The Brink Mag sample

•"Let Go of the Rails!" Advice for the Socially Awkward •Cut the Supply: Dealing with the Wounds of Pornography

BRINK

BR INK

Editorial

Curriculum Director: Katie Greenwood

Senior Editors: David Jones, M.O.L.

Carol Reid, Claire Ryan

Design

Design Manager: Andrea Young

Lead Designer: Sondra Blackburn

Administration

Executive Director and CEO:

Ron Hunter Jr., M.P.A., Ph.D.

Board

Mike Trimble, M.R.E., M.Div., Chair

Paul Bryant, M.Div., Vice Chair

Kendall Ross, M.A., Clerk

Jay Baines, M.A.R., M.Div.

Darin Gibbs

Ryan Giles, M.A.R.

Mike Mounts

Rick Taylor, M.A.

Tim York, M.A.R., M.R.E.

Technical Stuff

ISSN: 2151-0261

ISBN: 9780892653874

Notice: By submitting letters, testimonies, and other materials to D6 Family Ministry, you agree all submissions are the property of D6 Family Ministry, and you agree that D6 Family Ministry has been granted the non-exclusive right to use and/or reproduce any submission in any means and for any purpose.

Copyright © 2024 D6 Family Ministry, 114 Bush Road, Nashville, TN 37217. All rights reserved. Published bimonthly by Randall House. No reproduction of materials permitted without permission under penalty of law.

WANDA MARIE THIBODEAUX

Jeremy Martin discusses the role “responsibility” played in staying in the

13 Defending the Faith | Aaron Pontious Theologically, why is purity important?

You Should Quit!

What do George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Charles Schulz have in common? They’re all the focus of really thick biographies that sit on my shelf half-read. I started reading them because people told me I needed to read them, but I lost interest quickly. I’m sure they’re fascinating people, but I’d rather read about Stan Musial and Willie Mays.

If you could download a log of my Netflix and Hulu streams, you’d see countless examples of my watching a full season of a popular show, only to give up before season two and go back to my comfort shows.

Needless to say, I’m really good at quitting. But here’s the thing: I think that’s okay.

For much of my young adult life, I wasted hours and days trying to keep up with the Joneses (which is ironic when you consider my name). I would sit through some of the most boring, artsy films, simply because I was told they were amazing and I should enjoy them. I trudged through novels that were less interesting than a calculus textbook because that’s what my friends were reading. I binge-watched full seasons of shows, just so I could participate in conversations with coworkers. And I hated it!

Before I sound simpleminded and dull, I should say that I do enjoy some of the “finer” things in life. Just not all of them. And I strongly believe a person should try new

FROM THE EDITOR

We’re so worried with how we look in the minds of others that we often do things we hate and neglect the things we truly love.

things, step out of their comfort zone, order something other than chicken tenders at a fancy restaurant, and read across many genres. But I also know we’re so worried with how we look in the minds of others that we often do things we hate and neglect the things we truly love.

So let me throw a groundbreaking thought at you: It’s okay to do the things you enjoy. If you love pickleball but your friends think it’s ridiculous, go play pickleball! If your roommates are reading Dostoevsky but you prefer comic books, enjoy the crime and punishment you find in Batman. If you love lis-

tening to Nickelback . . . okay, this does have its limits.

Don’t waste the time you’ve been given trying to impress others or fit into a perfect mold. Enjoy what you enjoy. Have fun with your hobbies. Share in the passions of your friends but realize it’s okay if you’re not as passionate about the same things. And as much as it might drive you crazy, you have my permission to quit that series, put down that book, and go do something you love.

DAVID JONES, SENIOR EDITOR david.jones@d6family.com

BY THE NUMB3R5

Teachers!

May 7 is National Teacher Appreciation Day.

Here are some numbers all about those who have helped shape us.

4,000,000 –

Number of public and private school teachers in the US

400,000 –

Number of public school teachers in Canada

77% Female male 23%

Teachers rank #2 on the list of professions that drink the most coffee.

The median age of a public school teacher

5 States Where Teachers Are Paid the Most:

Illinois

Michigan

$62,000 –

Median pay for teachers (bls.gov)

On average, teachers work 54 HOURS PER WEEK.

5 States Where Teachers Are Paid the LEAST:

Florida

District of Columbia

The average teacher has 14 YEARS of experience.

OVER 90% of teachers spend money out of pocket for classroom supplies each year.

$800+ –

Average amount (out of pocket) that teachers spend on classroom supplies each year

Like It Was

decade can go by in

MOST-WATCHED TV SHOWS:

Sunday Night Football

The Walking Dead  5. NCIS: Los Angeles

THE #1 MOVIE: The Amazing Spider-Man 2

THE #1 SONG: “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

THE #1 VIDEO GAME: Mario Kart 8 for Wii U

THE #1 PICK IN THE NBA DRAFT: Andrew Wiggins

THE MOST RECENT BATMAN: Christian Bale

THE NEWEST IPHONE MODELS: iPhones 5, 5c, and 5s

THE AVERAGE PRICE OF GAS: $3.68/gallon

THINGS THAT DIDN’T EXIST: TikTok, AirPods, Amazon Alexa, Apple Watch

On the Road Again

If you’re heading out on a trip this summer, here are several items you’ll want to remember to liven up your drive and prevent you from getting stranded.

1) OBD2 Scanner

Nothing gives you a sinking feeling in your stomach like seeing your “Check Engine” light come on. An OBD2 Scanner hooks up to your car and gives you an idea of what the problem might be. They can be purchased for under $20.

2) Tire inflator/ repair kit

If you have a spare tire, bring it! Unfortunately, many car manufacturers are now leaving out the spare. If you don’t have a spare, make sure you have a tire inflator or repair kit with you in case you get a flat. It’s also helpful to see if you have roadside assistance coverage with your phone plan or insurance.

3) Streaming subscription

If you love audiobooks, Audible is well worth your money for the trip. If you love music, Apple Music and Tidal are great options. If you love both, Spotify Premium will give you music as well as 15 hours of audiobooks each month or check your public library.

