve read my book!

3. God observes whether our reformation is partial or complete. This comes out in the fact that we are told Jehoram "put away the image or ‘statue’ that his father had made," but he did not destroy it. Putting something in the basement or the attic is the perfect place to put something for the next generation to discover. God's Word is plain and simple. God means business. "Do not bow down before their gods or worship them or follow their practices. You must demolish them and break their sacred stones to pieces.” (Exodus 23:24)Don't put that junk in the basement or in the attic.  Sin isn’t limited or personal. Contrary to modern belief—sin effects everyone and every thing. It is perpetuated in generations—and sometimes—more severely than in the previous generations. Clean out the basement and the attic—get rid of it and don’t bring it up again.

4. God duly notes our continuance in sin. Here it is recorded that Jehoram not only “clung to the sins of Jeroboam" but also that "he did not turn away from them” either!! His actions greatly aggravated his guilt. Consider criminal law—to purposely participate in wrongdoing indicates one state of mind. It is breaking the law and will put you behind bars for a while. But to deliberately continue to persevere takes a different state of mind—one of premeditation and process of thought which is much worse. “For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” (Proverbs 23:7) Be careful what you think about.

You’re in trouble…so NOW you come to Me?

As we ponder this episode in 2 Kings 3, we discover the ups and downs in Israel’s development. We begrudgingly admit or realize that there really is no new thing under the sun. Discontentment, strife, jealousies and blood-shedding have characterized the relations of one nation to another all throughout history. Instead of working together, sharing resources, mutually respecting and being at peace with one another, (Romans 12:18) people and whole nations alike make choices that cause more damage than wars. They enslave whole people groups into mental prisons of bitter enmity toward one another. Remember this and where we came from: “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.” (Titus 3:3)

Back to our story: a complicated situation arose between the neighboring nations of Israel, Judah and Moab. The powerful neighbors to the South, the Moabites, rebelled against and threatened their Judean neighbor. Where do we run to when we need help? Someone we trust and someone who is there for us! But, what happens when we DON’T know anyone and DON’T have a relationship with someone who is stronger than our enemy? Isolated, scared and without hope, people will practice self-defeating behaviors and do what is right in their own eyes—God’s chosen people had no one to turn to and there was no turning to the LORD for counsel and help. The LORD was the One who had previously given David success and previously brought the powerful Moabites into subjection and Jehoram should have turned to the LORD as Moab became a problem and they rebelled. 

…But Jehoram was a stranger to the LORD.

Note that Jehoram was quite willing for someone else to take the lead and that he made his plans without seeking counsel of God. Jehoram’s plan was to make friends with another ally to the East, the Edomites. Jehoram’s plan was obviously meant to secure the help, support and aid of the Edomites against the powerful Moabites. BUT, by going so far into the wilderness they met with a desert where there was no water. The three kings and their forces were in imminent danger of perishing. This struck terror into the heart of Jehoram and at once his guilty conscience took hold of him—we all know when the gig is up. Have you ever gone so far into the desert wilderness—you didn’t know if you could survive?

Our greatest need becomes a blessing when it drives us to depend on the LORD.

Here we see the difference between the faithless and the faithful in a time of dire calamity. One is tormented by a guilty conscience and thinks only of the LORD's wrath. The other remembers the LORD and has hope in the LORD’s mercy. In the days of Elisha the prophet, Elisha was the divine mouthpiece. In a moment of leadership humility, the king of Judah made inquiry for help from a prophet and not in vain. It is blessed assurance to observe that as the Lord takes note of the faithless and registers our sins. But, it is also blessed assurance that He also observes the actions of the faithful, placing on record the actions where the humble surrender to the LORD which is the very power of transformation, as well as, conviction. The LORD was their true defense in the hour of need and to the LORD the three kings turned for assistance. 

The unconventional character of the LORD’S help.

"And he said, This is what the LORD says, ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’ For thus says the LORD, ‘You shall not see wind, neither shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that you may drink, both you, and your cattle, and your beasts.’ This is an easy thing in the eyes of the LORD.” (2 Kings 3:16-18)

As severe as this test was—when everything looked as dismal as dismal could be and all the outward signs of fulfillment were withheld, it was a trial of their faith and a test of their obedience which entailed a considerable amount of hard work. They needed to prepare for the blessing by doing the hard work—digging ditches. Had they continued to mistreat the LORD and ignore the prophet’s prediction, they would have been destroyed. But, they humbled themselves and listened to Elisha. As unconventional as it may have sounded, (as it still sounds) they made due preparation for the promised supply of water. They dug their ditches. They expected the LORD's blessings and prepared for them. 

Sometimes the miracle isn’t for us…it is for the Edomites.

Strikingly—this is revealed here. Sometimes it only takes ONE person to make a huge impact! It was solely for the sake of Judah’s king Jehoshaphat this miracle was performed and that the water of life was made available for the Israelites, as well as, the Edomites! God is not limited to blessing only those who believe in Him—all  of the sudden we are engaged with the gospel! The good news is that God loves everybody—every people group Jew and Gentile. God longs for everyone to discover that He is a good and loving God that will provide for His people. We consider this as a predilection of the good news for all people—it is the very gospel engaged in missionary activities that continues to live into the power of Word of the LORD who is Jesus himself. Consider His calling as your own:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me  to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Pastor Jen

Elisha: A Double Portion

The central and dominant theme in this series is what the Holy Spirit revealed of the life of Elisha and the miracles performed by and connected with him. Far more miracles were performed by him or were granted in answer to his prayers than any other of the Old Testament prophets. In fact the narrative of his history consists of little else than a record of supernatural acts and events.  The facts of Elisha’s life do not have to surprise us, though it is strange that so few Christians seem to grasp their implication and significance. 

How far have we fallen?

The character of Elisha's mission and ministry was in response to Israel's condition at that time. The very fact that these miracles were needed indicates the state into which Israel had fallen. Idolatry had controlled the Israelites for so long that the true and living God was no longer known by the nation. Certainly, there were individuals who believed in the Lord, but the people were worshipers of idols. Therefore by means of drastic interpositions, by awe-inspiring displays of His power, by supernatural manifestations of His justice and mercy alike, God pushed even the most skeptical to recognize His existence and subscribe to His supremacy. 

