Author: Jennifer Armstrong

1 Samuel 3; Romans 3; Jeremiah 41; Psalm 17

Today marks the halfway point of the 2016 summer Olympics. Despite the fact that I’m dead tired because I’ve been staying up way too late, I have had so much fun watching the competition.  These athletes are truly amazing.  I watched the US take gold in the women’s gymnastics team competition earlier this week.  As I jumped on ESPN.com to see what the sportscasters had to say the next morning, I saw an article about Gabby Douglas’ hand position during the medal ceremony.  Her patriotism was being questioned because her hands were at her sides, instead of having one hand on her heart like the other gymnasts.  Really?  Can’t we just celebrate the victory?  Nope.  Typical 21^st century America – we had to find a way to make the 2012 women’s all-around champion, who tirelessly trained, overcame setbacks, fought her way back on to the 2016 team, then helped 3 first time Olympians win a gold medal, feel like she wasn’t good enough.

Our scripture in the first half of Romans 3 left me with a similar feeling today. Not good enough.  I am a Christ follower.  I pursue righteousness.  But verses 13 and 14 describe my words and actions more often than I want them to.

There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.  All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.  Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips.  Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.  Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know.  There is no fear of God before their eyes (Romans 3:10-18).

It is true. On my own, I am not capable of living up to God’s standards.  I am not good enough.  But read on, the second half of Romans 3 shows us there is still hope for me and there is hope for you.  Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice for our sins so we could be righteous in God’s eyes. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe (Romans 3:22).  This is great news.

My analytical mind, however, still wrestles with the question why.  Why would God offer sinners salvation through faith alone?  May I share with you a few insights I found incredibly helpful this week as I read through the Life Application Study Bible (Tyndale House Publishers)?

• Faith eliminates the pride of human effort because faith is not a deed that we do.
• Faith exalts what God has done, not what we do.
• Faith admits that we can’t keep the law or measure up to God’s standard, we need help.
• Faith is based on our relationship with God, not our performance.

God’s plan keeps our focus on him, not on ourselves.  Makes total sense.  The masterful plan of a perfect God.

Today’s reading:  Judges 20; Acts 24; Jeremiah 34; Psalms 5–6

In Acts 21, Paul was arrested in Jerusalem for preaching about Jesus.  Because a group of men were plotting to kill him on his way to court, Paul was transferred to Caesarea.  Today’s scripture has us in Acts 24, the account of Paul’s trial before governor Felix.

The story begins with Tertullus, the lawyer, acknowledging the period of peace the nation has experienced under Felix’s leadership.  He compliments the governor by directly attributing years of peace to Felix’s programs of reform.  The charges against Paul are recorded in verse 5 – he is accused of being troublemaker who has been stirring up riots all over the world.  Acts 24:9 says, the other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.  Does this sounds like a pile on to you?  A case where one person begins with an accusation, then others (whether they truly have been wronged or not) begin to transform their experiences to fit the argument.  Sounds something like this, “yeah…and I saw him do this…I heard him say that…did you notice that he didn’t say this…and he definitely doesn’t care about that…”.  Situations like this frustrate me to no end.  They almost always make me want to fight the accusations against me, whether they are truly accurate or not.

Notice how Paul responds.  He asserts his innocence, “and they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me” (Acts 24:13), but he doesn’t stop there.  He steps out and presses the issue.  In verse 14 he confesses to be a “follower of the Way”.  Then in verse 21 he actually suggests to them a time when he charges may have been valid, “unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today’”.  What?  Based on what I know about court proceedings, this certainly isn’t how defendants are counseled to respond.  Shouldn’t Paul just be answering the questions asked, no more, no less?  Anything he says can be used against him.

Felix doesn’t issue a verdict in this case.  Rather, he pends it until Lysias the commander will be present.  Verse 24 tells us that Felix and his wife visited Paul a few days later.  What a perfect opportunity for Paul to discuss with the governor and eventually convince him of his innocence, right?  Nope.  Paul didn’t talk about himself, he talked about righteousness, self-control and the coming judgment.  This is just like Paul.  It was never about him.  His singular focus was on leading others to faith in Jesus Christ.  Every time.

