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The Wheels Are Coming Off:  I had stood in the Target isle with my husband carefully considering suitcase options. He said a hard case would last longer and I said the soft one was easier to open and took up less room while opened, a detail of minor inconvenience when considering what ended up happening. Upon arrival to England our group discovered a union strike had closed the Tube (subway system), but not the train, so a small hike with our luggage was necessary. No big deal, I thought, I happily followed the group checking on students while snapping pictures of historic architecture. Every so often a cobble stone crosswalk jostled my extra large bag. A few times a curb or drainage grate would turn a wheel sideways. With full confidence I continued on, periodically switching from pulling my bag behind me to standing it up straight and gliding it next to me on all four wheels.  I made it to the hotel with my new suitcase intact even if it had been slightly abused.   The journey home would prove more challenging as the consequence of my obliviousness reared its ugly head. Throughout the trip I had acquired quite a bit more than I came with, souvenirs, memories, and candy.  I attempted to fill my new soft case with as much as possible. In addition, our last day of sight seeing meant I didn’t need to bring my plane carry-on walking around London. So I shoved the contents of my backpack into my suitcase as well. I knew I’d take it out the next day but needed a holder for the time being.   It was still dark when my beautiful suitcase was loaded up into the vans to take us to the train station, the first of many legs of our journey home. I hopped out of the vans to say my goodbyes. I sleepily watched the men unload the absurd amount of luggage, I saw in slow motion the result of the abuse of my suitcase. My back left wheel popped off sideways, dangling by a thin piece of black plastic. Knowing the amount of pushing, pulling and jostling we are about to do I tested it out to see if I could still roll it on two, or stand it up straight. I pushed my body weight into the front right side and could keep the weight from that wheel but the awkward position sent a twinge down my lower back.   We made our way back over the brick and cobble stone crosswalks, lifts, sidewalks, escalators, subways, curbs and streets. We checked our luggage into a holding company for the day, then back out again to the last hotel before our early morning flight.   By the time we reached the bag storage office the wheel called it quits for good. I dragged it through the airport the next day on three wheels. My soft suitcase made it home, but definitely not in one piece.   It is easy to push forward over bumps and rough roads, sometimes it seems necessary to push and shove more things down in your life. “I’ll just carry it, it’s bumpy but I’ll just keep pushing or pulling.” But if you don’t unload it, sooner or later, the wheels are going to come off.   Life, following Christ, and ministry gets heavy, and rough. Sometimes there is a curb or drain that catches you wrong, maybe you have picked up souvenirs along the way, holding on to past hurts, past situations. Life right now is stuffed so full of good things but it’s too much to carry alone.   While it has become part of our culture to just deal, stuff and carry the weight of life, the scriptures actually teach the exact opposite. Jesus himself tells us what to do when we have a heavy load. In Matthew 11:28–30 Jesus says, 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” We have a savior who understands, and cares for us, providing support we need from himself. We serve a sturdy God. He isn’t fragile, yet he understands that we are. God has also given us community. Read about the early church and how they did life together. Acts 2:42–47 (ESV) 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.   You don’t share belongings and meals, worship together and spend time in prayer without helping each other carry life’s heavy burdens. The ‘Body of Christ’ or the Church is built to support one another. I fear we have abandoned this blessing for independence and privacy. It seems we only reach out for help when our wheels start to come off. If you find yourself stuggling in any area of life. Please, Go to Jesus. He can hold it! Then reach out to other believers, allow them the blessing of supporting you, chances are they need you too.     TGP Questions: Read and meditate on these scripture passages: Psalm 55:22 22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.   1 Peter 5:6–11 (ESV) 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.   The words “Cast”  here means to throw out or hurl. (In Psalm 55:22 שָׁלַךְ shâlak, shaw-lak´; to throw out, down or away (lit . ) or fig . ):—adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. [1] In 1 Peter 5:7  it is a Greek verb, epirripto;  to propel someth . from one place to another, throw or to transfer one’s concerns, cast upon, [2] ) It isn’t just placing them down it is a swift and decisive action to get rid of the burdens of this life. What are you going to “Cast” on the Lord? What do you learn about God from reading the context of 1 Peter 5:7?   Psalm 23 A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.   What is stuffed in your suitcase? What will you “cast” onto the Lord? Tell him what has caused your wheels to fall off. Commit to reaching out to a brother or sister in the Lord so you can do life together. Note: If you would like to know more about the ministry that leads our trips check out the Ministry Friends tab and click on the GEM icon. If you would like to financially support my upcoming mission trip to Middlebrough, England, check out this link https://immanuelbaptist.managedmissions.com/Donations/Donate/83878     [1] James Strong, in A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009) 117. someth. someth. = something [2] William Arndt et al., in A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 378.