4) Google Maps (offline)

Did you know you can download an offline version of Google Maps? Do this before you leave just in case you find yourself in the middle of nowhere with no service and no idea where to go.

5) Phone charger, watch charger, tablet charger, Kindle charger . . .

Just bring every charger known to man, and probably two for your phone.

6) Jumper cables

Always bring them and pray you never have to use them.

7) Books

Bring one that’s light, bring one that’s deep. Or if you’re a Kindle reader, bring your entire library.

8) Cash

This can easily go overlooked, but some smalltown stores will only accept cash. And if tolls loom ahead, make sure you have change on hand.

9) Important documents

What do the cops always ask for when they pull you over? If you know the answer, you’re either on top of things, or you've been through this way too many times. Always have your registration and proof of insurance in your car and in a place where you can get to them easily.

10) Hand sanitizer

Fun fact: 43.5% of gas station bathrooms do not have soap in their soap dispensers right now. We made that up but feel pretty confident in our hypothesis.

11) Napkins, napkins, and more napkins

There will be messes.

12) Snacks

One might argue this is the most important item on the list. We suggest going for both sweet (e.g., M&M’s) and savory (e.g., Combos).

Of course, there are more items to add to the list, such as sunglasses, a tire pressure gauge, an umbrella, and an extra key. Wherever you’re going, enjoy your trip and dri ve safely!

WHY I STAYED

By Jeremy Martin

My Responsibility

When considering the question of why I stayed, my mind has a difficult time pi npointing one specific reason. The reason I find this so difficult is because I continue to stay. And as I look back, the reasons vary as to why.

Why did I stay through college? It wasn’t really that I wanted to stay. My parents raised me in a Christian home, and we always went to church. And when I say always, I mean always. It seemed that every time the doors were open, we were there. Now this was partly because my dad was in full-time ministry. But I’m pretty sure we would have been there anyway because that’s just who we were. And when I transitioned to college, the expectation didn’t change. My parents expected me to be at church, whether I was home for the summer or living at school hours away. And if I wasn’t responsible enough to live up to that expectation, I sure heard about it!

Why did I stay after college? I was out on my own and I didn’t have to live up to my parents’ expectations anymore. But I wasn’t really on my own. I got married to the most wonderful woman in the world about a month after I graduated. And even though the source of the expectations changed, the expectations themselves did not. My wife grew up in a home similar to mine. Also, she was more spiritually mature than I was when we got married. Being committed to my spouse meant being committed to going to church. She helped me understand that part of my responsibility in being a good husband was taking her to church.

Why did I stay after our family started growing? Adding kids to a family sure makes things busy. It starts out with sleep deprivation when they’re infants, followed soon by Tee-ball games and dance recitals. Before you know it, you have four kids on four different teams plus gymnastics and play practice and band concerts and all the things! Kids make life busy. It seems like things

would be a little easier, a little calmer if I could just pull back those two to three hours a week we spend going to church. But my wife and I made a commitment early on to show our children that following Christ is what’s most important. And while following Christ isn’t just going to

I know God wants me to be an active part of the body of Christ. I know that it is my responsibility to Him to be an active member of His church.

church, it certainly includes going to church. Therefore, the only way to parent responsibly was to continue going to church.

Now that I look back on things, I do see a common theme when thinking about why I stayed: it was responsible to do so—responsible to my parents, responsible to my wife, responsible to my kids. While I know that seems like a lot of external motivation for going to church, the intrinsic motivation has grown to become the biggest reason I’ve stayed. I know God wants me to be an active part of the body of Christ. I know that it is my responsibility to Him to be an active member of His church. And while that doesn’t just mean attending church, I know meeting with other believers to worship, fellowship, and be changed, challenged, and inspired by Scripture together is part of what He wants me to do. And I want to be responsible enough to do the things that He wants.

Jeremy Martin serves as associate pastor at Roxana Church of the Nazarene in Roxana, Illinois. He and his wife Bethany live in Roxana with their four children: Emma, Leo, Eli, and Nora. In addition to serving as associate pastor, Jeremy stays involved in the community by coaching football at the local high school.

Do you want to tell the story of why you stayed? Email us at thebrink@d6family.com.

Imposter Syndrome: Why You’re More Quali fied Than the Devil Tells You

BY WANDA MARIE THIBODEAUX

Leigh McBean, Director at Stride Legal Funding,1 has held plenty of leadership jobs throughout his career. But when he got pulled into a new managerial role at a major distribution center, he was anything but confident. With no relevant experience to guide him, he had to retreat to the company bathroom, physically sick and sure he didn’t belong where he was.

1 Leigh McBean, LinkedIn, accessed December 30, 2023 https://www. linkedin.com/in/leighmcbean/?originalSubdomain=au.

McBean’s story has a happy ending—he was able to acknowledge the imposter syndrome that had punched him in the gut, take a deep breath, and think about the reasons he was in the role he had. But his experience remains common for young professionals, and unfortunately, the issue doesn’t necessarily wane over time. A LinkedIn survey of C-level executives revealed that 72% felt anxiety and selfdoubt at not having all the answers.2

Bluntly put, if you’re not experiencing imposter syndrome now as your career gets off the ground, you likely will at some point. Like Moses in front of the burning bush, you might wonder who you are that God would call you to serve in the job He’s asked you to take (Exodus 3:11). But imposter syndrome doesn’t have to derail you. If you recognize why it happens and the root source it has, it can be an opportunity to reorient yourself to God and strengthen your faith.

An Unappetizing Social Recipe for Problems

As human beings, we’re social creatures. God, who Himself wants connection and intimacy with us, recognized that it wasn’t good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18) and designed us with relationship in mind. Because we have this design, we naturally define our sense of who we are through interpersonal feedback. This is known as “the looking-glass self.”3 In fact, social psychologist, Stanford professor, and Selfless author Brian Lowery argues that our sense of self is in constant flux based on interactions with others.4

The looking-glass self, combined with the sinful temptations we have around coveting and negatively asserting power, means that much of the perception of our worth in work is based on comparisons. Under traditional hierarchical business systems, you can advance only when that comparison reveals you’ve met specific prerequisites. So, imposter syndrome can be understood as what you feel when, after comparing yourself, you reach an inaccurate, negative conclusion about your capabilities and belonging. Imposter syndrome might rear its ugly head because of information gaps or deeply engrained biases, but it’s always as though the mirror you’re getting your reflection from is cracked.