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).

What is your one goal?  Are you crafting conversations with others to lead them to Christ or to accomplish some other objective?  Are you willing to sacrifice your selfish desires in order that others may know salvation?

God, we can’t accomplish this on our own.  We need you.  Will you wrap our hearts and minds around one goal – using every opportunity to lead others to you?

Today’s reading:  Judges 6; Acts 10; Jeremiah 19; Mark 5

This coming week we will celebrate the life of Flora E. Armstrong, my husband’s grandmother, who passed from this earth this past Thursday. She was a woman from an ordinary, humble beginning.  Growing up on a small dairy farm in Colfax Illinois, she learned the value of hard work when her mother became disabled.  At around 13 years old, Flo stepped in and took over the things her mother could no longer do – household chores, milking cows, delivering milk to customers and more.  With two younger siblings to watch, and no indoor plumbing, this was a pretty tough life for a 13 year old.

Perhaps it was this ordinary, humble beginning that propelled Flo Armstrong to become a courageous leader. She was a tireless volunteer for MANY organizations.  From serving as the President of the Fairbury Hospital Auxiliary, to a State of Illinois’ delegate to the 1976 Republican National Convention, to stepping out as the inaugural President of the very first chapter of the American Business Women’s Club, and serving as an Illinois Wesleyan University trustee, just to name a few, countless organizations are better because of Flo Armstrong’s leadership.

Flo Armstrong also had a distinct impact on people. It has been fun over the last couple of days to hear the stories from people whose lives she touched.  From inspiring an up and coming civic leader to reach her potential to reaching out and caring for a fellow IWU ambassador’s children in a time of vulnerability, Flo Armstrong cared for others.  She will be missed by many.

In Judges 6 we find the account of Gideon, an ordinary person doing something extraordinary. The backdrop of the story is God’s people living under the oppressive rule of the Midianites.  For seven years, God had been permitting the oppression because of his people’s disobedience.  As expected, God’s people were wasting away to nothing and begging for deliverance.  In verse 11 we pick up the story of God calling Gideon to deliver his people.  Although an angel of the Lord appeared directly to him, Gideon was still convinced he wasn’t qualified to save the Israelites from their oppression – his clan, Manasseh, was the weakest clan and he was the least capable person in his family.  God proved himself to Gideon through 3 tests / miracles and Gideon, with God’s supernatural oversight, went on to be a courageous leader.

Does this story sound familiar? Do you remember when God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage in Exodus 3 and 4?  Moses was a shepherd, he wasn’t well spoken, nor did he have any credibility with his potential followers.  Despite God appearing to Moses in the burning bush, Moses was still convinced he wasn’t qualified to save the Israelites from their oppression.  God pressed on, he proved himself to Moses through 3 tests / miracles and Moses, with God’s supernatural oversight, went on to be a courageous leader.

I could go on and on with examples of ordinary people God used to do extraordinary things for the Kingdom of God. What qualified Old Testament figures like Abraham, Moses and Gideon, and New Testament figures like Mary and Jesus’ disciples to be God’s courageous leaders was the condition of their hearts.  Willingness to submit their own will and earthly desires to God’s divine purpose allowed God to use each one of them in extraordinary ways.

I believe God has placed in each of us a desire for significance, a desire to do something extraordinary and leave a lasting legacy. Unfortunately if you’re like me, I don’t have exceptional talents that are ever going to lead me to something extraordinary on my own.  Fortunately, God has a plan for every one of us.  Will you put your trust in him?  Will you yield to his divine purpose for your life?

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

Today’s reading:  Joshua 23; Acts 3; Jeremiah 12; Matthew 26

Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed (Joshua 23:14).

