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My dad has a party trick that is always a hit with the grandkids. He can make a coin disappear. Sometimes it’s a small piece of candy or maybe a straw wrapper if they are restless in a restaurant. He holds it in one hand between his middle finger and thumb, showing it to kids. With one swift motion it is gone, he throws the invisible item in the air, and it reappears behind an ear. They giggle with amazement as they try to figure out how he did it. It’s fun to watch the grandkids grow older, increasingly convinced they have figured it out. Sometimes he will switch it up with a magic word or blowing on his hand to make it appear. Delight mixes with confusion, while their critical thinking and problem solving goes into overdrive. Now imagine the disciples watching not just a slight of hand trick but the actual disappearance of Jesus. He defied the laws of physics and rose up into the sky. Wonder multiplied by infinity, is how I imagine the disciples felt during their last meeting with Jesus on earth. We learned from verse 4 that they had stayed in Jerusalem. In our passage today you can see the wheels turning in the disciples’ heads. What is going to happen next? Let’s put ourselves in their shoes for a moment. Each one called out of their previous lives, starting over, stepping out to follow Jesus. Three years of watching Jesus do his ministry, understanding that most of what you were taught as a good Israelite, actually meant the opposite, seeing Jesus heal the sick, raise the dead, and tell off the religious elite. They thought he was going to overthrow the Roman government only to watch him lay down his life to the authorities, and witness the brutal death of your friend, and leader. They grieved together as a group and then experienced the overwhelming joy of seeing Jesus’ resurrection together. They spoke with him, ate with him, could hug him and laugh with him again. Jesus was back, physically back. Surely now the rollercoaster was over, and he would get down to the business of overthrowing Rome and restoring Israel.  Like my children watching my dad do his magic trick, the disciples must have been thinking with each wild experience that they could figure out what was coming next. Our finite minds try to make sense of things, that’s being human.  However, the disciples could never have expected what was coming next. Let’s read the passage, Acts 1:6–11 (ESV): 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”   They asked Jesus if what they had expected all along was finally coming next and in true Jesus fashion, he doesn’t give them a yes or no. He tells them the truth, puts them in their place and encourages them all in one. Jesus says, the “Father has fixed by his own authority”, this shows us that God has had his plan all along. Jesus tells the disciples of God’s sovereignty within our salvation, sanctification and what is coming next, the birth of the church. Don’t worry though, after Jesus says no to giving the information they were seeking, he then gives them an assignment with certainty. He declares, “You WILL receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” He gives them a task, a mission, a purpose; “You WILL be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth”.  This was not what the disciples were expecting but Jesus showed kindness with his clarity. As we read on in the Book of Acts, we will see this is exactly what the disciples did for the rest of their lives. The disciples were mere mortals, however, so Jesus made sure they knew, they would not be alone. In verse 8 he tells them, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” As a side, it is important to note here the appearance of the Trinity. The Trinity is not a word used in Scripture, but the concept of a triune (Three-in-one) Godhead is all over Scripture. Verse 7 reveals the Father’s omnipotence and omniscience in His restoration of humanity and his creation. He has all knowledge and authority. In verse 8 Jesus acknowledges the Holy Spirit as part of the God head, as the source of power for Christians and as the person of the Trinity that “comes upon” us. The very beginning of the Book of Acts, and the very beginning of the Church, Jesus gives the disciples the source of power. The Holy Spirit is the main character of the book of Acts. We are about to see all that he does in and through the followers. If there was one section of Scripture that I wish had more detail it would be Acts 1:9-11. My mental visual of the assentation of Christ is always Jesus on cables being unevenly hoisted by a stagehand, or maybe bad CGI in a low budget film. Reading this passage gives me the same feeling as my children as they watch my dad make a coin disappear. Where did he go? No one can fault the disciples for staring into the sky in wonder. I would too. Focused on Jesus and watching him go, the disciples did not seem to notice the two “men in white robes. What they said to the disciples is the kindest nudge from heaven to be about the business of Christ. Jesus had just told them what to do, and while they were still saying their “southern goodbye” watching him until he was all the way out of sight, the two angels, pulled them back to earth with a rhetorical question. In Verse 11 these two angelic beings say, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you to heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go to heaven.”  My paraphrase is, Hey! What are you waiting for?! He is coming back, so get to work. Go! Be witnesses! I can imagine the emotional whiplash they must have felt. Being amazed at all God is doing and then being snapped back to the task at hand. Our lives can feel like that too at times. Wins and losses, times of clarity and understanding can quickly become muddied by new circumstances or shifts that are inevitable in life. Sometimes we stand gazing up at Jesus wondering what he will do next, waiting for the Holy Spirit to lead us onward, but this Scripture can be a gentle reminder to be about the mission while you wait. In the next section of Acts we will study what the disciples did after seeing Jesus go, but for now, let’s ask ourselves what we can do when our emotions are on a spiritual roller coaster. We can live in the wonder and amazement of all that Jesus does and live with our eyes glued to him like a child watching a magic trick. What will he do next? We can hear the assignment and get started, knowing that he will return, and he has given us instructions. Keep the wonder but get to work. The Good Portion Journaling Questions: Tell about a time when you were amazed and confused at the same time. Where were you? How old? Do you like being amazed or are you bothered by not knowing how it’s done? In verse 7 Jesus acknowledges the Father’s knowledge and Authority, when have you seen the Father’s authority in your life? Is it hard for you to live in His authority? Have you had a time when you felt the Holy Spirit leading you to be a witness to those that don’t know him? Tell about what you learned about the Holy Spirit from that experience. What did you learn about the Trinity in this passage? The Father? The Son (Jesus)? The Holy Spirit?

