Chapter 14: Reflection

Guest post by Dave Allen, a "The Story" reader! 

Most of us have heard the saying about some wealthy parent’s child being born with the silver spoon in his mouth, but in Solomon’s son’s case, Rehoboam was born with a GOLDEN spoon, because silver was considered of little or no value in Solomon’s day (p 190). 

Nevertheless, the narrative surrounding Rehoboam’s reign before he had even risen to the throne (cf. 1 Kings 11: 19-13) was not so golden. 

Within the first few days of his kingship, ten tribes ceded from his rule and formed the Northern Kingdom of Israel, leaving Rehoboam to preside over what was left of a great nation – the southern Kingdom of Judah.

On the other hand, Jeroboam (whom God had the prophet Ahijah anoint as king over the larger Northern Kingdom of Israel) brought about disaster upon himself. 

All of his woes were of his own making, to the extent that he will be forever known as “the man who caused all of Israel to sin.” (2 Kings 10: 29). 

Sadly, it didn’t have to be.  God had promised to make him “king over Israel, to reign according to all that he desired, if he would obey God’s commands and walk in his ways – “I will be with thee, and build for you a sure house, as I did for David, and will give Israel to you” (1 Kings 11:38).

In one narrative we have a son, born of wealth and prestige, who seems to have failed as a direct result of the failures of his father (or rather the judgment) leveled because of his father’s sins. 

In the other, a non-nobility, having been given the opportunity of a lifetime, failing of his own doings. 

In both instances disobedience of God’s commands has led to destruction.

A CLOSING THOUGHT

How many blessings and opportunities have we missed through our own disobedience?

Does it seem fair to you that the sins of the father can be visited upon the sons? Or do you disagree that Rehoboam’s reign failed as a result of the judgment for Solomon’s sins?

Chapter 14: Questions

A Kingdom Torn in Two 

As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!


CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What caused the kingdom of Israel to be divided? 

2. How did Rehoboam AND Jeroboam both make mistakes?

3. After reading this chapter, what does it say about God and what is important to Him?

3. In what ways has God been kind to you even when you didn't deserve it?

DIGGING DEEPER
1. "A house divided against itself cannot stand." The church has had its share of "civil wars" and divisions through the years. How can you help to contribute peace in your local church?

2. When Israel was devoted to God, they were strong and prospered; when they strayed in their devotion, their loyalty become weakened. How do you/have you seen this happen in your own life?

PERSONAL ACTION
This week, ponder one of these three questions: (Or all of them, if you want!)

1. Am I a peacemaker or a source of conflict in my relationships? How can I seek to build bridges and heal broken relationships in my life?

2. When I am placed in situations where I am called to be an influencer and leader, am I a humble servant?

3. Are there any idols in my life? even little ones? If so, what can I do to cast them out?

This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words. 

Reflection: Chapter 13

Guest post by Dave Allen, a "The Story" reader! 

Wisdom, wealth, and longevity. 

Solomon had it all. 

So much so that the famed Queen of Sheba was overwhelmed when she had visited the palace he had built. The food that was on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cup bearers and the burnt offerings he made at temple--they all compelled her to exclaim “Praise be to your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel” (pg. 178). 

He spoke “three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He spoke about plant life, animals and birds, reptiles and fish and he built the great cities of Israel” (pg. 178). 

So, what went wrong? 

How could the man of whom it is said, “He was wiser anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite” (pg. 178), have been so foolish that he caused the division of the greatest kingdom of the era?

The answer is simple – SIN. 

In particular, King Solomon's love for (LUST for!) women. 

King Solomon, the wise builder of the Lord’s temple, loved women ... more than he loved God.

“Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites…from nations about which the Lord had told the Israelites 'You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.'" (pg. 191)

God's desire for right worship and relationship with Him demands that we walk away from the negative (sinful) influences in our lives. In Solomon's case, it should have meant walked away from wives and concubines who believed differently than him. 

But like father, like son .... and Solomon followed in his father's steps along the path into sin,. which began with sexual lust and worshiping women rather than God. 

“He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray” (pg. 192). As Lucado penned, “the irresistible draw of sweet perfume led him to relaxing his guard…it was the beginning of the end” (pg. 191)

A CLOSING THOUGHT

Helen of Troy is said to have had a face that launched a thousand ships, but it was the love of a thousand women--rather than a love of God--that brought Solomon to his doom. 

Chapter 13: Questions

The King Who Had It All

As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!


CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. If God promised to give you one thing, what would you ask for? Why was Solomon's request for wisdom and discernment so pleasing to God?

2. How is wisdom different from knowledge and intellect?

3. How does one become wise?

4. Pride and lust were ultimately Solomon's downfall--how can you guard yourself against these sins? 

DIGGING DEEPER
1. As the temple is dedicated, Solomon prayed and spoke to the people of Israel (pp 186-188). What do his words teach us about God? What does he ask for himself and for he people, and how can his prayer teach us about speaking with God?

2. At the end of his life, King Solomon did some very foolish things (pp 191-192). What did he do and what were the consequences? How can we avoid ending foolishly? Instead, how can we finish strong? 

PERSONAL ACTION
The book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible is a book of reflections Solomon wrote at the end of his life. This week, take a few moments and read through his wisdom. How easy is it to focus on the wrong things? Ask God to show you what matters most to Him ... and what should matter most to you.

This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words. 

Chapter 12: Reflection

Guest post by Dave Allen, a "The Story" reader! 

“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war…” (p.161). 

There is a lesson to be gleaned from this line: had David been occupying himself within God’s purpose, fulfilling his kingly duties, he would not have been wandering about on the palace roof in Jerusalem and would never have seen Bathsheba bathing in the first place!