Prophecy and Miracles 

Consider the reason for and meaning of miracles. Prophecy and miracles share much of the same nature. Prophecy is really an oral miracle and miracles are virtually prophecies (forth-telling of God) in action. God sends His prophets only in a time of marked wanderings—a declension and departure of His people from Himself. Think about it this way, miracles were quite unnecessary while the sufficiency of His Word was practically recognized. Prophecy as much as miracles exist entirely outside the ordinary occurrences or course of things. Neither prophecy nor miracles occur during what we may term normal times. 

    1. Which of the patriarchs, the priests, or the kings performed any miracles? 

    2. How many miracles occurred during the lengthy reign of Saul, David, or Solomon? 

    3. Why, then, were so many wonders done during the ministry of Elijah and still more so during that of Elisha? 

The mission and ministry of Elisha was the same in character as that which God did in Egypt by the hand of Moses. In Egypt, Yahweh was unknown: entirely so by the Egyptians, largely so by the Israelites. Even though the Israelites called out for help—they did not know from where their help would come. The favored descendants of Abraham had sunk as low as they could go and had no idea who God was. Yahweh revealed Himself by miracles—so many remarkable signs and unmistakable interventions and wonders, Yahweh brought them back to that knowledge of Himself which they had lost. Consider this: unless the Hebrews in Egypt had been thoroughly convinced by these displays of divine power that Moses was a prophet sent from God, they never would have submitted to him as their leader. Do you recall how reluctantly they followed his authority? 

More miracles!

So also in the conquest of the Promised Land of Canaan, God continued to miraculously reveal Himself as He released four miracles in favor of His people: one in the water, in the crossing of Jordan; one in the earth, as the walls of Jericho came tumbling down; one in the air, in destroying their enemies by hail and one in the heavens, by slowing the course of the sun and the moon. The nations that had previously inhabited Canaan were furnished with clear proof of Yahweh's supremacy, that the God of Israel possessed universal dominion and that He was no local pagan deity but the Most High God reigning over all nature. 

Do these Old Testament miracles have anything to do with Jesus?

Old Testament miracles should present no difficulty only confirmation for us as Christians. As a matter of fact, the miracles reveal the constant revitalizing Holy Spirit that is and was and remains present from the beginning. Why did Jesus work miracles and didn't His teaching make clearly evident His divine mission? Wasn’t His holy presence enough to reveal His heavenly disposition? Was Jesus' conduct on the cross enough to demonstrate that He was no imposter? 

What is it going to take in order for us to believe?

So many of us require so much more than evidence or proof. We want no shadow of a doubt—no place of confusion. We put Jesus through a gauntlet of tests in order to believe. There is always a long list of reasons for unbelief. The whole world shall have it unmistakably shown before their eyes that Jesus of Nazareth was none other than "God manifest in flesh.” The first century Gentiles were lost in idolatry. Second Temple Judaism was reduced to a lifeless formality and had made void the Word of God by traditions, rules and regulations. When Jesus came onto the world stage, He came to reveal the divine love, heavenly wisdom and awesome power of God as none other had done before or since by a series of miracles which warranted Him saying, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9) His miracles should not surprise or merely entertain us. These actions were part of God’s revelation from the beginning. If it takes a miracle—we know times are desperate.

Desperate times require desperate measures.

Desperate times are another characteristic which links prophecy and miracles. A contemporary prophet named Bob Dylan wrote a song: The Times They are a Changing.* It is the character of the times in which miracles occur that signal their implication and their significance. Both prophecy and miracles are generally termed abnormalities, for neither of them are given in ordinary circumstances. While conditions are relatively decent, God acts according to the ordinary working of the laws of creation and operations of His providence. But when the Enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord lifts up a more apparent and noticeable standard against him, coming out more into the open and obliging men and women to take notice of Him and believe. Lord, help our unbelief!

Note there is this difference between the prophet and the miracle worker. The prophet is the one who declares there is a state of grievous departure from God. The prophet indicates that the knowledge of the true and living God has publicly disappeared and that He is no longer believed in by the masses. The miracle worker reveals sin and departure as drastic diseases and calls for drastic remedies. Miracles are God’s way of re-establishing His authority and His love for all creation. Let the miracles begin!

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said. 2 Kings 2:9-10 NIV

Times They Are A Changing: Bob Dylan * https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=nCRrkYGXD8E&list=RDAMVMnCRrkYGXD8E

Attachments area

Preview YouTube video The Times They Are A-Changin'

Pastor Jen

Is it really a problem?

Nostalgia. It’s the sentimental longing for happier times after experiencing a devastating event. But, have you noticed how nostalgia can emotionally press against the painful circumstances of reality? Nothing is the same following a calamitous event. Depending on the level of devastation, the life we live moving forward can feel disconcerting at minimum and totally disruptive at maximum. All of the sudden, a truckload of emotions slams onto the pavement in front of us and we just don’t know what to do. Meltdown. Reset. Reconsider. 

This is the story and I am sticking to it!

Consider how the returnees might have felt when they arrived in Jerusalem. Most of the returnees were born during captivity in Babylon. It had been 70 years since the devastation. There were definitely some of the original Exiled Jews still living among those born into captivity. But, can you imagine the stories the ‘old timers’ told and how the stories were embellished over time? 

Imagine this story brewing for seventy years: “Golden lampstands glowed in the Temple courts that held the fire of God. Tens of thousands of Jews gathered for worship as the High Priest for that year brought out the final sacrificial lamb and pronounced, “It is finished,” as the sun set on Passover. The silver sacred elements of the Temple shined like the sun. The holy food and the sacred wine was blessed and plentiful! Pilgrims that journeyed to Jerusalem brought their families for the feasts and they brought offerings to the Temple as the money flowed as the faithful worshipped. Sure, life may have been hard back then but we came together and worked as a community. We understood our place in the world as God’s chosen people. We knew who we were.”

Cold hard facts of reality.