The looking-glass self, combined with the sinful temptations we have around coveting and negatively asserting power, means that much of the perception of our worth in work is based on comparisons.

2 University of Queensland, “Feel like a fraud? You’re not alone. Top execs share their stories of imposter syndrome and how they overcame it,” Momentum, accessed December 30, 2023 https://business.uq.edu.au/momentum/imposter-syndrome

Those getting out into the job world always have been at risk of seeing inaccurate reflections. But now, the market is a different, arguably harsher animal than it used to be. The gig economy and entrepreneur boom have presented nearly limitless opportunities, but they also have decimated the traditional markets that previously offered clearer guidelines about whether a worker was on the right track or skilled enough. People often are playing the business game as they write new rulebooks. They have no idea whether they will be able to keep what they have as a result, so the “Am I good enough?” question never dies, instead playing on repeat in their minds.

As people increasingly hop from job to job, job titles have become commodities too. Young workers routinely are taking advantage of worker shortages to demand senior-sounding titles. Those titles can impress, but they don’t necessarily reflect the workers’ true experience. So, as professionals enter the market and try to figure out where they belong, what they can see on social media or other profiles can be misleading and confusing. It’s not easy, while comparing, to figure out whether new workers are just more ambitious and talented or whether they took advantage of the fact employers are in a pinch.

In many cultures around the world (particularly American culture), careers are attached to fierce ideologies around independence, selfactualization/personal development, and autonomy. To a large degree, the underlying belief is that people ought to be primarily self-directed, shaping their own pace and path. This mindset can provide enormous freedom, but it also means that mentors and other trusted people can be reluctant to definitively tell a new professional what he or she is qualified to do or should pursue. Those who could offer guidance might refrain from infringing on the right to self-direction and assume new professionals will figure things out for themselves. External validation thus can become scarce unless a young worker proactively and deliberately seeks it out.

The Devil intentionally puts the “unworthy” script on repeat for you hoping that if you hear it enough, you won’t be able to do the practical and spiritual jobs God puts in front of you.

New Market, Same Old Message and Messenger

The social conditions for imposter syndrome to run rampant are ripe. When you grasp that your feelings are deeply connected to these conditions, it’s a whole lot easier to be self-forgiving and get past the idea that there’s something wrong with you for having imperfect confidence. It’s true that you might not have the institutional knowledge or training for that specific job, but you are in that position because of other qualifications and a willingness to learn as you go. This is far different from those who are dishonest about their qualifications and try to get by on arrogance.

But imperfect confidence still breeds doubt. And who has planted the seeds of those social conditions?

If you guessed the Prince of Darkness, you’d be right.

When we look at imposter syndrome through a more spiritual lens, we must remember that the Devil’s favorite pastime is building countless circumstances that might make us doubt who we are, where we come from, and the power we have through Jesus Christ. It is through that doubt, after all, that we can become lost. In that context, it’s not beneath the Devil to create instabilities and tensions in our work systems and overall relationships.

If you’re deeply honest with yourself, “You are not worthy or qualified” is likely a statement that has hit your heart long before you ever entered an office. It’s likely been there since your playground days because it’s the classic message the Devil whispers to you from the day you’re born.

The Devil intentionally puts the “unworthy” script on repeat for you through every channel he has, hoping that if you hear it enough, you’ll be so filled with shame and doubt that you won’t be able to do the practical and spiritual jobs God puts in front of you. It also makes it hard to connect to others. You can become timid and afraid to admit how scared or overwhelmed you are, lest others abandon you.

Reclaiming Your Authority

So, how might you give the Devil a much-deserved backhand and keep imposter syndrome at bay?

A big key is to remember that, despite what the world might scream at you, you do not need to have past experience doing something to succeed at it. This is not to say that experience has no value, but rather to say that most innovative, memorable, and influential leaders are innovative, memorable, and influential precisely because they are willing to venture where they (or others) have never gone before. And the evidence for this is not just in the corporate space. It’s in the Word, too.

3 Lesley University, “Perception Is Reality: The Looking-Glass Self,” accessed December 30, 2023 https://lesley.edu/article/perception-isreality-the-looking-glass-self#:~:text=The%20looking-glass%20self%20describes,worth%2C%20values%2C%20and%20behavior.

4 Brian Lowery, “‘The self’ doesn’t exist. Instead, you constantly shape multiple selves,” Big Think, March 28, 2023 https://bigthink.com/ thinking/selfless-book/.

The reality is, success is not a matter of comparing and, by our effort, meeting standards. It’s a matter of answering God’s calling.

Consider Moses and the entirety of Exodus once more. Every step of Moses’ journey leading the Israelites out of slavery from Egypt was uncharted territory, from turning the water of the Nile River to blood to serving as judge for the people. We know Moses felt unqualified for the job God called him to do (Exodus 3–4), yet in Hebrews 11 we see Moses commended for his faith and trust in God. But also realize that Moses spent 40 years as a shepherd in the wilderness that equipped him with transferable knowledge and skill. (As it turned out, caring for defenseless, prone-to-wander sheep was good practice for leading the nation of Israel.)

Or take David, still a boy, slaying the giant warrior, Goliath (1 Samuel 17).

David had trained with a sling and had been through other experiences that

prepared him for this mission, but he had about as much experience fighting on the battlefield as a squirrel might have driving a chariot. Yet, all it took was a single stone from David’s sling to topple the giant and permit David to defeat the enemy. It was through this experience that his courage and willingness to trust God were displayed.

Or you can look at the apostles of Jesus in the New Testament. Although many of the apostles were fishermen, Jesus’ followers included a zealot politician (Simon the Canaanite), tax collector (Matthew), and others. None of the Twelve that Jesus trusted to establish His church had previous experience as missionaries. Yet, the Holy Spirit came upon them and enabled them to spread the good news throughout the world even as they faced martyrdom (Acts 2).

