All The Nations: The Next Door of Opportunity
It’s all you can do to keep track of work schedules, sports practices, and summer activities for your family, let alone stay connected with friends or help community causes. An article here, news story there might keep you informed about important happenings elsewhere, but that may be all you have time for!
It would be a full-time job to keep up with national news and global events. One thirty-minute segment of local news has me overwhelmed!
The other night, I was watching the resounding, repeating report … Shootings here, individual hospitalized there, parade or protest downtown, new medical findings. And that was just the preview! Mind whirling, I didn’t know what to think.
But on second thought, I do know. The God I serve is in charge! The Bible says He is King of all the earth (Psalm 47:7).
“O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.”
– 2 Chronicles 20:6
He appoints nations to rise up and causes them to fall down (Job 12:23). He counsels leaders and observes inhabitants (Psalm 33:11, 13-15). Indeed, “God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne” (Psalm 47:8).
In fact, all human establishments and governances originate from Him.
“He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.”
– Acts 17:26
Romans 13:1 further clarifies that all governing authorities are instituted by God. We are called to dutifully submit in accordance with God’s law.
“All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. For kingship belongs to the LORD, and He rules over the nations.”
– Psalm 22:27-28
Even kings of pagan empires will bow to God’s sovereignty, as Nebuchadnezzar did in Daniel 4.
“His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and He does according to His will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand or say to Him, ‘What have you done?’”
– Verses 34b-35
God’s Provision: At the end of the day, “the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth” (Psalm 47:2). And, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has chosen as His heritage!” (Psalm 33:12). In justice, God honors the upright who follow Him.
Word of the Week: Paramountcy. A word I newly learned, meaning supreme power or authority. God owns the place of highest importance.
All that occurs, both in hometowns and halfway across the world, is resolutely directed by the hand of God.
Abby
Dear Younger Me,
Don’t compare your holiday to anyone else’s. All the times your neighbors have large family get-togethers and your family doesn’t go anywhere…choose not to be jealous. When you’re upset because someone got sick and the holiday doesn’t look the same as last year, choose to see the good. When you think others have it better and more exciting, try to find joy right where you are. Wallowing in self-pity makes it worse, and when you think about it, it’s silly to pity a holiday at home when you’re with your family. And you’re going to realize someday that doing nothing on a holiday might actually be really relaxing and wonderful! And keeping it simple with the people you love might just be what you need.
And there will be plenty of times when you will get to do the fun and exciting things, which you will cherish! Those memories will certainly be amazing. Just don’t let your desire for the big things cause you to miss out on appreciating the quiet moments of a holiday at home with your family.
Love,
Megan
A text pops up on your lock screen or you notice a handwritten card in the stack of mail. Someone you know reaches out to you or calls you. Isn’t it wonderful to be thought of by another?
Life is an interconnected web of relationships. Of the billions of other people on this planet, it sure is nice to know somebody sees, cares about, and appreciates you. Even in personal circles, individuals can get overlooked … but to know you are noticed and valued is reassuring.
I feel loved every time someone encourages me with their words or does something thoughtful for me. Even more profound is the mind-blowing reality that both the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ are interceding on behalf of the saints to the Father in Heaven. Two members of the Trinity are united in prayer over the redeemed people of God.
Romans 8 draws the curtain back for us.
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God … Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”
– Verses 26-27, 34
I can only imagine what Christ appeals for my sake! I am so grateful John 17 offers a peek at the content of Jesus’ intercessions. He speaks to the Father of “the people whom you gave me out of the world” (6). “I am praying for them,” He states, “for they are yours” (9).
“Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one … I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” – Verses 11, 15-17
Our Savior expresses His desire to share His glory with believers of all times, propagate His love through faithful followers, and bring us to where He is. How He truly loves us!
God’s Provision: Isaiah confirms that the Lord’s purposes cannot be thwarted or reversed (14:27). What He sets out to do, He does, for His will is always accomplished.
If God’s Son and Spirit are advocating to that end, certainly it will come to pass for us!
Word of the Week: Iota. The ninth letter of the Greek alphabet, representing an extremely small amount. Jesus promises, “Until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished” (Matthew 5:18).