“Adultery.” Many believers these days do not like to think about it, but God commands the same sentence for adultery as he does for murder. 

I oft wonder why when so many of my fellow believers cheer and chant surrounding a murderer’s execution but I have never heard any of them calling for an adulterer to be put to death. Do they believe God’s Law has changed simply because adultery is accepted by secular society? Or perhaps it is because this sin hit a little too close to home for them?

At any rate, David’s adultery led to the murder of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband. We in the church do not like to talk about it, so we down play it as “David’s Sin” or even try to romanticize it as “The Story of David and Bathsheba,” but in all actuality it was a crime. 

David, the beloved King of Israel; the apple of God’s eye, was a criminal. He committed pre-meditated capital murder in his attempted cover-up of adultery. He had committed two capital crimes, each calling for the death penalty, and thought he had gotten away with them, until the prophet Nathan showed up at his door:

This is what the Lord says: “Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you….You did this in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel” (pg. 163).

Justice called for David’s death, but filled with remorse, David asked God to forgive him, and “God said yes” (pg. 165). It is my sincerest prayer that we, the Church, having been forgiven by God of our own sins, will strive to remember the mercy and grace God has shown upon us, before we determine to cast an unforgiving judgment upon others. 

As Charles Williams has said of the Lord’s Prayer, “No word in English carries a possibility of terror than that little word “as” in that one clause” – “as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

A CLOSING THOUGHT

Should criminals still be executed if they, like David, have asked for and received God’s forgiveness? 

Chapter 12: Reflection

The Trials of a King

As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!


CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What were some factors that led to David's sin with Bathsheba?

2. Bathsheba is silent in this story? What do you think was going through her head during this story?

3. The Bible often says the sins of parents will continue to be judged in the lives of their children. How did David's sin affect the future of his family?

4. David was allowed to plan the temple, but God told him that his SON would be the one to actually build it. How do you think David felt about that? How did David respond? 

DIGGING DEEPER
1. In the last chapter, when Saul was confronted with his sin, he made excuses instead of taking responsibility. What does David do when the prophet Nathan confronts him with his sin?

2. God forgave David ... but he still had to suffer the consequences for his sin. What were the immediate consequences? Long-term? 

PERSONAL ACTION
Why is it important for us to remember that even though we walk in God's grace, we TOO still must suffer the consequences for our sinful actions?

And what do we learn about the holiness and heart of God when we consider Nathan's interactions with David?

This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words. 

Chapter 11: Reflection

Guest post by Dave Allen, a "The Story" reader! 

I am beginning to see a trend: 

First, we had Moses, a murderer turned fugitive (Exodus 2:12-15), whom God called to deliver his enslaved people from the bondage in Egypt. 

And now we have David, a soon to be adulterer turned murderer (2 Samuel 11: 17), whom God calls to be the king if Israel. 

What will be next? Perhaps a thief on a cross together with Jesus in paradise (Luke 23:39-43). 

*Lucado has it correct “The Lord does not look at the things people look at, The Lord looks at the heart.” (pg.145)

David, a small unassuming shepherd boy, what an odd choice, to be the next king. Although he has been described as “glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features” (pg. 146), by all human judgment he certainly had no leadership experience that would qualify him to rule the troubled kingdom. 

Nonetheless, this sheep-keeping lad was God’s personal; choice. “Rise and anoint him,” the Lord commanded (Samuel 16:12), “this is the one.” 

So there he was, anointed and called .... and his simple life seems to become more and more troubled, as he spends most of his time trying to avoid being killed by the very king he had been anointed to replace! 

Even years later, long after he had been made king, his life always seemed clouded in sadness. I have noticed this within my own studies. While surveying those who have experienced theophonies (an appearance of God to people), most have reported an un-definable “cloud of grief” as a constant presence within their lives- as if God’s calling has brought them to the particular attention of the devil.

Granted in David’s case, he brought much of his observable trouble upon himself. The important lesson is that he made no excuses. He confessed his sins, accepted whatever judgment God determined, and continued onward toward the fulfillment of God’s purpose.

The nameless criminal is the only person to whom Jesus confirms that he will be together with him in paradise.

A CLOSING THOUGHT

Have you ever considered what Moses thought as God was listing the Ten Commandments and he got to the one that read “Thou shall not murder”? Do you suppose that he thought back to the murdered Egyptian he had buried in the sand?

Chapter 11: Questions

From Shepherd to King 

As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!


CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What can we learn about prayer from Hannah? 

2. How exactly did Samuel show his faith in God? 

3. Why was it so wrong for the Israelites to ask for a king? 

DIGGING DEEPER
1. How did Saul respond when confronted with his sin? How do YOU respond when confronted with your own sins and shortcomings? 

2. Where do you see God's grace at work in this chapter?


PERSONAL ACTION
Charles Caleb Colton coined the phrase, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" in the early 1800s. In other words, "People tend to do what the people around them are doing ... for better or for worse!" 

So, who do YOU hang out with? 

Who are you imitating? 

Who has the most influence over you? 

What are the unhealthy and ungodly habits you have picked up from others? And what are you going to do about them??

This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words. 

Chapter 10: Reflection

Guest post by Dave Allen, a "The Story" reader!

It was a dark and troublesome time in Israel when Samuel was born.

The long period of the rule of the judges ends with his birth. He belongs in the Hall of Fame of great prophets, and as such, his appearance signified failure on the part of God’s chosen nation.

Fittingly, as his name implies, he would speak in the name of God (“Samuel,” quite literally, means “name of God” or perhaps “heard from God”). He appears on the scene at a time when the nation’s leadership has become wholly negligent and corrupt.