For Narnia: The students were giddy with the brisk air of the North York Moors. The thick grass bounced back under our feet as a few students skipped toward the precipice of the hill. “The Lord Stones” was nothing short of Narnia, the reality of God’s creative beauty fresh in the eyes of Amerians. Views never seen, the wonder was palpable. Our guide told us a bit about the area and gave the students a time frame to explore. And just like that, no one was ‘too cool’, every American on the trip was Lucy, Peter, Susan, or Edmund. We ran for the tree line yelling “For Narnia!” Once inside the forest, the branches covering the path became magical, red and white mushrooms rested under the pines, and a few students found a hidden pond, where a loan duck relaxed in the water. One student laid down in the tall grass, another explored a different path. Wonder took over.   What kills wonder? The familiar, I would assume. While our students and I soaked in every new experience on our trip to England, we began to “follow” a pair of British friends who have chronicaled their exploration of the United States on Social Media. (@joshandjase) In every video I noticed a familiar trait; wonder. The Grand Canyon, the variety of American cultures and foods, from the East Coast lobsters to experiencing Florida alligators, the Brits were as excited to see our everyday regulars as we were to see theirs. It is so easy to forget the amazingness that surrounds us on a daily basis. We lose our wonder and awe and go searching for a new place to see, and take in the creativity of our Creator.      Where can we find wonder in the scriptures? What does the Bible say about the pleasures that we experience in this life? How do we hold on to it, savor it? Scriptures reveal the wonder in God’s creation, the works of salvation and healing. It is so important to not allow our own wonder in our savior and creator to fade into the ordinary, or familiar. What blessings from God in your life have become another familiar and mundane? Let’s commit to stopping right were we are and pondering on the amazing works God has done, and is continuing to do in our lives. Look back and thank him for his protection, his creativity, his beauty! Look around at your present situation, where is he working, what new fresh movement is he doing in your life? Look forward to his promises of a new heaven and new earth where all will be made right. Reposition yourself in right relation to the God of the universe, and feel the wonder take over.   Exodus 15:11 “Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods?    Who is like you, majestic in holiness,    awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?   Psalm 33:1–9 (ESV) 1 Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. 2 Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! 3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. 4 For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. 6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.   Psalm 86:8–12 (ESV) 8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. 9 All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. 10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. 11 Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. 12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.   Luke 2:15–20 (ESV) 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.   Luke 5:24–26 (ESV) 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 25 And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. 26 And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.” TGP Questions:   Here is an exercise to try: Read Job 38. Stop and pray, ask God to show you all the beautiful and wonderful things around you. List them out, your family, your home, the nature around you, the relationships with which you have been blessed. I believe once you start it will be hard to stop. James 1:17 says, “ 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” How will you live with wonder toward Jesus today? What did you learn about God through today's passages? Note: If you would like to know more about the ministry that leads our trips check out the Ministry Friends tab and click on the GEM icon. If you would like to financially support my upcoming mission trip to Middlebrough, England, check out this link https://immanuelbaptist.managedmissions.com/Donations/Donate/83878 A Little video to share the wonder! Exploring 'Narnia'

St. Chad’s: Our van overflowed with students, as we drove up to St. Chad’s we watched the school children walk by in their uniforms, pressed navy pants and ties according to their grade and house. Our students poured out of our van and gathered at the oversized wooden doors. The gothic arch of the door was echoed in the brick details several times over. Two rings hung as handles. Our English friend and guide, Ste, found a skeleton key and with a jiggle and specific turn, finessed a side door open. Even after having spent Sunday morning worshiping at St. Oswald’s my spirit was not ready for the understated grandure of St. Chad’s. I had grown up in large churches, I’m used to large spaces. Yet, somehow in this small church felt lofty, and etherial. A relatively young church considering the history of England, St. Chad’s was built in 1950’s. Everything had a purpose and also everything was beautiful. The side naves were lit with leaded clear glass and the back wall boasted three imposing arched windows. The wooden pews were flooded with light and the blue, gold and red painted oragan pipe popped against the natural tones of brick and wood. The sanctuary became our living room for the week. A place to eat our sandwiches, prepare for ministry, and welcome families from the community. We decorated for kids church and helped to share parables with the children. Each student bonded with the youngsters who were equally enamored by their respective accents. The last night before our travel home, we gathered at St. Chad’s for an evening service. The warmth of conversation and the Holy Spirit filled the room. As we found our way to the pews, the Americans were prayed for and welcomed. Our students led worship and I stood up at the alter to help sing. Smiling back at me were the beautiful souls we had the pleasure of becoming family with that week. I saw each face and thought of their story. Leaders from each ministry, their families, children and their parents, all sang together. Knowing we were united in the same gospel (and language… sort of) even when we would be across the globe from each other.   How sweet a thought, that when our worship services end, theirs begins, giving continuous glory directed toward the one who deserves it. He sustained the Gospel through kingdoms, wars, and persecutions. I’d love to explore this thought more. Psalm 133 says, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” and Galatians 3: 26-29 says “ for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” This Galatians passage can very easily be misunderstood in our androgonous and competative culture. Pointing to previously divided factions, allows Paul to explain how Christ levels the playing feild. "All are one in Christ Jesus" shows that no matter what your past or present situation, there is a new stronger bond to other believers that superseeds any previous divider. So no matter the divider; nationality, politics, or socio-economic levels do not matter, we are one in Christ Jesus. Brit or American, the unity was palpable. The United States is a beautiful melting pot, however, I fear we have separated ourselves by denominations, race, and worship styles to unknowingly miss experiencing true unity. Jesus in his 'High Priestly Prayer' in John 17 prays for us, the future generations that would believe in him through the disciples. Then he prays for our unity, so that we would be a picture of the unity in the Trinity. "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." John 17: 20-21 What is the goal of unity? It isn't to just feel good about our fellowship with other believers, although that is a nice perk. Jesus says the goal right in his prayer. "So that the world may believe!" Our unity within the body of Christ is for evangelistic purposes, we become a picture of the Godhead, all working together, living with one God given purpose, to bring others to Christ. Brothers and sisters, how are we doing? John 17:1–26 (ESV) 1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. 