Joshua had been leading the Israelites into battle for 28 years. Army by army, kingdom by kingdom, they took over the land God had promised them.  Honestly, I didn’t find it a very exciting or suspenseful storyline because the outcome was so predictable.  When God’s people followed his divine plan, they were successful.  When they did not, they were defeated.  As we come to the end of Joshua’s life in chapter 23, he reminds the Israelites about the source of their help and why the outcome had been so certain.  Did you catch it?  Verse 14 ends with such a powerful statement of God’s faithfulness and perfect provision – …not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed.  Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.

Today, July 16, I celebrate God’s incredible faithfulness to me and my family. The day started with my annual call of apology to my brother Darrin York.  It went something like this, “I’m sorry I wrecked your car, I’m sorry I ruined your vacation, I’m sorry I gave you nightmares, but I sure am glad I’m alive to say I’m sorry.  I love you D!”

Seventeen years ago today I suffered a severe traumatic brain injury that probably should have claimed my life. My brother was the only witness, or at least the only one awake, as my sister-in-law Jessica York was asleep in the backseat.  With the help of many doctors and therapists, I came out of a coma and eventually regained my ability to walk and talk.  Thanks to the support of family and dear friends, my recovery took less time and was more complete than anyone ever thought possible.  The road wasn’t always easy, but while most survivors of a brain injury this severe live with some kind of long-term impairment, I have had the luxury of living a relatively ordinary life since that time.

Why? There is no other explanation than the prayers of fellow Christ followers and God’s incredible faithfulness.  Hundreds of people from across the United States prayed for me and my family during that time.  In fact, at the grocery store last summer I ran into someone I hadn’t seen in more than 20 years.  He had attended church with my family back when I was a kid.  After introducing myself, he looked at me and paused for a second.  He went on to say, “you know Jennifer, I thought about you just the other day.  I wondered what happened to you after your bad accident.  Then I realized it didn’t do any good to just think about you, so I stopped and prayed for you.”  I paused.  After all these years, God’s people are still praying.  Wow.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with Thee. All I have needed Thy hand has provided, great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me (Thomas Obediah Chisholm (1866-1960), arrangement by Chris Rice, 2006).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3sd1Z75j7A

Joshua 11; Psalm 144; Jeremiah 5; Matthew 19

The historical context for today’s scripture in Jeremiah chapter 5 is Jeremiah’s prophesy about impending judgment to the tribe of Judah because of their sinful, idolatrous ways. God’s chosen people being disobedient to his ways is not a new storyline.  We have seen it over and over as we’ve journeyed through the first five books of the Old Testament these past six months.  But as I studied Jeremiah 5 this week, the words of verses 5:30-31 are heavy on my heart.

A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land:  The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way.  But what will you do in the end (Jeremiah 5:30-31)?

Does the phrase “and my people love it this way” create a pit in your stomach like it does mine? Does prophesying lies, ruling by their own authority and LOVING IT sound exactly like 21^st century America?

Remember in early 2015 when Brian Williams, trusted NBC news anchor, admitted he lied about being shot at in a helicopter over Iraq in order to boost his credibility and importance?

What about Lance Armstrong’s heroic story of winning seven consecutive Tour de France races after beating cancer, only to find out he had lied about using performance enhancing drugs? In 2012, after being stripped of his titles and receiving a lifetime ban from competing in all sports that follow the World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines, Armstrong FINALLY admitted that some of the allegations were true.

Both of these scandals ended with an element of justice, as the heroic figures were never really able to recover from their downfall. But this isn’t how things always turn out in 21^st century America.  How quickly can you come up with American “heroes” that are flourishing in spite of their deceitful actions?  It isn’t too hard.  Does our country sound similar to the tribe of Judah in Jeremiah’s time?  Do we really LOVE it this way?

Kobe Bryant, star basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers, was accused of rape in 2003. While never convicted of the crime, he eventually admitted to adultery and lost his sponsors for a time.  But do you remember the media hype when he retired from the NBA this past season?  It was crazy.  Despite the Lakers finishing the season at the bottom of the Western Conference, Kobe Bryant was all over SportsCenter for days.  He was heralded as one of the best NBA players of all time.  The Staples Center went on to sell $1.2 million of Kobe gear, including a piece of the court he played his last game on for a whopping $179k, during that final night.  Does this sounds like Americans LOVE it this way?