As you reflect on the qualifications of the church’s great leaders, it’s evident that few of them worked how or where they might have been expected to. They succeeded not by their works and strength, but by the gifts and power of God, who intentionally called society’s misfits under instruction to take nothing at all with them (Matthew 10:5–10) and saved them by His power and not their own works (Ephesians 2:8–10).

The reality is, success is not a matter of comparing and, by our effort, meeting standards. It’s a matter of answering God’s calling. Culture says you have to earn success; God says all you have to do is accept that He has plans for you, align yourself with those plans by seeking Him first (Matthew 6:33), and trust that He will give you what you ask for when it is according to His will (Matthew 7:7–11; Psalm 37:4; John 16:23–24).

God rewards the obedient and those who put their trust in Him. So, understand that you are qualified because He is. Yes, prepare for what’s in front of you, study hard, learn from life and others, take advantage of opportunities to grow in your knowledge and skills. And when new doors open up, know that you are ready because God has equipped you (and will continue to equip you) for that very thing. Use that understanding to refuse to walk into your office thinking you don’t deserve to be there. As a child of God, you’re eternally and forever the real deal.

Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a freelance writer based in Eagan, Minnesota. Her bylined or ghostwritten work has appeared in publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Harvard Business Review. Currently, Thibodeaux is an executive ghostwriter with Massive Alliance and accepts clients through her website, Takingdictation. com. She also hosts the Faithful on the Clock podcast, which aims to help professionals get their faith and work aligned. She is especially interested in motivational psychology, selfdevelopment, and mental health.

DEFENDING THE FAITH

By Aaron Pontious

Purity in an Impure World

Today’s culture boasts in the “freedom” that can be experienced in this new sexual revolution, and even professing Christians are expressing that this sexual “freedom” is good and right. Those Christians who approve of and encourage this lifestyle tend to be comfortable with gender fluidity, in favor of same-sex marriage, supportive of alternative sexualities like homosexuality, and are sexually active themselves as single persons. But to discourage this is to be considered old fashioned and antiquated at best, or oppressive and hateful at worst. Has the pursuit of sexual purity been put to death? Should the Christian adopt this new sexual revolution as the new norm?

The short answer to that question is no. But what should be the Christian’s position on this? How should Christians think carefully about this? Instead of looking at how the pursuit of sexual purity might impact us, let’s look at it from a better perspective: God’s perspective. What is the heart of the reason why God calls us to be sexually pure? In Leviticus 18, God commanded the Israelites to avoid immoral sexual behaviors—behaviors that were committed in Egypt and in Canaan. Why did God command them to avoid these actions? Leviticus 19:2 explains it: “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” God

commanded them to avoid sexual immorality because they were His chosen people who were set apart to reveal the character of God to a sinful world.

In the age of the Church, Christians now live under a different covenant, yet the same reason the Israelites were called to purity applies to Christians today. We should not allow the culture to dictate the Christian’s position on this. Instead, we should pursue holiness because God is holy. The apostle Peter explained, “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15). Remember, an unbelieving world is watching!

It seems that many have fallen into a trap that Paul warned about in Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit . . .” Instead of having their minds tutored or instructed by Jesus, those who have fallen into this trap have been won over by the sexual ideas of the world. However, there is no good biblical reason for faltering on this; there is no scriptural ambiguity and no cause for confusion. Those who are held captive by this false belief seem to see Christianity as nothing more than vague belief in Jesus, being nice, and loving people in a “let’s just all get along” kind of way. But

that is not what God teaches us in Scripture.

When we read through the full counsel of God offered in Scripture, there are only two paths that God provides for us regarding sexual purity: chastity in singleness (sexually abstinent and single) and faithfulness in marriage (faithful to your spouse of the opposite sex). Holiness applies to everyone, whether you are young or old, married or single, man or woman. We all need to pursue holiness.

While there are consequences (relationally, emotionally, physically) for not abiding by God’s design for sex, simply avoiding such consequences should not be the primary reason to pursue purity. Instead of focusing on how sexual immorality hurts us, focus on how abiding by God’s design is a way to love God and love others. As followers of Christ, our primary motivation should be holiness. We should not be motivated by the whims and wishes of culture. We must be aware of what God’s Word teaches us concerning sex and sexual purity, and not allow the world to redefine anything that God has already laid out clearly in His Word. The Church should not be marked by a desire to blend in with the world. Instead, the Church should be marked by her desire to look like her holy Savior.

Aaron and his wife Casey are parents to Desmond, Lincoln, Beckham, and Sullivan. Their family moved to Columbia, Missouri, in February of 2021, where Aaron is the lead pastor at Rejoice Church. Aaron graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Student Ministries and Theology from Welch College. He also earned his master’s degree in Christian Apologetics from Biola University.

The Ten Commandments

Sunday, May 5 // Exodus 20:1–21

There is something to birth order and personality types—at least enough that the stereotypes often are identifiable. I am an oldest child, and my younger siblings have numerous stories of times when I told them what to do with authority that was only imagined. Their reminiscing usually continues with “so we did it and . . .” I had no right or expertise to guide them and, often, the results were comically questionable at best.

When the Lord gave His people what we now refer to as the Ten Commandments, He began with His qualifications. The source of instruction is the difference in legitimate guidance and mere suggestion based on possibly faulty opinions. We can follow the Lord our God’s commandments faithfully because we know who He is and what He has done for us in the past. This power was in recent memory for the children of Israel and, hopefully, God’s redemptive power is still fresh in our minds as well.

In contemplating God’s commandments, how do you reconcile moments of doubt or uncertainty with the unwavering trust in His authority?

Journaling Prompt: Explore how your awareness of God’s power shapes your approach to His commandments.