Upon arrival, the mess must have been overwhelming--spiritually, psychologically and emotionally. A classical capital city of antiquity reduced to rubble, dirt and sand. No one inhabited there for all those years--present day archeology confirms it. The rehab work was probably grueling. Long days turned into months and then years--eighteen to be exact. Jewish identity went through a total overhaul. Haggai pronounced the Word of the Lord for the People of God to build the House of the Lord and they responded. But they needed something more to carry them through the emotional rollercoaster of the season of rebuilding.

“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.  I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty.  ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty.  ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” Haggai 2:6-9 NIV

A whole lot of shaking going on!

As we dive deeper into the prophecy of Haggai, we come into contact with the Messianic promise. So much had been lost during the Exile. Perhaps for the first time in a very long time, the People of God listened with new ears to the promise made so long ago to Abram--

“I will make you into a great nation,

    and I will bless you;

I will make your name great,

    and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you,

    and whoever curses you I will curse;

and all peoples on earth

    will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:2-3 NIV

What if the house that Haggai mentioned wasn’t made of stone? No one would’ve even thought about anything differently. The People were to build something that would pale in comparison to the former magnificent Temple and that generation would have to live with that fact. A second attempt at building something that would last forever as a testament to the People of God was their vision. But, nothing lasts forever...everything is temporary, except the Kingdom of God. What kind of house lasts forever?

Consider what you are building in light of eternity. Has trying to build something that would ‘last forever’ taken up a lot of your time lately? Let’s learn more about the Messianic Promise together. I look forward to being with you in worship Sunday at 9AM in our sanctuary in Naperville or online at Wheatlandsalem.org. 

Pastor Jen

“I didn’t think it would be this hard.”

Rebuilding after a devastating experience is always more demanding than we expect. There may be plenty of excitement initially. But, when we get down to the nitty-gritty, restoration is hard work.

Context: 

The People had lost their way—quite literally. The kings were sinful and led the People away from their identity which was married to worship of God in the glorious Temple in Jerusalem. The kings didn’t lead their people astray once or twice. The kings were sinful for 400 years from Solomon (970 BC-931 BC) to Zedekiah (618 BC-561 BC). Sure, there were good kings within the mix and the good kings did focus on God which restored the relationship for a while. But, the People had reached a point of no return. The relationship had gone beyond repair. God’s heart was broken and the People didn’t care.

Deportation. Exile. Diaspora. These words have deep meaning for the People. Separation is sometimes the only response that makes an impact. God had warned, pleaded, gotten angry and even sent messages to the People through prophets to turn around from the direction they were headed. The People kept going their own way—they were filled with contempt, criticism, defensiveness and ultimately stonewalled their way out of their relationship with God. Ironically, these behaviors are also identified as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse of Divorce.*

The Babylonian destruction was God’s way of allowing the People to live out of the consequences of their own choices. Ironically, a foreign king, King Nebuchadnezzar was the catalyst for God to remove the People from their high mountain and take them into captivity in a foreign land. Babylon was a completely different world for the People. The separation would be a trial period—a time to think things through before moving to the dissolution of the relationship. Time apart from Jerusalem and the Holy Land proved to be more difficult than anyone ever imagined. I think it was hard on God, too.

It wasn’t just the Temple that was destroyed. Jerusalem, Judea and the Holy Land were devastated. The society of the People was in shambles. (read 2 Kings 25). Later, power struggles were created in the vacuum of destruction. Necessary leadership and the institutions once part of their economy were ruined. Archaeological surveys help us discover that 90% of the population was deported to Babylon. The entire Judean society collapsed and remained so for 50 years until another foreign Persian king, Cyrus, allowed the People to return. You may have noticed that kings play a crucial role in the lives of the People.

Depopulation of the Holy Land proved difficult and separation took its toll on the environment. Jerusalem was a mess—a foreign army destroyed and ransacked the Holy City and Holy Temple. God’s presence left it long before the total destruction. Imagine the high walls that once protected the city reduced to rubble. City gates that were once a stronghold against violent attackers were gone. The land laid waste for as far as the eye could see. Vineyards, farms and ancestral homes were ruined by neglect and the sands of time. Wild animals moved into homesteads that once housed cooing babies, playing children, wide-eyed youth and intergenerational families. The elderly were forgotten, weddings no longer took place and the celebrations or festivals were no more. Desolation.

Time doesn’t erase memory. 

We might think that return was a welcomed sign. Cyrus the Great would give the People permission to return to their Holy Land. 50,000 people did return. Nehemiah helped lead the rebuilding efforts and Ezra blessed the foundation of the Temple. But, that is as far as they would get. The People focused on rebuilding their own lives and the hard labor of restoration encompassed their entire existence. No one noticed the foundation was laid. A foundation isn’t enough—not even a blessed foundation. Restoration would require focus, attention to detail and hearts that were in the right place.

Haggai steps onto the scene. The People were frustrated. Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” (Haggai 1:5-6) Restoration proved to be more than hard labor. The People worked eighteen years with little results. The one thing that would ignite the People and re-establish their blessing would be a restored relationship with God. But, the People were preoccupied with themselves. So, God spoke as the hard work of restoration and redemption began.

What can we learn?

I believe we can learn a great deal from our Jewish brothers and sisters as we rebuild our own world after the devastation of the Coronavirus. God needs to be the priority. If He isn’t, then we will go right back into the frustrated world we’ve been separated from for all these months. RESET. Listen to the words of the LORD ALMIGHTY: "give careful thought…” Don’t just rush into the new routines without re-establishing GOD as your cornerstone. Do not allow the world to run over you again. You will live out the rest of your days like those who became so self-preoccupied they didn’t learn or grow. Learn with me as we experience Haggai: Uncommon Courage.