Dear Younger Me,
Keep sitting at the table. I know there’s no other choice, since you aren’t allowed to leave the table until after the devotion is done, and the dishes are all cleared and washed, even though you’d rather run off and play. You don’t realize it now, but some day you will appreciate those moments where you had family devotions and prayed together. You’ll be thankful for Grandpa grabbing the devotional and Bible at the end of lunch and his consistent prayers. You’ll be thankful for Mom opening up the Bible after dinner to read a Psalm and ask questions. You’ll appreciate the example your family set for you and their heart to lead you in Jesus.
I hope that their example will inspire you, that someday you will help similarly lead your family with your husband, that it’s not a matter of checking off the boxes to be a good leader in God’s eyes, but it’s from your heart and a desire to walk with your family before God. Thank God for the example you are growing up with and for the spiritual leaders of your family, because this is such a blessing.
Love,
Megan
The sun that shines onto your kitchen counter each morning and the dust that settles on the headboard trace back to the same source. The graceful doe scampering through a cornfield, the melody of your favorite tune, and the force that keeps you upright as you walk this earth all have one thing in common. You and I as well are bound together because of this same unifying quality.
“All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD.” – Isaiah 66:2
Each and every cell, creature, and ecosystem exist because in the beginning the eternal God spoke the heavens and earth into being (Genesis 1:1). “For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16).
Every life form and process have been instituted and are sustained by God. He is the one who prescribes limits for the sea and commands the dawn to know its place (Job 38:10, 12). He alone enters the springs of the sea, storehouses of snow and hail, and dwelling of light (16, 19, 22). The one who numbers clouds and channels torrents of rain personally attends to the bear and her cubs, young lions, and ravens, that they may find food (25, 37, 39-41).
And He who cares for the sparrow and the field lily also provides for mankind (Matthew 6:26, 30). It is as David muses in the Psalms.
“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” – 8:3-4
In yet another act of grace, the Maker reveals Himself through His works, so that we may know Him. “For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made” (Romans 1:20).
We conclude what Jeremiah did: “Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you” (32:17).
God’s Provision: He continues. “You show steadfast love to thousands … O great and mighty God, whose name is the LORD of hosts, great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the children of man.” As a mere human being, I cannot even comprehend the magnitude of all God has made and done. Yet still, He cares about what I eat for breakfast and how I feel about life.
Word of the Week: Vast. The word itself implies greatness and immensity yet fails to capture the enormity and expanse of the Sovereign Creator of all things. Indeed, “O LORD my God, you are very great!” (Psalm 104:1).
Abby
Dear Younger Me,
God answers prayer. Please don’t fail at remembering that. It may not be your biggest prayer that He answers right now, but He hears all the cries of your heart, even the ones you aren’t voicing as loud. And though it may be a smaller prayer that He answers, the fact that He answered is a big deal. It’s God working in your life. And what a joy that is. What peace and grace and graciousness are all wrapped up in God answering your prayer. So while you pray, remember His heart, His faithfulness, that He does answer prayer. He hears and He knows and He cares. And you can trust Him to hold all that’s on your heart.
Love,
Megan
Dear Younger Me,
Long for Heaven. This world has some beautiful blessings from God, but don’t allow those good things to become your life’s desire, because there’s a better life to come. I know you’re afraid of Heaven, that life will look different from what it does now. And, you’re selfish, which is silly, that you don’t want to spend all your time in Heaven glorifying God or trading the good things God gives you in this life for the indescribable glories of Heaven. But, I want you to remember the moments of worship praising God in His presence with His people, arms held high…so powerful you want to hold onto the awesomeness of those moments forever…and you feel feelings you don’t know how to describe other than feeling so free. If that is a taste of Heaven, then keep that in your heart so you press on, looking forward to an eternal life of living in that glory and glorifying God.
You can say you want Heaven because it’s perfect, and the perfectionist you are looks forward to when there is no more wrong, and no more sin to be contended with. But, Heaven is more than just a perfect place – it is where the throne of God is. Long for perfection, yes, but I hope you long for Heaven because glorifying God for eternity is the most wonderful way to live.
Love,
Megan
A chore as simple as emptying the trash requires a sort of humility—willingness to do the dirty work, stomach the odor, bear the burden. Doing so without complaint is even more noble!