Monday, May 6 // Deuteronomy 4:9–14

When my oldest daughter turned three, I was excited to share my passion with her, so I got her some extremely small golf clubs. She was a natural—hitting ball after ball straight and even getting most of them into the air. I was ecstatic and dreamed of retiring early as she won LPGA events. We went out again the next day and whatever promise she had shown was completely gone. Even worse, she was having exactly zero fun. We tried a few times over the next few months, but it was obvious that she wouldn’t share my enthusiasm for the game. She’s an adult now and has never played a single round of golf.

I tried to share something I enjoy with one of my children and it just wasn’t for her, but golf isn’t that important. A game certainly isn’t something I base my entire life upon, so if she didn’t catch on, that’s okay. On the other hand, living according to God’s commandments is of eternal value and I should incorporate it into every aspect of my relationship with those I love—even failed golf lessons.

How might I have shared God’s love while attempting to teach my daughter to play golf?

Whom do you influence that you could encourage to follow God’s commandments?

Tuesday, May 7 // Deuteronomy 10:12–13

Have you ever been around someone who has recently picked up a new hobby? At various times in my life I have been obsessed with running, certain TV shows, dietary habits, writing, mathematics, pickleball, golf, golf equipment, and a huge list of other things. You might notice this is the second time this week I’ve mentioned golf. I tend to talk about what I’m thinking about, and I recognize that my friends and family have been very gracious to me as I go through these phases.

This is how I envision the person who really commits to serving God with all his heart and soul. It just sort of bubbles out in every aspect of his life. The Lord doesn’t expect any more of us than that we live according to Jesus' commands. This obsession will be evident in our priorities, actions, and words.

We’ll discuss it Friday, but today would be a great day to begin memorizing Matthew 22:37–39 as a way to make Jesus' commandments your passion.

What kind of conversation would you expect from someone obsessed with obedience?

Coffee

CONVERSATION

Why is it possible to summarize the Ten Commandments by saying, “Love God, love people”? Is it more difficult to love God or love people? Why?

Wednesday, May 8 // Romans 13:8–10

We’ve discussed the importance of God’s commandments this week, but we have not specifically talked about how to obey them. The simple truth is that loving others is a massive part of what it means to be obedient and several of the commandments are directly related to this ideal. There is not a secret code or hidden secret; God’s expectations are that we be selfless and loving to all. Some people believe that Christians are more concerned with rules than showing kindness, mercy, and love to others. This is a gross misunderstanding of God’s expectations. Paul stated in his letter to the Romans that the commandments of God are the ideal way to live out a life of love toward others. By avoiding the sins that harm others—he specifically mentioned adultery, murder, theft, and covetousness—we show respect and honor to others. The commandments were designed to be a guideline for loving behavior. Whom do you know that needs to experience God’s love this week?

Using your previous answer, jot down some ideas for how you could be obedient to the Lord through showing kindness to others.

Thursday, May 9 // Matthew 5:17–20

In a middle school basketball practice near the end of the season last year, I took the ball away from my team and made them run through our offensive set miming dribbling and passing. They obviously did a great job handling the “ball,” making sharp “passes,” and even made every “shot.” What was more surprising was that after I gave the ball back, they ran the offense efficiently, passing the ball to the open players they had not even seen a few minutes before. When they weren’t worried about the ball, they looked around and noticed the open players in good positions. Once they realized it was possible to easily get the ball to open players, they started doing it.

Jesus recognized the difficulty in obeying the Law for sinful humans, but He didn’t excuse our errors. Rather, He reiterated their importance and showed us how we could live out God’s perfection through His redemption. Once we stop worrying about our own issues and start relying on His Spirit, we can realize true obedience.

How can you ensure that you are controlled by the Spirit today?

What does a life controlled by the Spirit look like?

Friday, May 10 // Matthew 22:34–40

There are many ways to memorize long lists of useful information. In school, you might have sung the state capitals or the presidents of the United States. You might recall “ROY G BIV” for the colors of the rainbow or “Every good boy does fine” for the notes on the treble clef. My favorite is, “May I have a large container of coffee? Thank you, madam.” The number of letters in each word corresponds to the first 11 digits of pi.

More helpful than mnemonic devices to remember specific words are simplifications of seemingly complex ideas that help us to understand and apply the information. Jesus took the entire Mosaic law and packaged it neatly into two simple statements that allow us to see both the end goal and the path to accomplish it. As we remember the simplicity and effectiveness of His commands, we can rely on His Spirit to fulfill it through us.

Make a list of specific ways you can show love to others this week and make plans to follow through on them.

What could you do to keep “love God” and “love others” at the forefront of your mind today?

Saturday, May 11 // Leviticus 1:1–17

• The book of Leviticus can be a struggle for many Christians. What are some important lessons you can learn from this passage?

• What types of offerings does God want from us?

Offerings to God

Sunday, May 12 // Leviticus 1:1–17

God created everything to exist in a perfect state. However, we look around and we quickly realize that His creation has been corrupted. Death, sickness, violence, disease, selfishness, and so many other forms of evil are abundant because mankind chose to reject God’s perfection. From the beginning, our Heavenly Father planned to redeem His creation and He made a way for us to restore our right relationship with Him and be part of His redemption.

When God gave the Law describing animal sacrifices as the payment that would bring about atonement for sin, He was illustrating a much more important sacrifice. The physical flawlessness of the lambs, bulls, or birds that were given was a picture of the spiritual perfection of Jesus. A sacrificial offering has always been required as a part of repentance. The Old Testament is a tremendous picture of the permanent solution that God would provide through Jesus.

How does this passage point to Christ?

Journaling Prompt: Why is holiness so important for the Christian?

Monday, May 13 // Genesis 4:2–5

When we were growing up, my brother always seemed to be able to make my mom happy. He had figured out, even without reading Gary Chapman’s book, that my mom appreciated acts of service. He would spend a little time doing laundry or putting away dishes, and she always seemed to be very appreciative. Years later we were talking about how he was always the favorite child, and he simply responded, “How did you never figure out how to make Mom happy? She was always so excited when we would do anything to lighten her load.”