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. Haggai 1:7 NIV

Pastor Jen

*https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-recognizing-criticism-contempt-defensiveness-and-stonewalling/

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Every year we celebrate our national independence on July 4th as citizens of the United States of America. We attend outdoor concerts, family get togethers and a myriad of friendship celebrations. Fireworks displays have been part of the 4th of July festivities for as long as I can remember. Church services have always played an important role as I affirm my faith and trust in Jesus Christ and commemorate our country's heritage. But this year is different. We are living within the parameters of the Coronavirus. There are many who feel trapped or burdened. Some feel trapped within their own homes or limited in the way they can express their freedom. Others feel deeply burdened by social structures that have been in place for centuries that are now being reexamined. There is real pain. There is real discomfort. There is real separation of family and friends. This year we might be feeling anything but freedom.

God is active—there is a reason to have faith!

Consider this--God is at work—even during this time of economic hardship, Coronavirus pandemic and social discontent. We might discover that it is during these times of intense struggle that our Christian freedom is the very thing that sets us apart and puts us into a position of leadership. Remember that we are also citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. (Philippians 3:20) Paul reminded the church in Philippi to wait eagerly for the return of our Savior placing our faith and trust in His authority and leadership. It’s a firm reminder that we temporarily live within the constraints of this world but we have an eternal destination—an eternal home-- that is secured for us by Christ Jesus himself. Heaven is where we truly belong. We are exiles, strangers and aliens living in a foreign land while we live here on planet Earth. (1 Peter 2:11 and Hebrews 8:11-18) Our work here is to bring the good news —that the battle has been won! But, isn’t interesting that the temptation is so real to get caught up in the things of this world?

Who are we?

Think for a moment how the Galatian church struggled with their Christian identity. Strong opposing forces were at work within and outside the church. Imagine being in a leadership position in your church where there are major opposing view points. I think it would be easy to get sucked into the vacuum of turmoil and confusion. One side says this and the other side says that—which side do we select? The Apostle Paul opposed getting wrapped up in the rigorous social or religious arguments too intensely by classifying that very behavior slavery. Slavery was a volatile word then—and it is a volatile word now. I believe that’s why Paul used the intense comparison. When we become captivated by the beliefs, behaviors and expectations of this world—we can be in danger of selling our soul for a temporary vision that leads to meaningless. Paul would be quick to remind us that we are held accountable for sharing the gospel message and to avoid anything that gets in the way or endangers our efforts toward inviting others to become part of the eternal Kingdom of God.

Who’s kingdom are we building?

Christians are here to invite others to know Christ and him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2) Christian freedom is the outcome of the gospel and for all to believe Jesus is the Christ—the Messiah—the Anointed of God who is the King of Kings. Jesus is the ruler and commander. Paul states this succinctly: do not let yourself be burdened by a yoke of slavery. Don’t settle for a vision of this world which diminishes Christ’s eternal influence. There is more to life! The gospel is good news to everyone who is a captive. Who is a captive? The answer is not as obvious as you may think. Captives are held to something against their will, imprisoned, enslaved or confined. Bottom line—humans are captives of sin. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Jesus has overcome sin and Jesus is the authority over sin. Freedom from sin is only found in Jesus. Jesus has the plan, He paid the price, He set salvation into motion long before we knew him and He did it all before we would ever love him or claim him as our Lord. Our mission…should we choose to accept it is simple. Don’t let anyone confuse you.

Raise a Hallelujah!...what counts is the new creation. Galatians 6:15 NIV

Pastor Jen

"I don’t think anything has changed. I feel like a total failure. I must not be a good Christian.”

There are many people who feel a disconnect with the so-called spiritual life. I’ve known and loved people for most of my life who don’t understand the ‘insider language’ of the Church or Christianity. My own friends and family have been skeptical of my commitment to Christ and have shared they don’t understand what I do. I remember my dad telling me that I needed to get a real job. Over the years, I think my dad finally accepted that I did have a real job. I honestly look for opportunities to have conversations with people who don’t ‘get it.’ I find it refreshing when someone can be vulnerable enough to be honest and say they don’t feel connected to Christ. Often, people believe there is something wrong with them or they’re not worthy in some way. The spiritual life can be exhilarating and exciting but it can also be frustrating and disappointing.

What was so attractive about Jesus? 

The answer to this question can sometimes reveal what we really think and what we desire from our relationship with Jesus Christ. What do you immediately think of when you think of Jesus—was it his power, compassion, teaching, leadership, healing, miracles or resurrection? That initial attraction can reveal the point where you enter into the reality of Jesus in your own life. But, that initial invitation is the beginning of understanding who Jesus is and it won’t satisfy you for long. There are other ways to explore and learn about Jesus. Once you become aware that your desire for more can help you discover new insights about Jesus, I think you’ll also learn something new about yourself. Don’t be fooled…many people are challenged with what it means to have a ‘relationship with Christ.’ There can be a very wide gap between knowing Jesus as a historical character and knowing Jesus personally enough to have a relevant relationship with him. 

So, what are some ways that can help explore and evaluate the broader questions about the spiritual life? 

There are activities that you can do to cultivate a vital, effective and mature faith in Christ. These activities can help develop your own spiritual depth and growth. Remember this important fact—like the other relationships of value in your life-- we’re not looking for quick fixes or easy steps to becoming mature. The relationship with Jesus will be continually transforming until the day we see Jesus in the face. I’ll offer some tools here that can guide you and that can bring about the blessing of God in our lives.

1. Evaluate Your Season Of Life:  Evaluating or knowing your season of life can lead to particular practices that help to listen, ask and receive from God. What do you need in this season of life? It’s often the seeking, asking and longing, that can draw and pull us into a deeper spiritual life and experience Christ’s presence.

2. Be Self Aware: Be honest with yourself. What daily patterns do you see in your life? Are you a morning person or a night owl? Making space for focused time with God may work better in the early hours or in the quiet of midnight. Don’t try to develop spiritual patterns when you’re tired or just not into it. There is nothing worse than ‘going through the motions’ in any relationship. Work with the natural rhythms of your life and personality to find what works for you and be honest about your weaknesses and areas in need of change.

3. Notice Which Environments Lead You To A Deeper Awareness of God’s Presence: What are the environments that help you feel close to God? Examples could be the city, nature, solitude, art, cooking, work (the ordinary life), sacred spaces like personal retreats, worship, studying the word, small group, community action, sunsets, etc. Pay attention and visit those places as often as you can.