6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. 20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” Psalm 133:1–3 (ESV) 1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. Galatians 3:26–29 (ESV) 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. TGP questions: Read John 17, Psalm 133 and Galatians 3:26-29: What do you learn about God from these passages? What would unity in the body of Christ look like in this day and age? What are some aspects of our culture that blocks unity? Do you see unity in your local Church? How can you foster unity in the body of Christ between churches in your town? Take some time to journal and pray for unity for the purpose of bringing others to Christ. Note: If you would like to know more about the ministry that leads our trips check out the Ministry Friends tab and click on the GEM icon. If you would like to financially support my upcoming mission trip to Middlebrough, England, check out this link https://immanuelbaptist.managedmissions.com/Donations/Donate/83878

Roseberry topping   The fish and chips sat heavy in my stomach and I had never felt so much like a tourist. I love to hike but I was finding the pace set by the leader a bit fast for fried food I had just consumed. Our group began to spread out into groups as we climbed the layers of the hike.   The flat start along woven box hedges took a steep incline just past the first “kissing gate”. The wooden gate opened just a few feet before being stopped by another post. Each hiker in turn would step into a little side fenced square, open the gate enough to walk through and then close it again for the next hiker.   The trail through the woods ascended steeply around the curve of the hill then opened up into thick lucious grass just past another kissing gate.  The route became a footpath only made by the hiker in front of me.  An 18 th century stone ‘shooting box’ kept watch over the valley, having long since seen a naval captain hunting game, but certainly continues to shelter the occasional picnic.    The last stretch was a rocky assent up to the summit, passing through a cloak of heather. I mustered a burst of energy to pull myself up, and looked out over the Tees Valley. A cold wind swept up the rock from the North Sea, and farms and villages quilted the valley. Our group gathered up to hear from our leader and pray for those that lived in the Tees Valley area. We listened to the words of Jesus speak about the harvest as I stared out over the farms. Send the laborers, Lord… send me.   'And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. ' Luke 10:2   TGP Questions: When was the last time you looked at your community from a different vantage point? Who is in your community? What 'hikes' do you need to assend, or maybe fight through, to surrender your 'send me' to Jesus? We don’t have to be in another country to be laborers in the Lord’s harvest. Who is someone you could share Jesus with today? Spend some time in prayer for the Holy Spirit to show you where he needs you to work in is harvest. Pray specifically with action steps.   Note: If you would like to know more about the ministry that leads our trips check out the Ministry Friends tab and click on the GEM icon. If you would like to financially support my upcoming mission trip to Middlebrough, England, check out this link https://immanuelbaptist.managedmissions.com/Donations/Donate/83878

The Garden:   Exploring a narrow back hallway behind the sanctuary, I opened the double doors to my left just before the church’s meeting room and kitchen. The doors stuck a bit with layers of paint and the damp morning weather. They opened up to a plethora of colors, flowers, and vines. Murals covered the fence inside church yard.   The community garden sat snuggly up against the outside wall of St. Oswald’s. A sanctuary for the neighborhood. A not-so-secret garden had been lovingly cultivated by a quirky mix and match family of souls. The weathered smiles that met me in the garden had more energy than I had felt in a while. Raised beds with roses, dahlia, and Torched lilies smiled at me from beds of green. Homemade trellises with climbing vines greeted me in bursts of colors against the grey sky. Veggies trailed along the ground, and a pea gravel path led wanderers around a corner to a frog pond nestled next to hand-painted benches and chairs. The wet chill in the air didn’t stop the tea from flowing or the conversations of a family who lives worlds apart. Unpretentious, and friendly, like a reunion, the saints chatted, young and old shared a biscuit tin and stories of life. Much like this group, a pile of mis-matched mugs were set on a table in the middle of a manicured square of raised beds. The spirit of fellowship was palpable. With a common goal of beauty in the Lord’s garden all work had ceased, a sabbath of tea time forced our American selves to rest in God’s goodness, and we were grateful.       Each bush and section had layers of care. Care from the master gardener who designed and curated just the right plants. Care from the daily volunteers to fulfill the gardeners plan. Care from the community that comes to enjoy its beauty, stopping for a tea time amongst the flowers. And care from the missions groups that came to take on the larger projects with foreign resources and support. Layers of love, and hard work all for the same purpose and goal.   Christ is our Master Gardener, and by his grace we are also given layers of care. Some speak the hard truths we must hear, uprooting the weeds that destroy our faith. The community around us pauses for fellowship and encouragement in one another’s presence. The Lord layers more care from outside resources also. We will never know the span or depth of influence for the Gospel the Lord used to grow our gardens. He layers his blessings upon blessings, just like in St. Oswald’s community garden.   “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:4-8   TGP Questions: Journal about your community, Thank God for blessing you with the community garden in your life. What gifts has the Holy Spirit nurtured in you that you have shared with your community? Are their layers in your community? Thank the the Master Gardener for the variety of people, experiences and gifts he has cultivated in your community garden. How have you used your gifts for the Church? If you would like to know more about the ministry that leads our trips check out the Ministry Friends tab and click on the GEM icon. If you would like to financially support my upcoming mission trip to Middlebrough, England, check out this link https://immanuelbaptist.managedmissions.com/Donations/Donate/83878