Eli, himself, had grown old and fat (directly linking his death to the judgment foretold earlier in 2:29) while his children led the people into transgression (1 Samuel 2:22-25). Through his prophet, God pronounced his promised judgment upon the entire House of Eli (3:11-14; 4:10-22) and establish Samuel as God’s chosen Prophet-Judge over all Israel (4:1).

Sadly, in his old age, Samuel too, failed to pronounce judgment and correction over his sons whom he had appointed as judges. And because they, as with Eli’s son’s, had become corrupted (8:1-3) their perverted judgment (among other misdeeds) compelled the elders to demand that Samuel appoint a king to rule over the nation – convinced that a king would provide better judgment (8:4-5).

The “people thought that having a king like everyone else would solve their leadership problems” (pg.135), and they would not heed Samuel’s warning.

We often see a similar pattern within our own national leadership.

With an increased consistency, the headlines announce discoveries of the latest examples of governmental negligence and corruption (it never matters which party happens to be in office).  Television networks air entire specials focusing upon whatever the newest scandal may be, and church goers all over the country sit around complaining about how the nation’s leaders have “taken prayer out of schools, God out of the justice system, and Jesus out of the center of our lives”, never fully recognizing that we, citizens of the United States of America, much like the people of Samuel’s day, have demanded to govern ourselves- we wanted a government of the people, and God granted us our desire. We got exactly what we asked for.

We have a worldly government, and a worldly government can be expected to do worldly things. Perhaps rather than looking to elect a new political leadership, the Church would do better to pray for God to send us another Samuel!

A CLOSING THOUGHT

Why is it that whenever God starts a move toward correcting his wayward people, the religious elite always assume that someone is drunk (1 Samuel 1:14; Acts 2:13)?

Chapter 10: Questions

Standing Tall, Falling Hard

Chapter 10--almost a third of the way through "The Story!" Are you starting to see the big picture yet? How every part of the Bible is part of God's amazing story of love for us? We hope so!


As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!

CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What do you learn about prayer from Hannah?

2. How did Samuel show his faith in God?

3. Why was it wrong for the Israelites to ask for a king?

4. What factors led to King Saul's demise?

5. How did Saul respond when confronted with his sin? How do you respond when confronted with your own shortcomings?

6. What instances of God's grace do you see in this chapter?

DIGGING DEEPER
What does Eli teach Samuel about listening to God (1 Samuel 3:1-10, "The Story" pp 131-132)? What can we learn about communicating with God as we see Samuel's story unfold?

God's "Upper Story" plan is for him alone to rule as King over his people. In the "Lower Story," the people insist on having an earthly king. God gives in to their request. Do you believe God still allows us to have our way (on occasion) even if it is not his perfect will for us? Can you give an example? What usually happens in this situation?

PERSONAL ACTION
It is characteristic of kids to imitate what they see. It is ALSO characteristic of grown-ups, whether in Samuel's time or in our own. This tends to lead to following bad examples. Take some time this week to think through your behaviors, practices, shopping patterns, clothing choices, language, hobbies ... anything you might do because someone else do it too. Who do you imitate? Whose example do you follow? If you find something unhealthy, ungodly, or offensive, get rid of it!! Now!

This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words. 

Chapter 9: Questions

The Faith of a Foreign Woman

As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!


CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What does Ruth's story reveal about the love of God?

2. What does Ruth's story reveal about how God views all people groups? What does that mean for you?

3. Both Ruth and Naomi suffered tremendous loss. Why does a good and gracious God allow tragedy to come upon those who love him?

4. When difficult times come, what causes you to continue to hope in God?

5. Ruth left her home to follow Naomi and to follow God. How is God asking you to follow him?

6. In what ways do Ruth's actions and responses challenge you? Encourage you?

7. What steps can you take to become a more selfless, loving person?


DIGGING DEEPER
Naomi was a woman of faith BUT she also questioned God and was deeply honest about her struggles (Ruth 1:19-21; "The Story" p 122). In what was did Naomi's losses impact how she viewed God and his work in her life? When was the last time you were honest with God about your pain and hurt? What happened? As you look back on it now, have you learned anything about God's presence and faithfulness?

Boaz was a man of amazing character and wisdom (Ruth 2-3, "The Story" p 123-126). What can we learn from Boaz's interactions with his workers? with Ruth?

PERSONAL ACTION
When you think of how Naomi's life went from Mara (bitter) to Naomi (beautiful), what were the ways God extended grace to this faithful woman? Who needs YOU to come alongside of them to remind them that they are loved (or beautiful) and what is one action you can take this week to extend God's grace to this person?

AND/OR

Be a Boaz! He showed compassion to a person in need. Think through this coming week and identify one or two acts of compassion and generosity you can extend to a person who is hurting, marginalized, and in need.

This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words. 

Chap 8: Reflection

I have never served in the military ... but I HAVE sat through a number of military-themed movies (mainly because my dad had control of the remote at the the time).

So I confess I don't know a whole lot about military strategy. BUT one thing I am absolutely, positively sure of is this: you want as many people as possible on YOUR side and the fewest number of people on the opposing side.

It just makes sense. Throughout history, you always want the most soldiers on your side of the conflict. Always ... unless, God happens to be your General.

In chapter 8 of "The Story," we read first about God calling Gideon, saying to him, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior" (The Story, p. 108).  Which is kinda funny because Gideon is a simple farmer from the weakest clan in his tribe who needs not one but TWO fleece experiments to make sure God really meant what he said.

Gideon, quite understandably, has some concerns about the mission given to him, to save Israel from the grasp of the Midianites, who had recently joined forces with the Amelekites. And with "other eastern people." Gideon's concern: they're outnumbered.

And after voicing that concern to God, the Lord replies in return, "You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, 'My own strength has saved me.'"