In 1998 President Bill Clinton was impeached for obstruction of justice and perjury due to an extra marital affair. For weeks, he denied the allegations, twisted words and attempted to marginalize his sinful actions.  In 1999 he became the first American President to be found not guilty after he had already been impeached.  In spite of this scandal, Bill Clinton is still regarded as one of America’s most loved presidents.  He is so popular that, today, he is earning an estimated $250,000 per speaking engagement.  Does this sounds like Americans LOVE it this way?

Please don’t mistake my message. As Christ followers, we are called to forgive. My focus here is not on forgiveness for sin, it is on a destructive cultural pattern.  Elevating celebrities/sports figures/politicians to iconic status, and worshipping them instead of the one true God, is so natural it rarely causes concern in 21^st century America.  The Bible is clear – this behavior leads to destruction and separation from God.  Very scary.  As Christ followers, do we have the courage to be different?

God would you help us see the idols in our lives that take our focus off of you? Would you replace them with an irresistible desire for you and you alone?

Joshua 4; Psalms 129–131; Isaiah 64; Matthew 12

O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;

My eyes are not raised too high;

I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.

But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother.

O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore (Psalm 131).

Last week, I watched a leadership video by Andy Stanley called Empty Your Cup.  In this video Stanley describes a leader’s duty to “pour into” the lives of those they lead.  He makes the statement that no leader, working alone, has everything their followers need to fill their cup.  A humbling reminder for those of us in leadership roles. He then goes on to tell leaders, “your responsibility isn’t to fill anybody’s cup, it’s to find ways to pour into the people around you what you do know, not because it’s all there is to know, but because it’s all you know.” He calls this emptying your cup.

Do you see the Empty Your Cup theory of leadership in Psalm 131?  A leader whose mission is to empty their cup for the betterment of those they lead describes a servant leader.  This leader is not arrogant nor does he/she carry an attitude of superiority.  Rather than occupying themselves with things too great and marvelous for them (Psalm 131:1), they find a way to teach others about what they know because it is all they know.

This theory leads me to a couple of key questions:

• If all I can pour into others is what I know, how do I make sure I know the right things?
• What is the secret to maintaining a servant’s approach to leadership?

I think Psalm 131 verses 2 and 3 provides some answers. Calming and quieting our souls before God (Psalm 131:2) gives him an opportunity to shape our hearts and minds/fill them with godly things. When our hearts and minds are filled with godly things, we can’t help but put our hope in the Lord (Psalm 131:3). This naturally helps us serve others rather than ourselves.

Growing up, my family vacationed every summer in the north woods of Minnesota on Long Lake. When I read the words “I have calmed and quieted my soul”, it takes me to this place.  Calming and quieting your soul before the Lord is an art.  In my experience, it isn’t something that comes naturally, but takes time and practice.  Perhaps that is why this verse takes me to Long Lake.  When I was a kid, we didn’t go to Long Lake for just a weekend or even a week at a time.  We went for 2 or 3 weeks every summer.

For each of us to calm and quiet our souls before the Lord, we need to get away from the business of schedules, from email, from 24 hour news media and so much more.  This definitely isn’t easy.  But if we are distracted by the craziness of life, how can we ever expect God to get through to us?  If we aren’t filled with godly things, how will we ever be prepared to pour goodness into the lives of others?

How do you calm and quiet your soul before God?

In the mid-1980’s, the choir at Eastview performed a musical titled Psalms Alive.  It was simply the words of 10 different Psalms (113, 84, 92, 143, 40, 23, 148, 86, 131, 19) set to music.  I remember sitting on Long Lake singing the song I Have Stilled and Quieted My Soul.  All these years later, the beauty of God’s creation, quiet surroundings and the soothing words of Psalm 131 still help me calm and quiet my soul before God.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxaQjEjYp40

Deuteronomy 30; Psalm 119:73–96; Isaiah 57; Matthew 5

Revisionist history – re-interpretation of the historical record.