4. Show Up to Community: Who are the people who support, challenge and encourage you in your spiritual life? Who do you pray and meet with on a regular basis that you can be transparent with? Who do you support, challenge and encourage? Who do you learn from? Immerse yourself in the exchange—the giving and receiving-- of ministry with other people. Challenge yourself to make commitments to be in relationships with people in your community and show up. Showing up is half the battle! Don’t be that person who makes promises and never follows through. 

5. Make Time For Reflection: Reflection continually connects our hearts and minds to Jesus. It’s a natural way we can engage with him by reflecting on our day or season. It is tempting to skip through our lives like a stone skipping across a pond and never truly getting any deeper. Are you living inattentively to the things that Jesus is doing in our daily life? Where in your life have you noticed a closeness to Jesus or a distance from Him? Let Him speak to you about those places, situations or circumstances. Reflection helps us see patterns or rhythms. Some people make it a daily, weekly or monthly practice of reflection in their life. Even 10 minutes of reflection can help set a habit of focusing your heart and mind on God.

6. Write It Down and work it out: Jot it down. Draw it out. Paint it. Say it out loud. Work it out in something tangible like wood, a garden or metal. Make it a habit to document the ways Jesus is present in your life. Write it down so that when you are in a dark time or experiencing pain or hopelessness, you can go back and see God’s faithfulness in our life. Notice what you created with your own hands as you worked out your salvation or created something as you developed your relationship with Him. It’s a rhythm of hope that keeps on giving!

Here’s another thing to be aware of—Jesus may be leading you toward a more faithful relationship. He may be the one who wants more from you and won’t settle for less. You may have disconnected with Him because He challenged you or you were challenged or shamed into thinking your relationship with Him wasn’t real or important. I assure you, Jesus is real. He’s more real than the present life we lead here. Jesus Christ is the gateway into the robust spiritual life and awareness that eternity is no joke. There is so much more for us to do and to explore. Don’t be fooled or confused about the spiritual life. It’s not only your soul that is on the line….consider all the people who you know that do not know Jesus. 

Eternity is a long time to consider why someone you knew or even loved didn’t share the salvation story with you and invite you into the glorious revelation of Jesus Christ and his eternal kingdom.

Pastor Jen

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24 ESV

It feels like I’m in the middle of a recurring dream—and I don’t think it will be over anytime soon. 

My dream begins the same way every time. I’m standing in line at an amusement park waiting patiently to get into the car of a rollercoaster. There’s a well-dressed usher standing at the front of the line. Coaster cars arrive with a whirl-wind whoosh and the animated riders disembark to the left. The usher unhooks the red velvet rope from the clasp, looks at me as he tips his hat and smiles as he says, “Please step forward.” I walk over, step into the coaster car and pull the seatbelt tightly across me as I wait to hear the familiar ’click.’ I am aware there are so many others along for the ride.

It’s been a rollercoaster ride since early March. 

On March 13, I sat with great leaders who made the decision to suspend in-person worship because of a new lethal illness called the Coronavirus and on June 2, I listened as an anguished friend--someone dear to me--share their deep distress about talking to their elementary-aged children about racism. There were many twists and turns that jostled me in-between March 13 and June 2. I’ve been through the corkscrew turns so many times, you might think I would know by now how to plan and prepare for the repetitive upside down and right side up movement. But, the recovery time from consecutive corkscrew turns is often too short before I discover that I’m about to enter a 180 degree hair-pin turn or a 150 foot drop-off.

Is there a way to prepare for the next ride?

The short answer is yes. Here are some helpful ideas that have helped me embrace the facts. It starts with simplicity.

1. Shut off the screen—whether it is a computer screen or television screen, simplify and give yourself a break. The magnetic blue light of the screen can damage your eyes. It can also trick your body into thinking it’s constantly in daylight making your body crave foods that would normally be used as energy storage. You may notice you’ve got a lot of ‘storage’ around the middle. Shut off the screens. It can be empowering to take control of something in our rollercoaster world. Simply, discover the 'off button' and use it. 

2. Know there is no ‘ahead.’ Buy a computer or new phone and it’s outdated. Miss a day of CNN, Fox or network news and you missed the great story. Take a break for an hour from social media and your stream is racing with updates. Oh, and by the way, you missed someone’s birthday. There really is no getting ahead. Recognize it. Know there really is no behind or no ahead – it is all just a constant chatter of information. So, instead, simplify the stream as you select when to enter and when to exit and know that you set your own rules with regards to digital information. But remember there can be ahead with regards to family and relationships. Choose them first. 

3. Embrace Conversation. Make it a point to simply talk. Discover new people who can become friends. They may even be neighbors you’ve lived near for years and never actually talked with them. Talk in real life. Establish family dinner routines and keep them. These complex times tend to propel us into moving faster and having clipped conversations with those we love. We can be distracted and lose the intentional one on one simple conversation. Master the art of conversation. We have so few days when we truly think about it. Don’t allow time to be wasted. Instead have a good conversation. It may change a life for eternity. Simply make conversation a priority.

4. Say ‘no' to something, so you can say ‘yes.’ This is easier said than done. But, our selection process comes down to our values. What we value, we live. It’s like the seed and the tree. All we need to do is look at the fruit to know what type of tree is planted. If I have a forest of things I don’t like, want or need. I can change it. Some of us will want to clear-cut the whole forrest. But, keep in mind, a well-ordered world is beautiful and not barren. Simplify one part of your life and the simplification process can become a way to freedom.

5.Start the Day with Quiet. Resist the temptation to turn on the television, pick up your phone or go to email to check messages. All these practices create anxiety the first thing in the morning. Instead, make an appointment with the Lord every morning. Get up earlier and make it a priority to simply create space and time for quiet for your day. What you value—you live. Decide the first part of your day begins with quiet. It sets the tone for the entire day. Limit your time if you work on the computer in the morning. Actually set the timer and be diligent about respecting the timer. Simplify the morning clutter and reclaim stillness in the morning.