Gideon thinks they don't have enough soldiers on their side; God thinks they have too many.

Per usual in these kinds of disagreements, God wins.

Through what must have been an early inspiration of how to "vote people off the island" (a la "Survivor" or "Big Brother"), the number of troops are reduced first by those who trembled in fear, then because of how they drink water ("The Story, p. 09-110). Gideon is left with 300 troops to face the mustered troops of multiple nations.

And you know what? At the end of the battle, Gideon and the tiny Israelite army are left standing victorious on the battlefield.

But not because of their strength.
Or their training.
Or their skill.
But because the Lord was with them.

Because the Lord was testing them "to see whether they will keep the way of the Lord and walk in it as their ancestors did" (The Story, p. 85).

Gideon and his little army were faithful and obedient, and they were rewarded for that.

It wasn't easy or convenient or comfortable to be faithful. In fact, the task at hand was so great that 22,000 trembled and were dismissed from duty. 10,000 were left. From there, the 10,000 was whittled down to 300.

300 soldiers whose hearts were tested and found pleasing to God.
300 soldiers who chose keep God's commands and to walk in the ways of their ancestors.

Perhaps ... perhaps when trials and difficulties come our way, instead of getting distracted by the numbers or the circumstances we could instead ponder that God might be testing us to see if we too will "keep the way of the Lord" and walk in a way that is pleasing to God. Maybe the outcome of the situation doesn't matter so much as the faithfulness of our hearts in the middle of the situation.

And maybe, as long as we can muster up even a little faith, God can do an awful lot. And it will be very obvious that our measly little pile of faith cannot accomplish such great things; it will solely be from the hand of God.

Chapter 8: Questions

A Few Good Men ... and Women

As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!

CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What does God's choice of Deborah as judge during this time reveal about God's view of women?

2. Why does God often use weak and uncertain people like Gideon to do his work?

3. If you ever feel uncertain about your gifts and abilities, how could the story of Gideon encourage and strengthen you?

4. What reasons can you give for why the Israelites kept repeating their downward cycle of sin?

5. What was the root cause of Samson's fall? What was the result?

6. What are the strongest temptations that you face? How do you fight such temptations?

DIGGING DEEPER
Very often, there are consequences when we refuse to follow God's way. Why do you think we continue to repeat the same sin patterns even though we know the outcome will not be good?

One of the recurring themes in this chapter of "The Story" is that a new generation would rise up that did not know God and what he had done for his people in the past. When we forget what God has done for us in the past, we wander away from him. It still happens today. What PRACTICAL things can we do (in our homes and at church) to help the next generation know and remember what God did for them in the past so they will remember and hold on to him in the future?

PERSONAL ACTION
Read and ponder Moses' song in Deuteronomy 32. Read it so often that it sinks down into your bones. Pick out a couple of verses that are particularly meaningful to you, write them down, and put them somewhere you will see often. Let the message of this song remind you of God's goodness and our human temptation to fall back into the same sins over and over again.


This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words. 

Chapter 7: Reflection

Ya gotta love Joshua.  He made being faithful look easy, didn’t he?  God said to do it and Joshua did it.  

God said not to do it and Joshua didn’t do it.  

And look how God blessed him for his faithfulness. 

At the beginning of the chapter, God has a little chat with Joshua and tells him some of the blessings that are to come, and then God promises to be with him as He was with Moses.  

God says, “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.”  Then he tells him one more time, “Be strong and very courageous.  Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go” (pg. 89). 

What an awesome promise God gives Joshua, and all Joshua has to do is be strong, courageous and obey, which is exactly what Joshua did.  Because Joshua was faithful, God gave him very specific instructions about how to deal with Jericho, Ai, the 5 kings of the Amorites, and all the royal cities.  As a result of his following God’s instructions, we read:  “So Joshua took the entire land, just as the LORD had directed Moses” (pg. 99). 

It is clear that the result of faithfulness is blessing.  

So why doesn’t everyone just obey God and receive God’s blessings?  Why aren’t we faithful all the time so that we can receive God’s blessings?  It seems simple enough, doesn’t it?  Faithfulness = Blessings. 

The key is at the end of the chapter in Joshua’s address to the elders, leaders, judges and officials of Israel.  He tells them:  “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness.  Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped…and serve the LORD.”  

Then Joshua gives them a choice:  “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (pg. 101).    Joshua says, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

There it is.  

We, too, have a choice every day.  

When you get out of bed every morning, you have a choice whom you will serve.  Will it be your boss when he/she asks you to do something just a little bit immoral?  Will it be your friends when they want you to do something you know your parents wouldn’t approve of?  Will it be the culture that is constantly challenging our Christian beliefs?  

OR…  will you make the decision each day:  “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD”?  

Think about where the blessings come from and then choose carefully.

Chapter 7: Questions

The Battle Begins

WELCOME BACK! Week 7! Can you believe you've made it this far? We hope you've begun to hear God speaking to you in a powerful way through "The Story."

As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!


CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. How could Joshua be "strong and courageous" in such intimidating situations?

2. What do you learn about God from the story of the story of Rahab the prostitute?

3. What do the string of amazing victories in battle the people experienced as they entered the land reveal about who is really in charge of history?

4. Why did God order the Israelites to go to war against others? How was this war justified? Do you agree?

5. How did Joshua challenge the people in his final speech?

6. Why do you think God lavished blessings on Joshua and all the Israelites, who, like Joshua, trusted God?

7. What practical steps can you take to gain a deeper faith in God?


DIGGING DEEPER
The first time spies were sent into the land 12 went--2 returned with a positive report, 10 with a negative one. Based on that, the Israelites decided it wasn't worth the risk. Forty years later, Joshua sent out spies again ... but this time in a team of 2. And the people acted on their report.  Someone once said, "Committees seldom make courageous decisions." Do you agree? Disagree? Most churches LOVE committees, even when they don't always function well. Is there value to listening to a couple of bold leaders rather than a committee? What would this do to the way we "do" church?