St. Oswald’s:   My travels took me to Middlesbrough in the north of London. Mid-October weather pushed a chill through the air, with a dribble of rain.   St. Oswald’s vicarage is old and small yet with unusual grandeur. The diamond-leaded windows just under the vaulted ceiling allowed the gray morning to fill the long rectangular room with light. A crucifix was suspended high, front and center, just behind the sanctuary partition of carved wood. The wet chill seeped through the red brick walls. If one looked too intently cobwebs stretched across the lighting fixtures and on the dormant furnace near the wooden pews.   Handmade cross-stitched pew pillows sat waiting for parishioners to claim a seat. Each pillow with a verse and a name of a faithful saint.   I made no effort to rid myself of my coat but filed into the second pew on the left and waited for service to begin.   Friendly smiling faces filed into the pews across the isle. With welcomes of laughter, they hugged each other and greeted one another with pleasantries in an accent not my own. The joyful conversations echoed filling the church. I could feel the Holy Spirit moving in the fellowship. We were worshiping together with family normally worlds away and experiencing each God-given culture for his ultimate glory. It warmed the chill, and I knew instantly, we would spend eternity like this.   “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”” Revelation 7:9-10 ESV   TGP Questions: Have you ever worshiped with a different culture than your own? What was it like? What was different and what was the same? What did you learn from this experience? Take some time to journal about what you think it will be like to worship the Lamb with all the nations and peoples of the earth. Who does salvation belong to, according to Revelation 7:10? How does it make you feel knowing that He has offered it to you? What is your response to God? Write out a prayer thanking and praising God for salvation and for the opportunity to worship Him with a great multitude. If you would like to know more about the ministry that leads our trips check out the Ministry Friends tab and click on the GEM icon. If you would like to financially support my upcoming mission trip to Middlebrough, England, check out this link https://immanuelbaptist.managedmissions.com/Donations/Donate/83878

This entry at The Good Portion is a bit different this month. I want to share with you all some of my musings from my own personal journal. Its vulnerable but also, I’m sharing for a reason. My son and I have been blessed to travel to England on a mission trip for the last two years. My husband joined us last year and this year the tree of us are planning to head across the pond again at the beginning of October. In the past, we have attempted to share where we go, what we do and who we work with while in Middlesbrough, but I wasn’t sure if I could fully paint the picture even with actual pictures. While in another country, and culture, a believer can see things through spiritual eyes. The Holy Spirit reveals things in unique ways, and I wanted to find a way to share what I learned with you all.   I'll post one a day for a week and pray they speak to you as much as they have to me. There are Scripture passage with each journal entry, and of course some TGP (The Good Portion) questions to ponder. So bust out your Bible and Journal and whatever pen makes your heart happy. What I have written is relatively short but I still believe each entry can foster some quality time sitting at Jesus’ feet.   Before you start, please do this one thing for me, spend some time in prayer for our brothers and sisters in England as well as the community in which they are ministering. Pray for our group, pray for the students, the parents and leaders who are attending the trip. Pray for our support raising, travel, and health. Pray that the Lord would be glorified and lives would be changed.     Train ride: The train car carried me north. Rocking me gently as I sleepily looked out the window. My eyes drank it in, with each glance a magical land beyond my time. But before my mind could capture it, it was gone in a blur.   Old brick houses with gray slated rooftops. Lombardy poplar trees stand at attention, keeping watch over the countryside, boxed hedges guarding perfect rows of green. The occacional cluster of brick chimneys popped up through the trees as a telltale sign of a thiving community. And the centerpeice of each hamlet, a gothic spire extends past the bell tower that beckons to the sheep who speckle the pasture white.   In every town a church, big or small with grandeur to cause the praises to the Lord. Cathedrals built by men who knew another world. Their life was physical and death was no stranger. They used their hands to worship with what they made. Here it stands centuries later calling me to worship with them.   The train pulled to a stop in a station made at the turn of the 20th century. White metal arches, steel scaffolding with rivets mixed with modern advertising and schedules. Suddenly, movement filled the train. The aisle exchanged people, the whistle blew and I was whisked away again through time. I wished I had a guide to tell me about each town. To relive its history and introduce me to the locals, who would share their foods and customs with smiles.   Reading the scripture isn’t much different is it? A cursory reading is like a train ride through its beauty, passing each book with admiration but more questions to be answered. Choose a town, get off the train and explore. Meet the writer and his friends. Experience where they lived, what they ate, feel what they felt. Understand the problems they faced, notice the similarities to your life, even separated by thousands of years. We are not so different.   'Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. ' Acts 8:26-36,38-39   TGP Questions: What is your relationship with God's word? Do you read it? Study it? Understand it? What do you learn about God from reading this passage about Philip? Do you know someone you can lead through the Scriptures? Or someone to whom you could explain the good news of Jesus? If you’re a follower of Jesus, to whom can you explain the Scriptures? Who can you disciple and walk with through God’s word? Note: If you would like to know more about the ministry that leads our trips check out the Ministry Friends tab and click on the GEM icon. If you would like to financially support my upcoming mission trip to Middlebrough, England, check out this link https://immanuelbaptist.managedmissions.com/Donations/Donate/83878