New years is for something new. New goals new diets, new plans and dreams. So I thought we would try something new as well. No we aren’t starting a new fad diet, that out. Plus, my birthday is in January and I want to eat my birthday cake. I have been thinking of a time when God was starting something new as well. He started something new at creation, he revealed what he had been doing all along at the birth of Christ ( new to us) however there is another something new that we can study in Acts, and Luke has written it all down for us. The birth of the Church, Jesus literally sends His Spirit, the Holy Spirit to indwell his people. The Holy Spirit is a constant for the believers, always there, never leaving, counselor and guide. From this day on, the miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit begins to work in and sanctify the early believers as they set up the fellowship of “The Way”. The Church is born and God was doing something completely new! So we start in the middle of the story but at the perfect spot to see God doing something new. In the book of Acts Luke gives his friend Theophilus, and us, a mini recap of what’s been happening. In the gospel of Luke he starts at the birth of Christ and in his second book of Acts he starts at the birth of the Church. Acts 1: 1-6 “In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/59/act.1.1-5.ESV TGP Journal Questions: To whom is Luke Writing? What does Luke say has happened before this letter? Fill in the blanks from verse 3: He presented himself ________ to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during _____ days and speaking about the ___________ of God. What were the disciples instructions from Jesus as he left? What did John baptize with? What does Jesus baptize with? Why is this significant? What a the Holy Spirit doing in your life right now? What is the Holy Spirit doing in the Church right now? ( think bigger than your local church, think global) What fresh new thing is God doing in your life?  How are you prepared to obey the Spirit in the coming year?

I watched my dad unlatch the tail gate of his 76’ candy apple red Chevrolet. My sisters and friends and I climbed in the bed of the truck bundled in our warmest gear. Dad hopped in the front to drive, while whistling his favorite Christmas tune. Mom had a thermos of cocoa ready to pour. The wood that lined the bed was cold, so we spread out sleeping blankets and cuddled up under comforters. I leaned up against my older sister making sure my head could swivel to see every house we passed.  The truck moved forward slowly, and my dad cranked up the tunes. The lights glittered on all sides. We laughed as we pointed to our favorites, continuing the never-ending debate of which were better, white or colored lights. We ranked our favorites 1-10 with high marks for tall trees with every limb wrapped. I imagined the acrobatic feats of the person that had to climb the gigantic oak trees to fill each branch. I wondered how the lights got up so high to line the roofs of the two-story houses. It was an over stimulation of sparkling lights and wonder, and I soaked up every second. *** I was barely old enough to be trusted with a candle, but everyone was handed one upon entering the sanctuary. My family climbed the mezzanine to the left as we did every Sunday. I held the candle in my warm hand all service attempting to remold it into a candy cane shape. My dad’s hand was so much bigger than mine he could twist it into cool shapes. My impatience usually meant I would break it at the bottom. Dad would switch candles with me giving me a perfect wax handle. I’d distractedly listen as best I could to the Christmas eve service but as soon as the pastor lit the first candle, I was laser focused on the effect of the light. The house lights would dim, and I would watch as little flames spread from person to person. Soon the whole room was alight with warm candlelight. I’d sing Silent Night with hundreds of people, my eyes darting from my melting candle to the room. Like glittering stars, the candlelight danced in front of each worshiping face. My favorite part was lifting the candle high above my head, and seeing the congregation do the same. The light drew me in, my eyes not feeling wide enough to hold all the beauty.   What is it about lights that draw our eye? The contrast to the darkness? The illumination of the details? The wonder of the lights of Christmas is just a spark compared to the beauty of Christ. He draws us in, fills us with astonishment. Israel was waiting for the light, the Scriptures say Jesus is the light. Read through these scriptures that tells us about the Light and journal your thoughts about Christ as the light. “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 any thing 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.” John 1:1-9 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.1.1-9.ESV 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. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” Isaiah 9:2-3, 6-7 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.9.2-7.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 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.8.12.ESV “So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.” John 12:35-36 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.12.35-36.ESV “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:6-10 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/eph.5.6-10.ESV ““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.5.14-16.ESV   ““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 4:15-17 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.4.15-17.ESV   TGP Journal Questions: What Scripture stands out to you? Rewrite it in your journal. What are your favorite memories of Christmas lights? Write about a time when Christ was the light in your life? When were you walking in the dark? Have you stepped into the light, making Christ the light of your life or are you still walking in darkness? Write a prayer thanking God for coming to illuminate our darkness at Christmas.

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!