Apparently, I was pretty dense when it came to figuring out how to please my mom, but God made it even easier for us to understand what He expects. From the time of the first sin in Genesis 3, a death was required to cover the shame caused by wickedness and put mankind back into good standing with the Father. Our sin is rebellion against God, so we cannot be forgiven on our own terms. We must follow His processes to be redeemed.

What are some alternative ways that we might be tempted to try to be right with God?

Read the rest of Genesis 4 and notice the results of Cain’s rebellion.

Tuesday, May 14 // Genesis 8:20–22

A real estate agent once told me that when showing a house, she hopes that the potential buyers are never presented with an opportunity to think about any of the problems associated with homeownership. She mentioned several ways to do this such as ensuring that the lighting is warm and staging a house with minimal furniture so it looks more open. She usually removes trashcans from the house so that no one subconsciously considers the chores involved in keeping it clean. She also said that the practice of making a house smell like freshly baked cookies is amazingly effective because we associate pleasant aromas with comfort. When Noah offered his sacrifice to the Lord, Scripture tells us the offering was a pleasing aroma to God. The sin of the violent generations had been washed away while repentance and forgiveness remained. As Christians, we would do well to remember the importance of forgiveness and repentance. When we fall into sin, God calls us back to Him.

Why do people usually struggle with repentance more than forgiveness?

Why is it difficult to start over again after we have failed?

Coffee

CONVERSATION

How can we make sure we don’t overlook or underemphasize the sacrifice of Jesus?

How would you describe repentance to someone?

How would you describe it to someone caught in the trap of addiction?

Wednesday, May 15 // 1 Samuel 15:22

Perhaps you have personal experience with the psychological phenomenon known as rationalization. When we have done something that we know is wrong, we will often come up with a reason why our actions were, in fact, noble. Regardless of whether this rationalization is done before the sinful deed or after we are caught, it is a certain indication that we knew our actions were wrong and chose them anyway.

When Saul was confronted by the prophet, his explanation was instant, but Samuel spoke the truth of God. Saul attempted to use the willingness of God to forgive when sacrificial offerings were made as an excuse to sin. Samuel rightfully pointed out that obedience in the first place is better than receiving forgiveness in the second. As people who will fail, it is wonderful to know that God is able and willing to forgive, but it is even better to recognize what He expects and live an obedient life.

How might Samuel’s message to Saul parallel Paul’s teachings in Romans 6:1–2?

What are some safeguards you could put in your life that would help you avoid rationalizing sinful deeds?

Thursday, May 16 // Hebrews 9:11–14

My parents would keep us kids entertained on long car rides with stories that had been recorded on audio cassette tapes (yes, I’m that old). One that we listened to often was about a boy who stole from another student at school. There were very clear rules and punishments prescribed for that transgression, and the story built to a climax as the guilty boy was condemned to receive punishment that would be more than he could bear. The teacher and the rest of the class were shocked when the student who was the victim of the crime stepped forward to take the punishment in place of the thief.

That story was obviously an illustration of Christ’s sacrifice for us. In much the same manner, the One who was directly offended by our wrongdoings took our place and became our substitutionary sacrifice. The amazing aspect of Jesus' becoming the Lamb is that He is perfect and eternal, so He can provide eternal forgiveness rather than the temporary solution of the animal sacrifices. Jesus has become both our offering and the eternal High Priest who delivers it to the Father.

Read Romans 6:20–23. How are death and freedom illustrated in thi s passage? How can you show your gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus?

Friday, May 17 // Hebrews 10:8–14

Last week I washed all my shirts, dried them, and hung them neatly in my closet. That took some effort on my part, so you can imagine how displeased I was at the end of this week to discover that several of them were dirty, wrinkled, and a few of them even smelled awful. Even though I took great care to ensure that it was clean, the simple act of wearing a shirt for a day made it unacceptable for future use. We are all familiar with needing to wash certain clothes, dishes, and other items after every use because we understand they become contaminated again and again.

The Old Testament sacrificial system allowed for forgiveness, but due to our sin nature, the Israelites could not hope to stay pure for long. Repeated offerings were required. Jesus’ sacrifice, however, provides a purity that can be relied upon forever. Sure, we will mess up and become stained once again, but there is no need for another sacrifice. We can be cleansed by His blood again.

Memorize 1 John 1:9.

How does the knowledge of Christ’s perfect sacrifice make the process of confession more attainable and efficient?

Saturday, May 18 // Acts 2:1–47

• Peter gave an incredible sermon in this passage. How did he provide evidence for Jesus and the Resurrection?

• What lessons can we learn from the early church?

Birth of the Church

Sunday, May 19 // Acts 2:1–47

Have you ever wondered why rectangular pieces of paper with numbers on them are considered to be valuable? These days we rarely even see actual money; instead, it’s a computer code that transfers from one account to another. Prior to 1971, there were times when a US dollar could be converted into gold, but no modern monetary system is backed by actual goods. Rather, money has value based on the strength of the government and economic stability of the nation that produces it. It is the power of the backing agency that gives it value.

When the Church was formed, it was not merely a man-made religious movement. The Spirit of the Lord provided the power to spread Jesus’ message to the world. While mortal humans have started many great movements, the organized spread of the message of redemption of mankind could only be sanctioned by the all-powerful Creator. As we look at some of the specific acts and organization of the Church this week, let’s make sure we recognize this is only possible when believers are empowered by God.

Journaling Prompt: What are ways that you could seek the Spirit’s power? What would be visible results of those actions?

Monday, May 20 // Luke 3:15–17

There are certain people whose sole responsibility is to promote someone else. Most professional athletes hire agents to talk them up to teams and possible sponsors. Actors have people who promote them to movie- and show-makers so that they will get roles in new projects. In times past, kings and other nobility had heralds who announced their presence and told of their greatness to anyone within earshot. Even free phone applications that advertise other products and services are merely a digital herald.

John the Baptist knew his role was to promote the coming Messiah. He was not only the forerunner of Jesus, but he was also a foreshadowing of what the Church would do after Christ’s death and resurrection. The focus of his message was that Jesus was coming to separate those who are following the Lord and those who refuse Him while preaching a message of repentance. Like John, we must declare the coming of the Lord and proclaim His judgment and desire for others to be saved. How is John’s message in verse 17 applicable to both Jesus’ first and second coming?