Identifying Distractions in your Walk with Christ The sun speckled through the forest canopy as I carefully inched my way around the tennis courts. Nestled in the forest of northern Wisconsin my family came yearly to our friend’s lodge to play and relax. This was the one time of year, 9-year-old me, had unfettered access to all that the lodge could offer; fishing, canoes, bumper boats, skiing, wave runners, four wheelers, tennis, it was every kid’s dream. My family, all tennis players, started up a doubles game while I wandered in the nearby woods. I held a stack of cups, each a frosty clear plastic, with a yacht logo on the side. Identical in size, but I had very different plans for each. Like tiny rubies scattered on the forest floor, wild raspberries grew on the fringes of the tennis courts. I stooped to harvest a cup full, popping every other berry in my mouth, straight from the bush. While moving the underbrush aside to search for more berries, I noticed movement by my feet. The smallest miniature frogs hopped for the safety of the nearest undisturbed foliage. The more I looked the more I saw. The raspberries and the tiny frogs were the same size and had almost the same squish factor. I began to collect the frogs in a separate cup. I ran to show my sisters, and my friend, Christine joined me, we quickly collected several cups full to take back to the lodge to inspect. The short walk from the tennis courts to the main lodge was shady and pleasant. Christine and I each with our arms holding multiple yacht cups filled with treasures of berries and frogs chatted as we walked. An unfortunate mini frog skittered across the road, and we worked together to add him to our collection.  We reloaded our arms with our gatherings and walked on.  I popped a few raspberries into my mouth and savored the tart sweetness. Then without looking grabbed for another. Whoops wrong cup! The tiny frog almost made it to my mouth before I realized the scared green amphibian was not the juicy berry I was looking for. The cups were the same weight, held the same size objects. The cups overwhelmed my arms and when I wasn’t paying attention the contents were so easily switched. I want to say I kept my cool but I’m pretty sure the cup of frogs hit the gravel, and they all escaped. No matter, I still had my raspberries. Our arms are overfilled with life sometimes and we can easily forget the value difference in the things we are carrying. The enemy wants to distract you and have you believe the cup of frogs are God’s fresh wild raspberries. Repeatedly the Scripture tells us to pay attention, stay alert, be ready. We need to be aware of counter fit gospels. What are some examples in our culture today?  The prosperity “gospel” is a cup of frogs. Expectations in life that may or may not come to fruition. Cup of frogs. Material possessions, even good goals can be a cup of frogs. Valuing anything in this world over Christ is a cup of frogs. A cup of frogs might be interesting, pique your curiosity, you may even think they are cute but, a cup of frogs has no value!  A cup of frogs may occupy your time, but it won’t nourish your body. Raspberries are rich in antioxidants, high in fiber and a great source for other nutrients such as manganese, and potassium. The gospel changes you from the inside out, developing love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness, the fruit of the Spirit. Christ’s Word is the source of our nourishment. I sought out the raspberries, deliberately moving branches and bending to reach them, the frogs were a distraction. They came jumping out from bushes and hopped directly into my path. Spiritual growth is much the same way. Intentionality is a vital part of growing in the Lord. Satan loves to distract us with obsessions that hop into our path. My original mission was to gather as many raspberries as possible. It is so easy to become distracted by a new side quest and before we realize it we have forgotten our purpose. Hebrews 12:1 reminds us to “Lay aside every weight and sin that so easily ensnares us…” and encourage us in verse 2 to “Keep our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith…”   Read Ephesians 4:17-5:21: In this passage Paul is speaking to the Ephesians, most of whom are Gentiles. They have grown up and are ingrained in the Ephesian culture. The town of Ephesus was the home of the temple of Artemis. The Ephesian culture of pagan worship permeated all of life.  In Ephesians 4:22-24, Paul is emphatically explaining that they must rid themselves of the old way of doing things, focus on and pursue the Jesus way. We cannot continue to hold on to the old things of this world, the cups of frogs, while simultaneously attempting to enjoy the fruit of a relationship with the living God. Our arms can only hold so much and continuing to cling to our old way of life only brings distraction, confusion, and slip ups. It will lead us away from the goodness of God. Ephesians chapter 5 verses 15-17 Paul reiterates, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Our culture often wants to complicate the “will of God”, conflating the specifics of our life plan with the purpose of following Christ. In the journaling questions we will look at several passages that tell us exactly about the will of God. We often want him to reveal a whole picture to us before we lay down our frogs and focus.  Rarely in Scripture do we see God showing those he uses the whole plan before requiring action. So, Paul says, “Make the best use of the time” we have here. Set down your frogs. Focus on the task at hand, enjoy the wild fruit of living in his will, and the sweet sustenance of his Word. The Good Portion Journaling Questions : What is it that you cling to? What fills your arms, your time, your thoughts? What are your ‘cups of frogs’, distracting you from your original purpose? Remind yourself of your purpose and original mission: Read Matthew 28:19-20 (For additional study, read these passages and note the original audience, their application and ours, what do you learn about God, is there a Promise, a Character trait that reveals himself? What does this passage tell me about my purpose and mission? Ephesians 2: 8-10, James 1: 22-27, Revelation 2:1-7, Psalm 138:8, Isaiah 30:20-22) What other passages of Scripture does the Holy Spirit bring to your mind when you think about fulfilling your purpose in Christ? What does Hebrews 12:1 tell us about our spiritual growth and how to handle distractions? What are some practical ways to “keep our eyes on Jesus”? Day to day what changes can you make to ensure He is always in View? Read Ephesians 6:10-20 How might Ephesians 6 help us to set down the distractions and pursue Christ fully? * Ephesians 6:18b “To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” What part does prayer play in keeping you alert? Take some time to pray for each other, that your brothers and sisters in Christ would stay alert. Find an accountability partner to help keep you “alert with all perseverance.” Thank the Lord for staying by our side in the distraction and bringing us back to himself. Praise him for the way he nourishes us in his love, patience, in the counsel of the Holy Spirit and his Word.

I watched Olivia’s mini bun bounce through the door of the dance studio. Since Covid, the mothers and fathers weren’t allowed to come in and watch anymore. So, Carli and I drove off to go pick up Liam from school, just a five-minute drive across our small town. I pulled out onto Main Street. Seeing a truck joining me on the same road, I passed through the orange barrels lined up neatly for road construction. Before I could react the truck took a sharp right turn through the barrels and through my lane. In an explosion of white powder and toxic fumes my air bags deployed as the front of my “mom van” crumpled like tin foil into the side of the truck. In a time-warp that felt like slow-motion, I attempted to gather myself and comfort Carli. “It’s okay, it’s okay, you are okay!”  As the airbag fumes began to dissipate, I watched as the truck backed up and sped away.  “Where are you going?!” I screamed in disbelief. Two gentlemen from a local bounce house rental company appeared at my door like superheroes. “Are you okay, Miss?” “Ah, I think so, Why did he leave?” “Let’s get your car out of the road, can you put it in neutral?” My wrist throbbing and knees shaking, I turned the wheel as they pushed from the trunk. I pressed the break to stop onto the shoulder and watched an officer park in front of me. As I retrieved my phone from the dash, messages and calls from friends who drove by piled up on my screen. Will was already driving my direction and assured me he would be there in a few minutes. “I’m coming! I’m two minutes away! I’ll be there soon!” A friend offered to pick up Olivia from dance and another went to get Liam from school. I explained what I could to the young police officer who noticed me holding my wrist. “You should go get that checked out.” Will came to my rescue within minutes, the car was towed, and he took me to the hospital. In the coming days I was x-rayed, fitted for a wrist brace, spoke with the district attorney, employed my own attorney, fought with insurance companies, and searched for a new car. That car wreck affected all of us in ways we weren’t prepared for. I struggled to drive without fear, Carli struggled to sleep, and Will tried to make sense of the finances, since we had just paid off the van that was now worthless. But its effects on Olivia was the most surprising. She was suddenly attached to my hip. She never wanted me to leave and when I did, she always needed a guarantee that I would pick her up. If I couldn’t stay with her, she needed to know where I was going, for how long, who would pick her up and when. Most of all, she needed me to say, “I will be back for you!” It was my word that she needed, not anyone else’s. Hearing me, her mother, promise from my lips that I would be there when she needed me gave her reassurance and trust that it was true. The uncertainty of what could happen to me when I was gone led her little mind to go to some scary places, and my word was needed. The disciples had gone through some trauma of their own. More than my hit and run, that is for sure. Watching your teacher, friend and savior be brutally murdered on a cross, thinking everything was over and then seeing him resurrect on the third day would definitely cause some big emotions. Jesus is so gentle with his followers, patiently explaining the Scriptures, comforting them, preparing them for a time when he would have to leave again. He had come back the first time and just before Jesus’ ascension, he would reassure them that he is coming back again for them––for us.   When Jesus tells us he is coming back we can be certain because it came straight from his mouth. Matthew 16:26-27 says, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? For the son of man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.” And John in his gospel he tells us that Jesus spoke of going to prepare a place for us and then his return. John 14:1-7, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going. Thomas said to him, Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Not only do we see the doctrine of the Trinity in this passage but, we hear from Jesus’ mouth that he will be reunited with us. We can depend on his return. It is not unusual for children to attach to a parent or a trusted adult when they have experienced something tragic. It is no wonder that after Jesus’ brutal murder and his miracle of resurrection that the disciples would be concerned about hearing that he must leave for a time.                   This past year, I was privileged to dive deep into the book of Revelation in two different studies. One would think that I would have all the symbolism and timelines figured out, but honestly, the Holy Spirit spoke something into my soul that is far more important than knowing the when and how of his return. He taught me to long for it, to look out for him, to be ready and waiting. My soul longs to be united with my creator and my savior. In the book of the Bible that arguably has the most terrifying scenes known to man, we find the most tender, and comforting words possible. “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20)                   It is easy for our finite brains to become overwhelmed by the chaos of life. Like a hit-and-run car wreck, life is full of smoke, toxic fumes, broken bones, and abandonment.  But it is also full of airbags, bounce house workers, police officers and husbands. When Will said he would “be there soon”, he was. And When Jesus said he is going to prepare a place for us and that he is “coming soon”, He will. The Good Portion Bible Study Journaling Questions: It is said that when Mr. Rogers would speak to children about scary situations, he would tell them to look for the helpers. Who are some of the Helpers God sent into your life, that comforted you in scary situations? Take some time to thank God for these people. Read Revelation 22:16-21 Who is saying “Come” and to whom are they saying “Come”?   How do we know verse 20 is Jesus talking? (Hint: look in verse 16)   Journal about a time when you needed reassurance that someone was coming back for you. Did they? How did you feel when they arrived? If they didn’t return, tell God how you feel about it. Read Acts 1:1-11 Highlight where Jesus says he will Come.   Who is Jesus sending? Before Jesus’ physical return, He did send us the “Counselor” which brings us as believers his very presence. Talk about what the Holy Spirit means to you, tell Jesus about your relationship with the Holy Spirit, thank him for the counselor. Read Matthew 28:20 Who is with us? And how long will He Be with us? Reread John 14:1-7 How do we see the Trinity in this passage?   Have you had a “Troubled heart”?   Tell about a time when Christ’s presence healed your “troubled heart”. In Hebrew culture during this time, a betrothed groom would leave his bride and spend months preparing a room on his father’s house. When the house was ready, the groom would return to his bride so that he could bring her to the home he has prepared for them. How does this historical knowledge change the way you read this passage?   Take some time to tell Jesus how you long for his return. Thank him for His presence in your life through the Holy Spirit.   Come Lord Jesus, Come!

With my phone pocketed I stepped into what’s left of a forest at the back of my neighborhood. Sometimes I go there when I feel claustrophobic. Trees help me breathe, literally and figuratively I guess. I used to live in a forest, and miss it dearly. So this dwindling forest lot with impending construction will have to suffice. I popped my earbuds out of my ears and instantly noticed the choir of birds. So loud and with so much variety. I stood still separating all the sounds one by one. It felt like eavesdropping. Who else was hearing this but the Creator and me?   It was late spring and the forest was lush, full of vibrant green. I stooped down to see perfectly shaped orbs of dew on each blade of grass. The morning sun refracted tiny rainbows from each drop into my eyes, so small and fragile they would disappear in a blur when I blinked. I crouched to examine the dew and try to capture it in my camera when I noticed the most delicate little wing. Small and clear, I picked it up between my pointer and thumb and laid it gently on my palm. Black veins branched through the wing highlighting the slightest iridescence. Dragon fly?  No. Then I remembered it was a Cicada year. How long had it waited to emerge and what struggle ensued for me to have found this lone wing? Only God knows.   As I stood in my micro forest with my back to the houses, I tried my best to take it all in. Inspecting every plant, examining the wet spider webs at the base of every sprouted shrub. Hearing every swoosh of a bird lighting on one tree then the next. Smelling the fresh scent of spring in an air thick with oxygen. I wanted to see the things God sees, and notice the things he knows. Jesus says the Father knows when a bird falls, and he dresses the lilies of the field. How much more important are we, he asks? Immeasurably!   