According to Wikipedia, this term can be used to describe a positive situation, such as a time when new evidence has come to light and the accuracy of the historical record is improved. Or it can describe a negative situation, a time when the historical record is distorted so that certain events appear in a more or less favorable light; changing the facts of the situation to support whatever case you are trying to make.

I had never heard this term until a few years ago when a co-worker of mine used it. In the context of a performance review for one of HIS direct reports who was making the facts sound better than they actually were, the word made me snicker.  Unfortunately over time, I found myself using the term more and more to describe some unhealthy behaviors regularly occurring on our team. A lot of needless time was being spent gathering evidence to either prove or disprove assertions made in our office.  In a society that puts incredible value on being the best in class, I wasn’t surprised by the behavior, just disappointed.

“And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil” (Matthew 5:36-37).

As I read Matthew 5 this week, I thought about the time I spent with the leadership team I described above. I didn’t snicker this time. Jesus’ teaching here is specific to the use of vows or oaths, but the core message is simply about the goodness of truth telling. He says swearing, or making a vow, that something is true doesn’t make it so.  In the same way, changing the facts of the situation to support your case doesn’t make it reality either.  He goes on to remind his listeners that speaking truth is always the best approach.  The Berean Study Bible says it this way, “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.”

A consistent truth-teller never needs to say “I promise” or “I swear” to get others to believe him. His reputation speaks for itself.  Other people want to be on his team.

What about you? Are you known as a person of your word? Are you fostering a truth telling environment?

Deuteronomy 23; Psalms 112–113; Isaiah 50; Revelation 20

Yesterday Jon talked about the fear of the Lord – fear, a noun, defined as reverential awe. Today I also want to talk about fear, but a different kind of fear – fear, a noun, defined as a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, or pain; the feeling or condition of being afraid.

Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).

Revelation 20:15 may be the scariest verse in the Bible. It describes the final judgment- the last chance for people to be in or out.  Either your name is written in the book of life and you will spend eternity with God or it is not and you are condemned to spend eternity in hell away from God.  Eternal torment.  This reality should strike fear, a truly distressing emotion, into the heart of anyone who doesn’t have confidence they are in.

If your question today is, “how do I have confidence I am in”, let’s review:

God’s invitation is open to all – Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

We all need it – For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23); For the wages of sin is death… (Romans 6:23a). 

We can’t earn it – …but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23b); For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Jesus is the only way – “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Jesus paid the price for us – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

We must affirm faith in Jesus to be saved – If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).

God’s plan for salvation isn’t about fear. It is about love.  Do you still need to put your faith in Jesus Christ?  If you haven’t already, would say this prayer with me today?

God, I confess I am a sinner and deserve the consequences of my sin. But, I believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection made a way for my forgiveness. Today, I am turning from my sin and putting my trust in Jesus and Jesus alone. Thank you Lord for forgiving me.  Thank you for saving me.  Amen.

Deuteronomy 16; Psalm 103; Isaiah 43; Revelation 13

My nine year old daughter Annika has been going through an interesting “phase” for the last couple of years. Every time we take her somewhere (school, church etc.), she is petrified we are going to forget to pick her up.  I’m happy to say I haven’t actually forgotten to get her, so I can’t really figure out where this fear comes from.  I do know for certain, however, it frequently causes her to worry and occasionally get really upset.  Case in point – we had a pretty good snow storm in Central Illinois this past February 24.  Because of the snow, Annika’s school arranged an early (12pm) dismissal and cancelled all after school activities.  I received the mass email/phone message from the school and made arrangements for my Mother (her grandma) to pick her up early.  No problem.  In our house, you don’t get your own phone until 5^th grade, so I had no way to let Annika know of the plan.  The school supervisors don’t go home until all kids are picked up, so no big deal, right?  Wrong!  My Mother received a phone message from Annika.  She was sobbing so hard she could barely get the words out.  She had called from her teacher’s phone to make sure my Mom knew of the early dismissal, then Annika pleaded with my Mom to be there at noon to get her.