Sometimes being a Christian feels like you're swimming upstream, against the flow. Sometimes what you think is right (aka "pleasing to God") looks a lot different than what everybody else around you thinks. How does consistent and faith-filled reading of the Bible (God's story) help us remain strong? courageous? What are your personal habits and commitments when it comes to Bible Study? How can we encourage you in your love for God and his story?


PERSONAL ACTION
Take a few moments and examine your life, in particular the decisions you have made recently. Are you being courageous, willing to go against the flow and swim upstream? Or are there some places where the force of the water has pushed you downstream a bit? Use this time to take a stand--identify one area where you are ready to change the tide, be courageous, and to do God's will.

This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words. 

Chapter 6: Reflection

Wandering

At the end of Chapter 5, we read that “God taught them who he was and what he required of them,” (pg. 70) yet a number of times in chapter 6, God calls the Israelites a “stiff-necked people.”  

Why?  Because they believed…and then they didn’t….and then they did….and then they didn’t….(you get the picture!)  

God guided them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.  He rescued them from slavery.  He performed miracles in their presence.  He was with them on their journey.

So they worshiped and celebrated all the time because God was with them, right?  NOT!  

Instead, they complained about their hardships.  They were hungry; they were thirsty.  They wanted food, so God gave them manna to eat. Were they grateful for that gift?  Sure, for like a minute!  Then they got sick of it and wanted meat to eat.  Don’t ya just love God’s response:  “Now the LORD will give you meat, and you will eat it.  You will not eat it for just one day, or two days, or five, ten or twenty days, but for a whole month – until it comes out of your nostrils and you loathe it.”  That ought to fix them!

No wonder God called them “stiff-necked” people.  

I (Tina) got to thinking about what God might call us today.  How about “wishy-washy”?  We are all about being grateful for what God is doing in our lives….until we, or someone in our family, get sick.  “Why me, God?”  We are all about singing praises to God and worshiping Him….and then we leave church and get back to “the real world.”  

Our culture has taken prayer out of schools, God out of our justice system and Jesus out of the center of our lives.  Do you stand up for your faith in the midst of these circumstances? 

Well, do you?  

Many times it’s much easier to go with the flow, isn’t it?  It’s much easier not to rock the boat, isn’t it?  Go ahead, be honest. 

Wishy-washy. 

We know what we’re supposed to do and not do.  We know what God expects of us.  And yet when we ask ourselves the question:  “Why do we still do those stupid things?”  we respond like Aaron in the cartoon above:  “I dunno.” 

Friends, let’s take from this chapter the challenge to step up our Christian game.  I challenge you to think of 3 ways that you can stand up for your faith this week; ways that you can take a stand for Jesus.  

I know you can do it!

Chapter 6: Questions

Wandering

As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!

CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What do you think was the root cause of most of the Israelites' problems? Why?

2. How did God respond to the people's lack of faith?

3. Why is God so radically opposed to sin?

4. What do you learn from Moses' leadership throughout this difficult period? How did he display frustration and faith?

5. Have you ever felt as if you were "wandering in the wilderness"--spiritually or emotionally? Explain.

6. How can having faith in what God has promised help you in difficult times?

DIGGING DEEPER
All through this chapter of "The Story," God disciplines the people (sometimes quite strongly) to get them back on course. What are the values of being disciplined by one who loves us and wants the best for us?

What is one way you are seeking to pass on a healthy and positive legacy to the next generation? How can we pray for you as you seek to be a blessing to the children, grandchildren, or young people in your life?

PERSONAL ACTION
In this chapter, we read about how Joshua and Caleb came back from their exploration of the land and gave wise counsel. Unfortunately, no one listened. This week, find a time to talk with one or two wise people of faith who know you well and ask for their insights and perspectives on your life. Ask them a question or share one of your problems with them. Invite their wisdom and prayerfully LISTEN to them! Maybe this is something you should think about doing on a semi-regular basis, like once a month??

This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words. 

Sermon: Chap 5

Intro  

One time and only one time can I remember my parents washing my mouth out with soap. (Yes, I was a goody-two-shoes, without a doubt. I used to cry when they even threatened to spank me!)

On this fateful day, I happened to say a word, in their presence, which I probably learned on the bus but didn’t yet know was not the kind of word that should be repeated. So as a reminder not to say that word EVER AGAIN, they washed my mouth out with soap.

(For the record, washing my mouth out with soap was a very effective punishment--I don’t think I’ve ever said that word again. Maybe if you ask me nicely after church, I’ll tell you what the word was--but I’m NOT going to say it in the pulpit for fear that one of YOU will want to wash my mouth out again!)

At any rate, in our Scripture reading today, we find the inspiration for every parent’s favorite punishment when unsavory language comes out of a child’s mouth--washing it out with soap. Well, it’s not exactly the same thing, but it’s awfully close, which you’ll see in a second.

We’re going to look at the incident of the Golden Calf. While Moses is up on Mt Sinai, hanging out with God and receiving the 10 Commandments, his co-leader and brother Aaron is left alone trying to manage those pesky Israelites. Moses is gone so long, the people begin to feel abandoned by him … AND by God. So in their minds, they do the next logical thing--they ask Aaron to build them a god to worship since the one they WERE worshiping seems to have disappeared.

Chap 4: sermon recap

SCRIPTURE  “The Story” bottom p56 - p57 (Ex 17:1-7)

17 The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.”

Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test?”