Genesis 16 highlights how the Creator values the unknown. God had promised Abram and Sarai would be a great nation, He had promised a son. But in her impatience, Sarai, foolishly tried to force the fulfillment by giving her maidservant to Abram as a wife.  Hagar became pregnant and understandably had a hard time with Sarai. Abram refused to get in the middle, so he dismissed Hagar to the cruelty of jealous Sarai. The end of 16:6 says “Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her.”  Sin causes horrific consequences for everyone.   Pregnant and alone, Hagar is desperate, sitting by a spring of water in the wilderness, when she is “found” the scripture says, by the angel of the Lord. Many times, in the Old Testament, the “Angel of the Lord” is considered a theophany, or an appearance of pre-incarnate Jesus. He talks with her about her situation and encourages her to return home because she will have a son and that her offspring will multiply so that they “Cannot be numbered”.   It is Hagar’s response that is so important here though, a glimpse through the keyhole of how our Creator handles his creation. Read Genesis 16:13 “” So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” (or you are the God who sees me) for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; it lies between Kadesh and Bered. “ Genesis 16:13-14 ESV   The name Hagar used for God here is El Roi and can be translated “god of sight” or “god saw me” ( https://en.m.wikipedia.org ) Do you ever wonder if God sees you? Your situations, your frustration, or even someone else’s sin. It would have been so easy for Hagar to respond with did you see what she did to me? The betrayal, the jealousy, the lies and meanness? Did you see that God? But she didn’t point out any of the drama she had experienced because she knew the answer would be yes. That was why he was there, so she would know she was seen, in her brokenness, in her distress. He saw her and he sees you too.   He sees the triumphs too, you know. The small parenting win, the time you chose patience. He sees you choose your Bible over mindless doom scrolling. He sees both your broken heart and silent praise. I like to find myself forests searching for details that only God knows about, maybe so that I can let my heart remember that I am one of those details too. He is the God who sees me.   The Good Portion Journaling Questions:   Let’s search the scriptures for more evidence that our Creator is the God who sees:   In Genesis 21 he takes care of Hagar again.  Read this chapter and write down what God Saw and how he took care of her.   Read these Scripture passages that show us “EL ROI” the God who sees, write in your journal what you learn about God from these passages.   1 Kings 17:7-16 (Bonus 17: 17-24) Who did God see, what needs did he meet?   Psalm 139 List all of the things that God knows in this chapter. Take some time to praise him for his intimate knowledge of you.   Psalm 8. (Focus on verse 4) Pause to put yourself in your place, God is wholly other, you are the created. Worship El Roi for his unadulterated LOVE for his creation. Journal about what it feels like to be loved by the God who sees.   John 1:43-51 This is the calling of Nathaniel.  What Godly character trait did Jesus praise Nathaniel for the first time they met? If this was their first meeting, what do we learn about Jesus and his knowledge of our hearts? What was Nathaniel’s response? What is your response?   It is easy to go on a walk or see creation and want to worship God for his creation, as we should! However next time you are out, I challenge you to try to notice the things that only God knows about. Maybe you and El Ron are the only ones who see the flower growing in a construction zone on the roadside. What about real life though? Everyday application?   Have you noticed the specific strands of color God placed in the iris of your daughter? Maybe the way your husband works so hard for your family. Have you noticed the stress lines on your supervisor’s face. El Roi knows everyone’s story. We mere mortals must ask, be observant and genuinely care for one another.  You could be the one to let others know there is a God who sees. Are you taking time to notice what God sees in your life? Who has God called you to notice? How can you reach out to them and show them God sees them?

Levi lay awake, feeling the dew soak in through his tunic. He had been watching the temple service sheep since he was a young boy. This was just another night filled with bleats and snorts. He felt a soft nudge on his calf. As he reached down to stroke the dirty wool, he scanned the horizon for predators. It was so dark he could barely make out the terrain. He knew most of his flock favored the gentle sloping hill to the right and decided to do a walking check.  One by one, he started calling names. Each one came trotting in his direction. They knew his voice and responded with blind trust. Bleating out through the blackness, searching for Levi. They wanted the presence of their shepherd.  Levi knew the destiny of each of his sheep would be as a sacrifice in the Temple in Jerusalem. He thought of how he wanted them to be treated with the special respect they deserved. Each one living a life for the service of YHWH.  Levi called to his friend, Benjamin, for a count of his flock. He heard Benjamin’s voice in the distance from the plain on his left.  By the sound of his voice, Benjamin was walking towards him.  Before he could call back, movement straight above him caught his attention. Searching the sky, he noticed the brightness of the stars, then a pain pierced his eyes, and he felt like he was looking at the sun. Instinctively, Levi crouched down, pulling the nearest sheep to his side. He shielded his face and worked up the courage to open his eyes toward the sky again.  The most indescribable sight Levi had ever seen shot fear straight to his stomach. An angel hovered right above him. Wings and eyes, light bursting from an angel, confused Levi, not knowing where or even how to look at it. Levi glanced over. Benjamin and the others were on the ground as well, blocking their eyes with their forearms.   “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."" Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬ A savior! We have waited so long! The Maccabees had tried to save them from Rome, but Rome was so big. Did he say, “For all the people?” He did! A savior for all people, even the Romans? I wonder what he saves them from. In swaddling cloths. Levi knew what that meant. It was the chosen messiah; each perfect lamb found for the temple sacrifice would be swaddled. Would the messiah be a sacrifice? The angel said it was a sign. Lost in his thoughts, Levi hadn’t noticed how long he had been staring up at the Angel, mesmerized. Then suddenly, there were more, so many more. Levi tried to take it all in. God’s glory shining around each one. Levi’s breath caught in his throat. He blinked quickly. It was so thunderous Levi jumped back.  A host of voices spoke as one, like the sound of roaring rivers. ““Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬ As quickly as the messenger had come, he had left. And the host with him. Levi was left mouth agape. He glanced down at his knees, bouncing involuntarily. He stood up slowly, feeling his heart still racing. “Benjamin! Did you see that?!” He could hear the trembling in his voice. Benjamin came running over with two of the younger shepherds on his tail.  “Do you know what this means, Levi?”  “We have to go see him!”  “Come on!”  Benjamin rounded the corner first, stopping short Levi almost ran into him. Levi stretched to see over Benjamin’s shoulder. He saw a young girl gazing into a manger. She crouched down next to her husband, who was playing with the infant's fingers. Uncurling the tiny hands with his pointer finger, then brushing his palm with the back of his fingers. The mother looked up at the sudden group of guests. Levi could tell she had been crying. She looked sweaty and exhausted. She managed a knowing smile and her husband invited them in.  There he was, swaddled tightly, just like a Passover lamb. Tiny and helpless, yet having just witnessed the sky full of angels, Levi could feel he wasn’t. All of heaven was watching. And soon, the world would be, too.  The light of the world had come. For years, it had been so dark, so overwhelmingly desperate. Levi looked into the tiny face, and all at once, he could see. Everything was light, Hope filled his heart. Benjamin was already down on his knees when Levi shifted to kneel. It was exactly as the angel said. Levi wasn't sure how long he had been kneeling to worship. He was lost in thought and possibilities. Levi searched Benjamin's face to see if he knew the gravity of the moment. He did. A wide smile slowly grew on Benjamin’s face, “I’m going to tell everyone !” He whispered. "Everyone!" Levi repeated. Both shepherds gave a nod of gratitude toward the baby’s parents and jumped up from the ground. Dodging the other shepherds who were just walking in to see, Benjamin and Levi bolted out of the stable, yelling to the others, “We’re telling everyone!” *** READ the following Scriptures. In a journal write down all the times when Jesus is called the Light. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.9.2.ESV “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.1.18.ESV   Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8: 12 “Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.4.12-17.ESV And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:5 Questions: Can you find other scriptures with the theme of Jesus being the Light of the world? Put yourself in the position of a shepherd that night. How do you think the shepherds experienced the Light of the world? How do you experience the Light of the World? As you observe Advent and anticipate the coming of Christ, how has the Light of the World spoken to you this month?

If you lived through the 1980s and 1990s, we all share some distinct memories from the past. It is 1992, at Thunderbird Roller Skating Rink. The walls are covered in colorful yet noticeably dirty carpet; the rental counter has a backdrop of cubicles filled with light brown skates with orange wheels and your size number on every heel. There is a distinct smell of active kids, disinfectant spray, popcorn, pizza, and a layer of cigarette smoke from decades past. The disco lights are swirling, and your favorite dance tunes are blaring from the DJ booth. In the 90s, it was the place to have your birthday party! After nearly breaking your tailbone a few times, a slice of pizza, and a massive piece of cake, the Birthday girl had a special treat. The birthday money machine! You know the one, the birthday girl dressed in her brightest neon and fluffiest side pony, excitedly gets to step inside a plexiglass box the size of a shower. Her sweaty tween friends gather around with envious, blue-shaded eyes. The money is blown around by fans from all sides; fluttering up, and down, sticking to her leg, fluttering by her eyes, smacking her in the face, and there are always a few stuck in the corner. For one whole minute, the birthday girl frantically grabs the money flying around her. What she can hold, she can keep. Thoughts are like the money machine sometimes, swirling around you, coming and going just as fast. I think I have a heap of dollar bills when a stiff wind blows it away again right out of my grip. The TVs everywhere, social media driven, virtue signaling companies, phones in every hand, the world we live in assaults our senses and makes critical thinking and faith-filled living seem like you’re grasping at flying dollar bills. “We destroy arguments, and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” 2 Corinthians 10:5 Discernment doesn’t enter the chaos box. That’s where they get’cha! Just like the fan that produces the wind to blow the money around, there is an enemy unseen, causing a chaotic life. Check out the context in which we are living. Read the previous verse, 2 Corinthians 10:3-4. “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” We walk in the flesh; our physical reality before us is this broken world, but the war Scripture says we are waging is spiritual. That sounds scary, fighting an unseen foe. That is why Satan wants our lives and thoughts so chaotic, to confuse and distract us from the weapons we already have. What does verse 4 say our weapons are capable of? Destroying strongholds with divine power. What kind of power? Divine! Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the whole armor of God. Read verse 12 to hear who we are fighting against. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit are the believer’s continued protection while warring with the enemy. I never experienced the excitement of the cash machine in my youth.  However, being Gen X or Xennial myself, I witnessed enough friends’ and strangers’ birthdays in the tornado of cash to have figured out a thing or two. As I grew older and more observant, I noticed something peculiar. In order to secure the most cash, the Birthday Girl only needed to remain still and use the tools they already had. Their arms! If a kid stood still while the money swirled frantically around them, and they placed their arms in a cradle position across their stomach, the fan would create a little money vortex, placing bill after bill into their arms. If the Birthday girl could control herself long enough, the fan would turn off, and she would have arms full of cash. How often do we frantically grab and swipe at thoughts and situations? God has given us the tools we need to fight the battles of this broken world. We will take thoughts captive. Philippians 4:4-7 tells us to, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.   Let your reasonableness[ d ] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.   And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” As the "principalities of this present darkness" create chaos, we take our thoughts captive, examining them with the truth of God’s Word. We rejoice because we aren’t alone in the swirling tornado of thoughts. The Lord is with us. He is with you. The world won’t understand when you stand still; it won’t get it when you stop swiping frantically. The follower of Christ can wage war and take thoughts captive, all while experiencing peace the world does not understand. Your heart and mind are guarded; you only need to be still. Use the tools God has given you to fight your battles while at perfect peace, then rejoice, strap on your rental skates, and take another lap. The Good Portion Journaling Questions: What thoughts do you need to take captive? What are some ways that you have tried to handle the chaos of the enemy in the past? What happened? What did you learn from that experience? How does scripture tell us to handle anxiety and chaos? Who does it say we are fighting against? What are some ways you can take your thoughts captive, rejoice, and live in peace this week?