6.Walk. Determine that you will take walks. A sense of self-control can bring a sense of well-being and calm as you make better choices. Take walks where you can experience quiet. Walk and slow down. What do you hear? What do you smell? How does it feel to take in a deep breath, hold it and let it out slowly? Feel the ground beneath you, let the wind mess your hair and allow the humidity to have its way with you. Walk and speed up! The exercise will do you good—get the blood moving and allow those endorphins to work for you. Mature and balanced people learn how to use our magnificent body in positive and restorative ways.

7. Wait. Stop expecting everything and everyone to respond quickly to your whim or command. Slow down your own processes. Over-thinking and making judgments while adding intense emotion equals chaos. The storm will intensify with the rapid pace of deadlines and personal cognitive patterns limit our ability to think with clarity or in a God-honoring way. The temptation to minimize circumstances or to ‘just get through it’ creeps into the front door of your heart lessening your self-control and can negatively effect the people around you.  Listen is the perfect partner to wait. The most successful people excel at both wait and listen. Success is determined by your own maturity— spirit, mind, body and soul.

Our disposition sets the tone for how we respond to the ride. How I decide to ride makes all the difference in the world.

Pastor Jen

Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace. 2 Corinthians 1:12 NIV

Explore is a verb which means “to search for new information; to travel in or through for the purpose of discovery." You might explore an island, a European city, or the rooms of an unfamiliar house. Whenever you delve into something or investigate it, you explore it. There’s a certain disposition that accompanies the heart of an explorer. It’s the anticipation that something extraordinary is right around the next corner. To have a heart of an explorer can change the darkest of situations into the most incredible adventure.

We are still facing unprecedented times. But, the frame of mind we choose through these next weeks can greatly improve our situation. So, here’s what you can do to prepare for our next sermons series: watch your favorite Harrison Ford film, break open your copy of Robinson Crusoe, ask Joe Friday to come along for the journey and dust off your binoculars. We are going to explore!

“Can you please tell me when you’re done with whatever you’re doing on your phone, so we can finish our conversation?”

Maybe you’ve said these words or at least thought them to yourself. Many of us learned a new habit over the past few years. Sometimes it’s identified as ‘partial attentiveness’ or ‘the reactive mind.’ Scientists define it as a state of being unable to settle into here and now; being overwhelmed with distractions. The reactive mind is always focused on what is missing, convinced that life would be better if we could get our hands on whatever it is that is missing. But, we don’t know what is missing. So, we endlessly search and scroll.

An alternative to the reactive mind is developing a different state of mind. Something called the 'receptive mind.’ We have to develop and train our minds to act this way just like we developed and trained our reactive minds. The human brain is hardwired to react. We can thank our ancestors or the ‘fight or flight’ mechanism God planted deep within our minds to save us from dangerous attacks or situations. It’s no small thing to override the physiological and psychological response! But, I find that if we can add a little bit of playfulness and fun, we will discover together that not only can we be trained to think differently, we can live a richer, fuller life—even during a pandemic.

Our faith has a lot to do with our training. 

Rekindling our faith during the pandemic is the best way to make sure this decision is one that will last and produce the type of outcomes that are pleasing to God. After all, isn’t that what discipleship is supposed to be about? Becoming a more faithful follower of Jesus is a disciple’s main focus. It is super hard to clarify that focus trying to live in the middle of a pandemic as we try to prepare for the reopening of sectors of our society. But, I believe the best time to develop the new habits is actually during the crisis, not afterwards.

Try these practices: close your eyes and picture someone’s face before you send them an email or text. Remember who they are, say a little prayer and then send. This practice can help develop the receptive mind. Here’s another suggestion: instead of flash-cleaning your home, slow down to open yourself to touching each item and wondering how it arrived in this place to begin with. Dirty dishes? Was there a meal that was shared or did someone eat while they watched television? Who was with them or what did they watch? Did you have a good conversation or has meaningful dialogue been absent during this time? Is the person who placed that item on your countertop important to you? Why? 

I want to interrupt your preprogrammed mind and life. More importantly, I believe God wants something better for you—for all of us. Practicing attentiveness in a partial attention world is going to take intention and discipline. You will have to stop yourself and focus on one thing at a time. I know you may think of yourself as some type of aficionado when it comes to multitasking. But, we all know that’s a lie. Focus. Attentiveness is a skill few people are good at. But, that can change—with you.

Something is missing.

Let’s explore. Let’s truly work together to search for new information and plan to discover something or someone new. The Bible is filled with stories that have the potential to not only change our minds but heal our hearts as well. Consider the Bible as your map and the Holy Spirit as your guide. Oh, the places we will go! Consider the Bible as the most passionate love story you’ve ever read. It’s pages are filled with intrigue, violence and sacrifice. Instead of reading the Bible with a reactive mind, consider reading the Bible with the mind of an explorer. Engage wonder. Ask this question: I wonder why this happened or what God was trying to do here? Wonder is our best partner for this type of expedition.

Reading the Bible with a receptive mind may be the most redeeming practice you’ve ever done. Even well-known stories take on new vitality if we approach them with the receptive mind. You must be attentive to the way you approach God’s Word. If you already know it all….then you already know it all. At least, that’s what you may tell yourself and everyone else knows that you think that way too.

What could happen? Well, let’s find out! Here’s the test. Yes, there will be tests and quizzes. First test: put away all devices, turn off the television, reduce the noise. Now, close your eyes if necessary. What do you hear? What do you smell? Where are you? Imagine that love is knocking on the door. Can love get in or are you too preoccupied—hardened by reacting all the time? Be attentive to what is happening. Practice ‘here’ and ‘now.’ Wiggle your toes. Take a deep breath and hold it. Exhale. Smile. Let the corners of your mouth widen and the muscles of your face soften. Bravo. Let’s discover together. There is so much more to see and learn. Let’s EXPLORE!

Pastor Jen

When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” Genesis 28:18 NIV

Can people really change?