3 But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?”

4 Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”

5 The Lord answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 And he called the place Massah[a] and Meribah[b] because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

The grass withers and the flower fades but the Word of the Lord endures forever. Amen.

SERMON—introduction

In chapter 4 of “The Story,” we read about how when God’s people cry out for deliverance from slavery in Egypt, God answers by providing Moses, who leads them into freedom.

And we read about how when God’s people cry out for deliverance from hunger, God answers by providing manna (stuff to make bread in the morning) in the morning and quail in the evening.

And at the very end of the chapter, we read about God’s people crying out for deliverance from thirst, longing for a drink of water as they follow Moses, wandering through the wilderness.

Now, this is not your ordinary kind of thirsty. This is not the kind of thirst every kid gets before bedtime, wanting just a little sip of water. And it’s not the kind of thirst you get from being out in the hot sun, working in the yard. It’s not even the kind of thirst you get after running a marathon.

For the Israelites the kind of thirst goes deeper than just a drink of water. The Israelites are wandering in the wilderness, wondering if and when their journey will ever end. And more than just a place, this wilderness is becoming a state of mind--a state of being hungry and thirsty lost and wandering and wondering if life will ever get back to the way it was.

Their physical thirst may be for water … but their spiritual thirst is for hope and assurance.

Chapter 5: video recap

REFLECTION: Chapter 5

Consecrate is a word you don't hear used often these days but it's very important in this chapter of "The Story."

According to the footnote on page 60, to consecrate is "to dedicate a person or thing to God's service."

Dictionary.com expands on that definition a bit by saying it is "to make or declare sacred; set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity." As in, we "consecrate" a new church building.

You get the gist, right? Take someone or something valuable and make is sacred by dedicating him/her/it to God.

In this chapter, we read about God's command to Moses to consecrate the people in preparation for a meeting with Him, a fairly unheard of event. In this case, the consecrating entails ritual washing of their clothes and bodies. One might also guess that there was to be some spiritual preparation involved in this as well.

And frankly, this consecration and the face-to-face meeting with God freaked the Israelites out. And then they chickened out, sending Moses out instead.

Another well-known story of consecration (or dedication) details the story of Hannah and the son she ached to bear. Once Samuel (whose name means "I asked God for him") was born, she dedicated him to God through the priest Eli saying,

 “Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.”

Consecration flows out of overwhelming gratefulness, marking someone or something as special, sacred, holy. It is a person or thing which is given (as much as a person might give another person!) into service to God. 

It is a preparation for something amazing which is about to happen to the consecrated person or thing. A way of getting ready to be an instrument of God's peace and love ... or maybe even an instrument of God's judgement.

Have you ever felt this kind of overwhelming-ness? That total surrender to God of a person or a thing you love that much in order to prepare them for something amazing?

I bet you have but maybe you didn't have a name for it. But now you do! Consecration--to dedicate someone or something to God.

If you haven't done this before, what are you waiting for? What are you willing to consecrate today?

Chapter 5: Questions

New Commands and a New Covenant

As always, feel free to answer these questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!

CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. How were the people to prepare themselves to meet with God?

2. What does this story of the giving of these new commands tell you about the character of God?

3. What was the purpose of the Ten Commandments?

4. How can God be both the merciful forgiver of sin and the punisher of the guilty?

5. The Israelites became impatient and finally made a golden idol in the shape of a calf for themselves. What are some false gods/idols in our society today?

6. The Lord spoke to Moses "as one speaks to a friend." What steps can you take to gain a deeper understanding of who God is?

DIGGING DEEPER
Think about the Israelites creating the golden calf idol as "Mad Cow Disease." It's an example of people trying to invent their own religion and to create God in their own way. How do people still do this today and how are the results just as disastrous?

God promised that his presence would be with the people and they would stand out in the world because of it. This is still true today. What are some ways Christians SHOULD stand out? What is one way YOU stand out ... or maybe should stand out?

PERSONAL ACTION
Read Matthew 5:17-48 where Jesus talks about the 10 Commandments in the Sermon on the Mount. Does he contradict them? Help them explain them? Do you read them differently now? This week, think about how these "rules" actually bring life and hope.


This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words. 

REFLECTION: Chapter 4

It seems like when I (Allison) sit down to write one these little reflections (and sermons), I can't manage to get past first page of each chapter before I find a phrase that captures my imagination.

Last week, I was caught up in the story of Abraham and Sarah and the idea of God blessing them (and us) in order that they (and we) may be a blessing to others. [In fact, if you want to see just how stuck on that I got, check this out.]

THIS week, I didn't make it past this sentence (in "The Story," page 43):

"Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt." 

There's something very powerful about this sentence--something about a loss of perspective that makes my heart ache a little bit.

Somehow, history was lost. Memory was lost. Identity was lost.

In the middle of the muddle of everyday things, over the course of years and years, God's people drifted and drifted and drifted. And suddenly they found themselves being ruled by someone "to whom Joseph meant nothing."

The power of Joseph's story meant nothing now. The idea of "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" meant nothing ("The Story," page 42, Genesis 50:15-20).

Perhaps what makes my heart ache the most is that this happens so easily. Time and again we read about the Israelites forgetting about God and all He had done for them. They get so wrapped up in their individual lower stories that they forget all about God's upper story: how God is faithful and loving and chasing after them to bring them closer to His side.

They forget.

And we forget too.

We get wrapped around the axle of our lower stories and lose sight of God's upper story just as easily. (It's that whole darn sin thing again.) We forget who we are (beloved children of God) and to whom we belong (the Creator and Sustainer of the universe) and how we are to live (loving God and loving neighbor).

You know what we need to remember? Not to forget. Not to forget who we are and whose we are and how to live.