Another interesting characteristic of Annika’s current “phase” is she also loves to hold my hand. I’m pretty sure this is because she just likes to be with me, or perhaps this is just her way of keeping track of me?  Either way, Annika’s actions demonstrate an acute awareness of who she is, to whom she belongs and who is watching over her.  She gains an incredible sense of comfort from simply knowing I am there.

The context for verses 1-7 of Isaiah 43 is the tribe of Judah suffering under Babylonian rule. In the first seven verses, we see God reminding his people who they are, to whom they belong and the protection he provides them in the midst of their hardship.  The comfort I find in this passage comes from the unchanging nature of God.  These truths were applicable in the Old Testament and they still apply to our lives today.

Truth #1 – We are created by God (verse 1)

• He who created you, he who formed you
• I have called you by name

Truth #2 – We belong to God (verse 1, verse 7)

• For I have redeemed you – as a verb, redeemed means to gain or regain possession of something in exchange for payment
• You are mine
• Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory

Truth #3 – God watches over and protects us (verses 2 and 3)

• I will be with you
• You shall not be burned
• I am the Lord your God, your Savior

I won’t lie. As a mom, I love that Annika loves to be by my side.  (At least for a little while longer, age 13 will be here before we know it!)  But what I really hope to teach Annika is that her identity, her belonging and protection come from Jesus.  I’m an okay mother.  He is a perfect father who will watch over and protect her all the days of her life.

Deuteronomy 8; Psalm 91; Isaiah 36; Revelation 6

Do you love new products or new technology? Would you call yourself an early adopter?  Investopedia defines an early adopter as, “An individual or business who uses a new product or technology before others.” Early adopters are often mavens – trusted experts in a particular field, who seek to pass knowledge on to others. Companies market to early adopters for a variety of reasons, including their ability to quickly impact market penetration by passing on their knowledge or experiences to others. I have a friend who is an early adopter. He has an uncanny ability to get us (mostly my husband) hyped up about new stuff, especially electronic devices and cars. Remember when the Garmin first came out? He had one. Think he’s pre-ordered every new iphone model? He has. His wife and I still giggle when we think about the Hummer he just had to have. Fortunately that one never really caught on with the rest of us…what an awful vehicle!

While early adopters are an important piece of an Innovation Adoption Curve, successful products need much deeper market penetration to get to sustainability (and actually make money). Why? Early adopters often possess a “what have you done for me lately” attitude. They are always in search of the latest and greatest thing – new technology, new features, new colors. They are on to the next big thing before the last one ever even comes close to mainstream.

As I reflect on the Israelites’ journey in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers I think about their “what have you done for me lately” attitude. Remember Exodus 16:1-2? …on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had departed from the land of Egypt. And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.  God rescued the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. He miraculously parted the Red Sea, overtook their enemies, and led them safely to freedom on the other side.  Less than two months later, they were already grumbling…what have you done for me lately God?

Think about Exodus 25 when Moses and Joshua went up the mountain to get instruction from God. They were gone so long (40 days) that the Israelites became impatient. By Chapter 32, they were wondering…what have you done for me lately God? They took matters into their own hands and built themselves a golden calf to worship. When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. “Come on,” they said, “make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt” (Exodus 32:1).

As we get to Deuteronomy 8 today, Moses is warning the second generation of Israelites about the consequences of having this “what have you done for me lately” attitude. He starts with the word “remember”. As if to say, look back before you move forward. Don’t forget your foundation. God sustained your forefathers for forty years, you wouldn’t be here without him, don’t be tempted to go this alone. The consequences are grave.

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years (Deuteronomy 8:2-4).

If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. Like the nations the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 8:19-20).

Think about your life today. Are you in this for the long haul or are you wondering what God has done for you lately?  Are you relying on your firm foundation or do you find yourself asking God to prove himself to you?

Today, may I gently remind you of Jesus? Jesus is always the answer to what God has done for you lately.

But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).