Whom do you have influence over that might need to hear of G od’s plan?

Tuesday, May 21 // Matthew 16:13–18

When I was 11 years old, I found some scrap wood and decided I was going to build my mom a table. In my mind I pictured a great masterpiece of craftsmanship that would hold a place of high regard in our house. What I ended up with was re-configured scrap lumber that became a family joke. I was at least aware enough to realize I had not accomplished my goal when the table wouldn’t remain upright when I moved it away from the wall. The only skills I was missing were all the abilities necessary to build a functioning table.

Although Peter is often criticized for his impulsiveness, he at least recognized that the Church would not be built in his own power. Jesus made this clear to him when He gave him the name Peter or rock . The information and skill necessary to draw disciples worldwide was given to Peter by the Lord. God is the master craftsman, and He chose to use flawed men to spread His message.

What would be your response if someone asked you who Jesus is?

Write a note of encouragement to a leader in your local church today.

CONVERSATION Coffee

What type of involvement should young adults have in the local church? Why is a voice like yours needed?

What type of involvement should young adults have in the global church?

Wednesday, May 22 // 1 Corinthians 12:12–19

At a Christmas party a couple was asked to play a game in which they had to wrap a present using only one hand each. Despite their great relationship, communication, and great attitude, the man’s left hand and the woman’s right hand could not seem to coordinate well enough to produce an acceptably wrapped gift. It was obvious that just about anyone could do a better job using both hands than those two using one hand each.

Without witnessing the silliness of a Christmas party game, Paul recognized that hands and feet work better together when they are part of the same body. That’s the beauty of the Church—there are many different people with varying skills, personalities, and backgrounds, but our common goal of spreading the gospel unites us. Like a healthy human body, believers can be distinct yet united, apart yet unified, different but working toward the same goal.

List a few specific people at your church who work hard for the kingdom of God. What are some specific words or actions that would show them you appreciate their efforts and are likeminded?

Thursday, May 23 // Acts 1:6–9

As my dad was walking to the car for a short business trip, he told me, “You’re the man of the house while I’m gone.” I had no clue what that meant, but I assumed I should probably make sure my younger siblings were aware. Obviously, he was smart enough not to leave a seven-year-old in charge, but I imagine he chose that phrase to help me recognize my responsibility in making sure that things went well while he was gone.

After Christ’s resurrection, the disciples still did not have a clear idea of His earthly purpose. Some obviously envisioned Jesus as physical deliverer of the Jewish people from the nations that had conquered them. They were probably shocked to realize He would be departing again, but they would soon realize His goal was overthrowing a much more powerful empire. Jesus left His earthly kingdom in the hands of His disciples, but, just as my dad did not expect me to run the house alone, the Father sent the Spirit to empower and enable us.

What does it look like for you to be filled with the Spirit?

How does His power help unify us?

Friday, May 24 // Acts 9:31

A poll of American children in the 1930s revealed that their three favorite foods were turkey, ice cream, and spinach. Yes, you read that correctly. Children claimed a green, leafy vegetable was among their favorite foods. This is largely attributed to the popularity of Popeye comic books and the way the title character would gain strength from downing a can of spinach in each issue. It is estimated that even during the Great Depression spinach sales in the United States increased by about 33% in the decade following the introduction of the character.

While no vegetable has the ability to magically transform a weakling into someone capable of dispatching every physical threat, the early church certainly had a source of power that was beyond human comprehension. Luke’s history clearly states that their growth was directly attributable to fear of the Lord and comfort provided by the Spirit. Despite organized efforts to shut down the gospel and persecute church leaders, God’s message continued to spread as more and more trusted in Christ.

Reading this passage today is a great start. What can you do to grow in the Spirit even more?

What role does your local church play in multiplying the universal Church?

Saturday, May 25 // Acts 10:1–48

• Look at verses 14–20 again. Why do you think Peter was apprehensive about what he was told to do?

• In what ways are you sharing the gospel with the people around you?

The Gospel Is for Everyone

Sunday, May 26 // Acts 10:1–48

Have you ever felt completely out of place? I was invited to meet some friends at a restaurant for dinner, and on my way to the table and far too late to do anything about it, I noticed that jeans and a hoodie probably weren’t the most appropriate attire for this particular place. In fact, everyone else I saw was wearing a sport coat or dress. Fortunately, several of my friends were just as oblivious as I had been, and we all had a good laugh about being the low-class clientele for the evening.

Unfortunately, one of the places people feel most out of place is in a church. They don’t know the customs, what to wear, or the verbiage so they feel isolated and alone. They might also know their lives need to change and don’t even know where to start. This was the case with Cornelius who was not Jewish but desired to please the One True God. God told Peter that His gospel was for all and commissioned him to share the good news with the world.

In what ways do Christians sometimes show partiality?

Journaling Prompt: Consider if you have built any walls between you and those who need to hear the gospel. How can you begin building relationships with those people?

Monday, May 27 // Acts 15:6–9

When baseball season started in the spring of my eighth-grade year, I was unable to be on the team due to a scheduling conflict. A few weeks into the season, the coach asked if I was interested in joining the team now that my other obligations were over, so I showed up at the next practice. I had a great time with my new teammates who seemed genuinely glad I was there. It’s important to note that I wasn’t an amazing player—they were just being sincerely kind and wanted everyone to enjoy our time on the team. That year was, by far, the most enjoyable season of organized sports I’ve ever played.

As people entered the newly formed body of Christ, they were welcomed in much that same way. The apostles made it a point to ensure there was no difference between the Jew and the Gentile or those who had lived holy lives prior to their conversion and those who hadn’t. The important point was that they were on the same team now and God would get the glory.

What should be the primary focus of the Church?

How might focusing on that bring unity to the body of Christ?

Tuesday, May 28 // Psalm 67:1–7

It doesn’t feel good to be excluded. And that’s the message my mom delivered to me one Wednesday night after church. She had received a phone call from my Wednesday night teacher saying another kid in the class never wanted to come back because he felt excluded and left out. He wanted to be a part of what everyone else was doing.