I can't say it any better than Deuteronomy 6 says it:

4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 

7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 

8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  9 Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.

Don't forget. Teach your children and grandchildren and the children at your church and in your neighborhood to love the Lord with all their heart and soul and strength. Talk about it at home; talk about it in public; think about it before you go to sleep and when you wake up.

Model it for others.

Whatever you do, don't forget. Please don't forget.

Don't forget the power of Joseph's story--don't forget the power of God using the bad guys for good purposes. Don't forget the amazing story of God delivering his people from the hands of a king "to whom Joseph meant nothing."

Our prayer for you is that these 31 weeks with God and His "Story" will be a time of permanently imprinting His love for you on your heart. Of sealing these words of love inescapably on your soul. Like a tattoo, on the inside.

Enduring words, for all times.

Remember who you are, Whose you are, and how to live.  


TAKING IT A STEP FURTHER
So, what's one thing you can do today to make sure you don't forget and become someone "to whom Joseph meant nothing??"

Chapter 3: Sermon (Tina)

CHAPTER 3: THE STORY

Joseph: From Slavery to Deputy Pharaoh

Scripture review ... 

So…I think that 2 words summarize this chapter:  

Dysfunctional Family.  

Wouldn’t you agree?  

This chapter should make every one of us feel better about our own family of origin.  Let’s face it, no family is perfect and every one of us could probably tell stories about their family; about arguments and who’s not speaking to whom, about the crazy aunt or uncle – or maybe you ARE the crazy aunt or uncle that the rest of the family talks about!  

You could tell stories of cheating, lies, habits, addictions, secrets, and stories that would make the rest of our hairs stand on end.  But the thing is, we don’t tell those stories, do we?  We keep them tucked away in a safe place or we keep them swept under a rug, but we definitely don’t share them.

Chapter 4: Questions

Deliverance

This was a crazy chapter--so much going on! Let's see if you were able to keep it all straight.

As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!

CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What was significant about Moses' birth?

2. How did God display his concern and love for his people after hearing their cries and groaning?

3. In what was was Moses qualified to lead the people? In what was did he feel he was NOT qualified?

4. Have you ever felt unqualified or unable to do something, as Moses did? How did you handle it?

5. "The Story" notes several amazing miracles in the deliverance of the people from Egypt. Do you believe God performs miracles today? Why or why not?

6. What can you learn about the character of God from the story of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery?

DIGGING DEEPER
What is one area of your life where you tend to focus on your limitations rather than God's ability to work through you? How can WE (the folks following along on-line) pray for you and encourage you in this area?

What connections do you see between the Passover (Exodus 12:1-24, "The Story" pp 51-52) and Jesus' death on the cross?

PERSONAL ACTION
God is calling you to something. By now, you've maybe even figured out what that "some thing" is. Now, get out there and do it! Surrender to God's leading and take action.


This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words. 

Chapter 3: Sermon (Allison)

[“The Story” page 39, bottom of 41-top 42  

(Gen 45:1-8, Gen 50: 15-21)]

    

SERMON—introduction

We’ve been reading “The Story” now for three weeks. And this chapter about Joseph has proven to be one of those chapters that I couldn’t stop reading. Even though I know how it ends, I couldn’t put it down.

So that makes me wonder. What makes a good story, the kind you can’t put down? What makes something the kind of story that you’ll stay up all night reading? Or so that you’ll read it again?

Or, if reading’s not your thing, what kind of story does it take that you HAVE to buy a movie when it comes out on DVD so you can watch it over and over again?

Or, what kind of story will you listen to grandparent or maybe a great-grand parent tell again and again and again?

What is it about a good story that makes you not want to put it down?

(wait for answers--the story touches you or changes you in some way; you learn something new about life or yourself; it has substance, it’s not just about fluff--usually; it’s the kind of story that’s perfect for you but maybe not for everybody else)

#1

One thing you must, must, MUST have for a good story is conflict and resolution, right?[1]

There’s got to be a conflict between good guys and bad guys. And most of the time, the bad guy (or bad girl) is created in such a way as to be SO evil, SO rotten, SO despicable that it’s OBVIOUS we want to root for the good guy (or good girl), who is usually created to be an underdog, a common person who rises to an uncommon level of bravery or courage or even physical strength in order to swoop in and save the day.

Think Batman and the Joker; the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Shredder; Jerry Seinfeld and Newman or the Soup Nazi; James Bond and any of the villains he pursued; Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker … the list goes on and on. You can fill in your own favorite here/villain duo.

REFLECTION: Chapter 3

Joseph: From Slave to Deputy Pharaoh



"Jacob had 12 sons. But Joseph was his favorite." 

Right there.
Those two little sentences sure don't bode well for Joseph.

Favored as he was by his father, his "lower story" life was decidedly UNfavorable ...

Beaten up by his brothers.
Thrown into a hole by his brothers.
Left for dead, again, by his brothers.
Oops, wait, sold into slavery instead. (Brothers again.)
Thrown into jail.
Framed for rape.
Thrown in jail. Again. 

After reading that list, you might think the moral of the story is: "Don't mess with your brothers." (My brothers would probably give that a hearty, "Amen!") 

But Joseph's story isn't really about them. His brothers are just the minor characters in his story. They're bad guys God uses for GOOD in his "upper story." 

From our perspective (lower story), Joseph is in the very worst place--far from home, abandoned by family, stuck in jail. But from a divine perspective (upper story), he was in the very BEST place--right where God wants him to be.

God uses the sins of others to prepare Joesph for something very, very good: to be second in command to the Pharaoh, a place of power and influence that God can use for his purposes.