This is the most ancient of questions. Aristotle wrestled with the concept and explained the human being’s ability to change both positively and negatively according to whether or not someone is exposed to virtue or vice. Aristotle suggested that human beings have several layers to who we are and how we choose to live our lives. We have two potential outcomes: simple and completed. This is very heady stuff but it helps me to know that the best of the best in the field of Philosophy understood the mastery required to connect with the depth of the human soul or psyche. I think I can capture what Aristotle discovered in the Ergon argument found in his Nicomachean Ethics *

We have a natural development process hardwired into us. There is a natural plan. If we live a life that is uninterrupted, there is a natural human development toward maturity. When circumstances of our life are relatively stable, human beings naturally become more responsible and develop the more contemplative or complex parts of our personality as we age. Wisdom is gleaned from life’s experiences when learning is applied and shared with others. There is a sense of balance and appreciation for the virtues. In other words, human beings are hardwired for mental, emotional and spiritual progress.

It’s the interruptions we have to watch out for.

I think Christ followers can arrive at a similar conclusion. The Land Between is fertile soil for growth. God's intention for all Creation is to grow and mature. It is my belief that God desired human beings to grow and mature. Scripture states that we could produce 'fruit that would last.’ (John 15:4) This desired outcome is produced within a relationship of trust. A trusting relationship with God is crucial to our ability to fulfill our calling or maybe it’s not that sublime. Maybe we are to simply become our very best self.

If we consider the scriptures from Exodus, the Israelites were to live differently than the other people groups. The others would be drawn to God through the People who character was marked by faithfulness, truth, generosity, dependability and honor. The Israelites were to reflect God and demonstrate to the world what the LORD was like. The Israelites lived among strong cultures of honor and respect. The Israelites were to be more than that--they were to reflect the essence and presence of God. So that God could be known among the nations. 

Why was the journey through the Land Between so significant? 

At the Exodus, the people were a loose confederaiton of tribes exposed to generations of Egyptian idol worship. As they travelled through the Land Between, the Israelites were in training to become God's representatives to the world. I think we can apply the wisdom gleaned from the biblical story to our own circumstance as we navigate through this season of the Coronavirus pandemic. We can consider this current situation as our time in the Land Between. In order to learn and apply the deep wisdom this time presents for us, we have the opportunity to ask the question: God--what do you desire for me during this challenging season? 

The answer does not come easily when we are engulfed in anger, grief or despondancy. If we trudge through this season--we will obsess about one thing--getting out! We will not reap the important fruit we desperately need and the fruit will not produce a longing for more of God or a desire to become a people who represent God in His best, trustworthy and loving self. 

The Land Between is fertile ground for transformational growth--we will not be what we were before and we are not yet what we can be as representatives for the Kingdom of God. Dramatic growth is often the result of surviving or thriving in the harsh conditions. Dramatic growth can be built by incremental growth--which is steady movement in the right direction. It comes as a result of consistent behaviors accompanied by a yielded and responsive heart. Incremental growth often happens during times when life is uninterrupted--life is cruising along and we exist in a time of tranquility.  

Tremendous or transformational growth often comes under tremendous or transformational pressure. Consistent spiritual growth is key to both incremental and transformational growth. There is a different kind of maturity that accompanies us through the Land Between. Life will never be the same--this is transformational growth. Remember that The Land Between is also where faith goes to die.The choice is ours to make. Honestly, there is a death that accompanies new life. We must let go to what we had, in order to accept what is offered to us now. Our future depends on it. There is a plan. We can progress. But, not without struggle, suffering and pain.

This is a time of confession--a realization of how we did during our time in the Land Between. We confess to God. We confess our patterns of complaint. We remember the emotions, detours, decisions and expectations. We recall the meltdowns and losses. We celebrate the gains.The conditions of the Land Between are harsh and neutrality is not an option. Transformational growth requires all of us. It is a place where we are at our worst and our best. The beautiful discovery for many is that God allows us to be our worst and loves us anyway. We emerge from a season of profound disappointment, chaos or pain with a faith worth having. What a story we have to tell--because it is our story of our experience and we are incredibly grateful for our time in The Land Between.

And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” Exodus 33:19

*web address: https://dataspace.princeton.edu/jspui/handle/88435/dsp01qf85nb42f

Pastor Jen

Can people really change?

This is the most ancient of questions. Aristotle wrestled with the concept and explained the human being’s ability to change both positively and negatively according to whether or not someone is exposed to virtue or vice. Aristotle suggested that human beings have several layers to who we are and how we choose to live our lives. We have two potential outcomes: simple and completed. This is very heady stuff but it helps me to know that the best of the best in the field of Philosophy understood the mastery required to connect with the depth of the human soul or psyche. I think I can capture what Aristotle discovered in the Ergon argument found in his Nicomachean Ethics *

We have a natural development process hardwired into us. There is a natural plan. If we live a life that is uninterrupted, there is a natural human development toward maturity. When circumstances of our life are relatively stable, human beings naturally become more responsible and develop the more contemplative or complex parts of our personality as we age. Wisdom is gleaned from life’s experiences when learning is applied and shared with others. There is a sense of balance and appreciation for the virtues. In other words, human beings are hardwired for mental, emotional and spiritual progress.

It’s the interruptions we have to watch out for.

I think Christ followers can arrive at a similar conclusion. The Land Between is fertile soil for growth. God's intention for all Creation is to grow and mature. It is my belief that God desired human beings to grow and mature. Scripture states that we could produce 'fruit that would last.’ (John 15:4) This desired outcome is produced within a relationship of trust. A trusting relationship with God is crucial to our ability to fulfill our calling or maybe it’s not that sublime. Maybe we are to simply become our very best self.

If we consider the scriptures from Exodus, the Israelites were to live differently than the other people groups. The others would be drawn to God through the People who character was marked by faithfulness, truth, generosity, dependability and honor. The Israelites were to reflect God and demonstrate to the world what the LORD was like. The Israelites lived among strong cultures of honor and respect. The Israelites were to be more than that--they were to reflect the essence and presence of God. So that God could be known among the nations. 

Why was the journey through the Land Between so significant? 