In a small way, this pictures humble service—intentional sacrifice for the good of another. Most times, the cost does not benefit the giver in any way, causing us to be less inclined to give of ourselves.
I have found myself in that mindset before, and maybe you have too. That same admission makes the work of Jesus Christ that much more praiseworthy in my book! Philippians exalts Him for it.
“Christ Jesus … though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (verses 2:5-8).
That’s love if I’ve ever seen it! First John 4:9-10 tells us just as much.
“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
Jesus was not only submissive but also willing. It was His joy and purpose to fulfill the will of the Father—even though it cost Him greatly.
This is in stark contrast to frail humanity. Admittedly, I can be unwilling to go out of my way to help someone else. As if I can’t interrupt my workflow or change my plans for another, when Jesus Christ moved heaven and earth to save me from my sins!
Romans 5 says that “Christ died for the ungodly … at the right time”—that is, “while we were still weak” (6). It goes on. “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Whereas I hardly consider bending over backwards for someone who could care less, my beautiful Savior did exactly that and so much more for each and every one of us sinners who rebelled against His name and scorned His glory.
God’s Provision: Titus 2:14 reports that our Savior Jesus Christ gave Himself for us to redeem and purify us. Similar words are found in 1 Timothy: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1:15). And again, “Christ Jesus … gave Himself as a ransom for all” (2:6). In the most humiliating act of all history, Christ incarnated Himself to die. In the most loving act of all time, He was crucified and resurrected so we could live.
Word of the Week: Life!
Abby
Dear Younger Me,
Procrastination is unfair. When you don’t do what you’re supposed to do, and others have to carry your weight for you, that’s not fair to them. There are necessary responsibilities that you have as a part of your life and activities, and I know they aren’t very fun. I hope you learn to embrace that, so you can own your responsibilities, and carry out your duties as a part of your team and family. Because when you’re thinking only about yourself, it’s easy to procrastinate your to-do list and think you can do things later. But when later comes, and you find yourself stuck because you can’t cover all your priorities, that’s when your laziness affects others who have to cover for what you can’t do. You know what it’s like to have to cover for others and how frustrating that is, so don’t put yourself in a position where others have to do that for you. Yes, remember that rest is good, and sometimes life is crazy and busy and you will need help from others to carry your workload when you really can’t do it all, but think about how your choices to put off your responsibilities may impact the people in your life.
Love,
Megan
I don’t have to be the one to tell you that time flies! You scroll through your camera roll or buy the next size clothing for your children and shake your head in disbelief.
One year ago, I spent time with dear friends in Ecuador. We lived with host families, studied Spanish, and served in a local church. We ate chicken’s feet, celebrated Carnival, and whitewater rafted down the Amazon River. Was that really one year ago?, I now muse.
For the past four months, the girls and I have been exchanging memories and sending pictures of what happened “one year ago today.” We laugh and cry all over again at what God allowed us to experience.
I’m sure you’ve also lived a special season, full of unforgettable memories that could never be recreated or replicated. You carry those thoughts and feelings with you as you walk into the next journey.
So too was my time abroad. I share it with those around me, and especially with those who lived it with me.
Now, one of our friends (a sibling, rather) from there is coming here for college. He visited last month, eager to try everything “American” and attend Olivet Nazarene University.
We took Isaí to Sky Zone, Portillo’s, and PJ’s Ice Cream. His eyes widened at the taste of chili cheese dog, and his cake shake filled him with enough sugar for a lifetime.
Naturally, this was notable for all of us. To be together again was a true privilege. The irony of roles reversed and full circle moments filled my heart with such love and gratitude, all I could do was repeatedly thank the Lord.
He gives good gifts to His children. I am the biggest sinner I know; God too, knows the depths of my heart … yet still chooses to heap not only abundant physical blessings, but endless spiritual riches, upon me in Christ. How could I even begin to describe that?
God’s Provision: The Christian life is one of striving and suffering. But not to be overlooked, in the midst of trial and tribulation, are God’s goodness and grace. He requires much, but also gives much. He demands all, and also provides all.
“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments. The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all”
– Psalm 103:10, 14, 17-19
Word of the Week: Lavish. Both verb and adjective describe the extravagance of God’s nature. Regarding salvation and so much more, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1, NIV).
Abby