It doesn't mean it wasn't painful. It doesn't mean it wasn't scary and awful and probably something Joseph never would have volunteered for. But it was all a part of his story. And the bad part is not the end of his story.

If his brothers hadn't sold him into slavery and if Potiphar's wife hadn't gotten him thrown in jail, he would have never met the king's servant who needed someone to interpret a dream, which was his ticket out of jail. All the bad guys in this story had a purpose and a role: to put Joseph right where God wanted him to be.

God can do amazing things with sin and terrible situations because God is sovereign. He is in control when life feels out of control; he gives meaning to things which seem purposeless.


DO IT
Think about a difficult time in your life and how God used the bad to make something good. Think about a time in your "lower story" where God's "upper story" broke in and gave you hope and the strength to persevere.

Fill in this sentence: "If I had not gone through _____________________________, then I never would have learned _____________________________." 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 

Chapter 3: Questions

Joseph: From Slave to Deputy Pharaoh 

Week 3, week 3! Congratulations!

Now, let's get down to business. (As always, feel free to answer the questions in the comments but if you don't want to do them all, maybe focus on the "Digging Deeper" questions or sharing how things went with the "Personal Action.")

CHECK YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. Why did Josephs's brother want to get rid of him?

2. Why does God allow hurtful things to happen to good people? to bad people?

3. What were the positive effects of Joseph's being sold into slavery?

4. What does Joseph's statement to his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good," tell you about God?

5. In what was have you see God work through the most bleak and hopeless situations to cause a greater good?

6. Why can God be trusted at all times?

DIGGING DEEPER
Joseph COULD have retaliated and gotten revenge on his brothers for all the wrong they did to him. But he didn't. Instead, he provided for them and extended forgiveness. What makes it hard to forgive people who have intentionally wronged us? What can we do to forgive, even when it is difficult?

Joseph could say, "If my brothers had not turned on me, if Potiphar's wife had not falsely accused me, I would have never ended up becoming the king's right-hand man."  Finish THIS statement for yourself:
"If I had not __________________________, then I never would have _________________________."

PERSONAL ACTION
Forgiveness is one of life's hardest actions. When someone has hurt us, it can be extremely difficult to forgive. During the next couple of days, read Genesis 50:15-21, Matthew 6:9-15, and Matthew 18:21-35. Pray for the courage and strength to forgive those who have wronged you OR to ask someone to forgive YOU have wronged.


This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. If you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.  

Blessed to Be A Blessing

Chapter 2 Sermon (Allison)

SCRIPTURE  (from “The Story” book page 13; Genesis 12:1-5) 

12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

2 “I will make you into a great nation,
    and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
    and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.”

4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.

The grass withers and the flower fades but the Word of the Lord endures forever.

SERMON—introduction

There’s an old wives’ tale that suggests that if your ears feel like they’re burning, it’s because someone’s talking about you. And apparently, if it’s your LEFT ear, someone’s saying good things but if it’s your RIGHT ear, someone’s saying something not so nice.[1]

I’m pretty sure this is all a bunch of baloney … but for the purposes of today’s sermon, I gotta ask: were your collective LEFT ears burning this week? Because I was talking about you … and rest assured, it was all good stuff!

Tina, the pastor from the Paris Church, and I were pondering what part of this week’s chapter from “The Story” we might use for worship. And we ended up talking about how a lot of people from both of our churches have lived here forever.

#1

In my mind, as I thought about you--picturing where each of you usually sit on Sunday morning--I was pretty sure that most of you have lived here or somewhere nearby your whole lives. Or, if you were born somewhere else, you’ve now lived here for a significant part of your life. This has become home to you.

And whenever you find a place to call home, more often than not, you are reluctant to leave it. I’m not talking about vacation; I’m talking about uprooting the life you’ve come to know and moving somewhere you’ve never been before. I’m talking about packing up your house and your family and moving across country to a place you’ve never seen before, don’t really know anything about, and don’t really know what to expect.

Leaving behind your friends and family and friends who are like family. Leaving behind your social network and those who support and encourage and love you. Leaving behind your doctors and dentist and the plumber, electrician, and car mechanic you’ve come to know and trust.

What would it take to get you to leave this place and stay away? What kind of a promise would God have to make to you get you to start a completely new life with no looking back?

Reflection: Chapter 2 ... SOVEREIGN

Have you ever wanted something (or someone) so much that you were willing to go to crazy lengths to get what/who you wanted?

If so, you're not alone. Let me introduce you to Abraham and Sarah, an octogenarian couple who really, really wanted to have a child.

In fact, God told them they would have a child. Not only that, but also that their descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. They were ecstatic. And a little bit incredulous.

But because they wanted the child so darn much, it was pretty hard to continue to believe God's promise since no child appeared on the scene. Not that day. Nor the next. Or the next. (You get the picture.)

With each passing day, as they waited for God to deliver on His promise, they got a little older and incredulous-er. Thinking Sarah's elderly body might be the problem, they took matters into their own hands to help God out. Remember last week when we talked about how God's image in us is blurry? Here's a good example--they knew that God would keep His promise but they just couldn't wait.

(If you haven't yet, read how well their Plan B worked out here HERE.  PS It didn't.) 

It turns out Sarah wasn't the problem, not really. And Abraham wasn't the problem either. SIN was the problem--impatience and envy and thinking they knew better than God.

Fortunately for them, their God--and OUR God--is sovereign.
God is in complete control.
Of everything.
Of His promises and the ways He keeps His promises.

And even when we try to help things along--or rather, HURRY things along--we will never ruin God's plan.

Complicate it, yes. But ruin it? Not in a million years.
Thank God.

QUESTIONS--feel free to leave your answers in the comment! 
Time to 'fess up: when have you tried to "help" God out by hurrying things up? What was the result?