At the Exodus, the people were a loose confederaiton of tribes exposed to generations of Egyptian idol worship. As they travelled through the Land Between, the Israelites were in training to become God's representatives to the world. I think we can apply the wisdom gleaned from the biblical story to our own circumstance as we navigate through this season of the Coronavirus pandemic. We can consider this current situation as our time in the Land Between. In order to learn and apply the deep wisdom this time presents for us, we have the opportunity to ask the question: God--what do you desire for me during this challenging season? 

The answer does not come easily when we are engulfed in anger, grief or despondancy. If we trudge through this season--we will obsess about one thing--getting out! We will not reap the important fruit we desperately need and the fruit will not produce a longing for more of God or a desire to become a people who represent God in His best, trustworthy and loving self. 

The Land Between is fertile ground for transformational growth--we will not be what we were before and we are not yet what we can be as representatives for the Kingdom of God. Dramatic growth is often the result of surviving or thriving in the harsh conditions. Dramatic growth can be built by incremental growth--which is steady movement in the right direction. It comes as a result of consistent behaviors accompanied by a yielded and responsive heart. Incremental growth often happens during times when life is uninterrupted--life is cruising along and we exist in a time of tranquility.  

Tremendous or transformational growth often comes under tremendous or transformational pressure. Consistent spiritual growth is key to both incremental and transformational growth. There is a different kind of maturity that accompanies us through the Land Between. Life will never be the same--this is transformational growth. Remember that The Land Between is also where faith goes to die.The choice is ours to make. Honestly, there is a death that accompanies new life. We must let go to what we had, in order to accept what is offered to us now. Our future depends on it. There is a plan. We can progress. But, not without struggle, suffering and pain.

This is a time of confession--a realization of how we did during our time in the Land Between. We confess to God. We confess our patterns of complaint. We remember the emotions, detours, decisions and expectations. We recall the meltdowns and losses. We celebrate the gains.The conditions of the Land Between are harsh and neutrality is not an option. Transformational growth requires all of us. It is a place where we are at our worst and our best. The beautiful discovery for many is that God allows us to be our worst and loves us anyway. We emerge from a season of profound disappointment, chaos or pain with a faith worth having. What a story we have to tell--because it is our story of our experience and we are incredibly grateful for our time in The Land Between.

And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” Exodus 33:19

*web address: Click here https://dataspace.princeton.edu/jspui/handle/88435/dsp01qf85nb42f

Pastor Jen

What has God provided while I am traveling through the Land Between?

Take your time before answering the question. Consider what God provided before we entered into the Land Between. Does the landscape have anything to do with His provision? If so, how? 

This exercise is excellent for simply recalling where we recognize God at work in our lives. Gratitude is a common response to receiving God’s provision. I’ve also felt overwhelmed at times when God provided something for me when I least expected it or when I thought something was completely and utterly over. Dead. Never going back to that again…and then comes a grand reminder that we serve a resurrection God. Bill comes to mind. One month before I met Bill, I gave up on dating and went to the Humane Society and adopted a dog. My beagle, Mulligan, was my confidant and partner until I walked into an Emergency Room in the middle of the night with a congregation member who needed support. Bill was exiting the ER and I was entering the ER. I stopped in my tracks and wondered, “Who’s THAT guy?” Several months later, we were married. God provided a God-honoring man who would be the husband I needed for this unfamiliar adventure in a familiar way for me—with a two-by-four.

What does God provide in the Land Between? 

While traveling through the Land Between, God provided for Moses and the Israelites in familiar and unfamiliar ways. At Moses' breaking point, God called him to the Tabernacle--the place of God's presence--to receive His help. God invited Moses to separate himself from the people and enter the holy place. Bitter complaint from the Israelites had worn Moses down. Their complaints had been anchored in the suspicion that the God who rescued them from slavery was untrustworthy and stingy. Moses poured his heart out to God and God…agreed. Moses confessed,”I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.” (Numbers 11:14) God had an answer, a plan and the resources to respond to Moses.

A heart of trust and belief is anchored in a relationship. 

When we travel through the Land Between, it is vital for us to be disciplined in our faith and remain committed to our relationship with God. We all need to silence the critical voices that can become extremely loud and overwhelming when we face uncertainty and unprecedented circumstances. A belief that God is good and will provide out of His reservoir of resources comes from a history of personal experience and … knowledge of God revealed in the bible. Anyone can learn about God from His Word. God is not secret. He doesn’t keep His provision, will or love for special people or special occasions. Plainly put--God does not show favoritism. (Romans 2:11)

Our expectations of God's provision can make us or break us in the Land Between. 

Remember who God is and revisit Exodus 3--the God who sees, hears and is concerned. There are times when we need God to intervene spiritually, physically, emotionally, materially or relationally. Remember who God is as He is revealed in Exodus 3:7: God sees the misery, He heard the cry and is concerned. You may also want to consider the stories of two biblical heavy weights Sarah (Genesis 16) and Hagar (16:13) which means 'you are the God who sees me.’ 

During a time of scarcity, a well placed conversation about God's faithfulness can encourage us to keep moving through the Land Between. I do not believe we are to live in the Land Between. But, it might be tempting to pitch fit and a tent out there and forget God altogether. Doubt and disbelief are normal--but are not to be entertained for long. Moses discovered that God’s meets us at our need: Is the Lord's arm too short? (Numbers 11:23) God responded with a powerful reminder that when we are exhausted and come to the end of our resources--we become anxious—and we doubt Him and His ability. 

Consider the multiple times Jesus provided for his disciples and the people. How many times does Jesus say, "Don't worry?" This doesn't mean act irresponsibly. What it does mean is build a relationship of trust and belief. Jesus is consistent. Jesus doesn’t show favoritism. Jesus sees, hears and is concerned…about you and your situation. The Israelites had not forgotten the trust of Abraham--they heard the story of God's faithfulness. (Genesis 12-22) It meant so much more when the Israelites had their own story to tell. There is a difference between 'theoretical knowledge' and 'experiential knowledge.' We too can know about God's faithfulness--but when we receive God's provision for ourselves in the Land Bewteen we grow deeper in our trust of and belief in Him.

Remind me again, how has God provided for us while we travelled through the Land Between?

The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” Numbers 11:23

Pastor Jen