It is not surprising that the psalmist recognized God’s invitation for all the people of the earth to join in His redemption plan. The purpose of God’s blessings to His people is so that others may see His power. As we witness God’s greatness, we should recognize the amazing opportunity this is for us to allow others to experience it as well. If we realize that God wants us to share His name and power with others, we will be grateful for the opportunity to include more people in that blessing.

Write out some general blessings that God gives to all people regardless of their relationship with Him.

What are some specific blessings that we only receive as we accept Him?

Coffee

CONVERSATION

How well is the local church doing at sharing the gospel with those in the community?

What are some practical ways to build relationships with those in the community?

Wednesday, May 29 // Acts 26:12–18

Remember those missionaries who visited your church with 4000 slides and 72 stories about the people they were working with? Perhaps they sang in a different language before telling you about the difficulties they faced sharing the gospel with that particular people group. It’s easy to recognize when missionaries are extremely passionate about those particular people because God has given them a burden and the means to share Christ with them. They are hyper-focused on the calling of the Lord to influence that culture and open their eyes to the gospel.

When Paul shared his testimony, he specifically stated that the reason Christ came to him was so that he could help others turn from darkness to light. Truthfully, each of us has been saved for the same purpose. God desires that we share His message with all people. Some will do that by going to another city or nation, but each of us should look for opportunities and create circumstances that allow us to share the gospel.

When might you have an opportunity to share the gospel this week?

Have you considered that God might want you to dedicate your entire life and even vocation to the mission of the gospel?

Thursday, May 30 // Matthew 28:16–20

Our family was excited to play a new tabletop game, so we quickly skimmed through the rules, set up the pieces, and completed an awkward game of seemingly random actions and a lot of confusing gameplay. After we finished, I gave the rulebook more than just a glance and really read it carefully. I discovered we had ignored a few key elements in the directions and had missed out on a lot of enjoyment and strategy due to the error. The next time we played, the game made a lot more sense and was much more enjoyable (and I won, but that’s not the point).

Jesus’ Great Commission to His followers includes several key elements that we sometimes skim over in our understanding. This week, we have been focused on the idea that the gospel is for all people (all nations), so I hope you recognized that phrase. The specific instructions—making disciples, baptizing, and teaching—are obviously very important to understand as well. Let’s not be guilty of skimming through a command that seems familiar without really understanding what is expected.

What are the primary ways that your local church accomplishes these three goals?

Memorize Matthew 28:19–20.

Friday, May 31 // Revelation 5:9–10

My wife and I received an invitation to a wedding that we knew was going to be a fairly exclusive event. We were somewhat hesitant to discuss our plans for the weekend with some of our friends for fear that we might accidentally create some hard feelings if others were not on the guest list. When we sat down at the reception with some of those friends, we all had a good laugh about the awkward conversations from earlier in the week as none of us knew the status of the others.

John was given the gift of a vision that revealed some of the master plan of God for His creation. His view of God’s throne included witnessing the inhabitants of Heaven praising God for including all people in His salvation plan. God’s invitation is universal so we should not hesitate to bring it up to anyone who could benefit. Everyone is invited.

Why might we sometimes feel that Christianity is small and exclusive?

What are some ways we can help others see that the gospel is for everyone?

Saturday, June 1 // Acts 9:1–31

• What do you find most remarkable about Paul’s conversion?

• How can Paul’s conversion give you hope when it seems a friend or family member is too far gone? Pray for one of those people today.

“

LET GO OF THE RAILS! ”

BY JON FORREST

I have a friend who performs what she calls the “Stop, Drop, and Roll” at the grocery store when she sees an acquaintance. When she spots them and they don’t see her, she will freeze and then immediately duck behind the banana display. She completes her process by looking away from her “friend” as she sprints to the parking lot, hoping she won’t see anyone she knows in the drive-through line she’s now using since she abandoned her basket of groceries in the store. I’d love to call her crazy, but I totally get it.

Listen, I’m a people person and yet this very day some folks were throwing a surprise birthday party for a friend of mine and I thought, I just don’t think I have the juice to smile and eat cake today WITH PEOPLE I LOVE! It wouldn’t have mattered if the party were actually for me; I just find it more fun to watch YouTube than to engage an actual human being in conversation in which I would say something insanely dumb with each breath I take. For every four-minute conversation I’m in, I have approximately three social disasters that will proceed to haunt every quiet moment of my life:

Me: “Your dog is beautiful!”

Them: “That’s my sister.”

Me: “I love your coonskin hat.”

Them: “I’m not wearing a hat.”

Me: “It was good seeing you, James.”

Them: “My name is Amanda.”

You know, just standard little mistakes that draw all the life from my bones anytime I have a free quiet moment like when I’m showering or driving alone.

If you are one of my fellow social anxiety victims, I know the temptation to move into a yurt near Central Montana is real, but the problem is we have been instructed to carry the gospel to each person. It’s important to know how personal this job is. For years when I heard the Great Commission, I put the emphasis on “the whole world.” Yes, the gospel is to be carried to the whole world, but when it arrives at whatever far or near corner in which you find yourself, then it’s for that one single creature in front of you. And for those of us who already struggle in social situations, those one-on-one conversations about the most personal thing ever is harder than deciphering a Cheesecake Factory menu.

But since our King has said, “Go,” we go. Can I share a thing or two that has helped me fail at this slightly less?

First, there is something really rewarding about forcing yourself to be obedient when everything in your spirit is saying, “No.” We will talk more about overcoming this “no” in a minute, but it is such a perspective-aligning practice to dive off into a difficult place because a person’s eternity is hanging in the balance. I’m not overstating that. It’s a conversation with eternal implications. I often think how rewarding it must be for a surgeon to pull into his garage at night after performing two or three lifesaving procedures. It’s not being melodramatic to say that conversation with eternal implications is infinitely more important.

With the weight of this responsibility fresh on our minds, let’s talk about how we go from hiding in the produce department to boldly asking people about their deepest, most personal needs.