Don't Take the Bait!

                                                 
                                             

Fishing is not necessarily a sport I enjoy. I find it quite boring, and baiting a hook is less than desirous to me. Thrusting a hook through a wiggling worm simply isn't my cup of tea. But, just as every good fisherman baits his hook hoping to lure in a big catch, Christians are being baited by the enemy as he attempts to lure us away from bearing fruit for Christ. 

It was a normal weekday morning, so our home was bustling with teenage girls getting ready for school, and I was playing short-order cook for their breakfast wishes. Honestly, I cannot recall the exact situation or comment, but someone made a remark that enticed me to respond with an irritated voice and a hint of sarcasm. Before I had time to comment (thankfully), the words, "Don't take the bait," rose up in my spirit. I paused and thought carefully about those 4 words. Every time I'm tempted, whether it be to respond negatively with a critical spirit, erupt with irritation, or react in any manner that is not reflective of my position in Christ, I've been baited and lured in by the enemy.

Bass fishers know one of the secrets to catching bass is to vary the bait depending on the time of year. In the spring, peach- colored patterns are optimal since bass enjoy crawfish, but the summer and fall chrome or silver baits are best since bass like shad (whatever that is-remember I'm not into fishing). You may wonder why I'm telling you about bass bait, but just like a professional angler knows which bait to use during which season to reel in the ideal catch, Satan too knows how to vary his bait to catch us off guard and reel us in. 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) says, "Be alert and of a sober mind, your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Our enemy is seeking those he can subtly lure away from their pure devotion to Christ. He desires for us to put our trust in people and things, forgetting our true identity is found in Christ alone. If he can't have our soul, he desires to render us fruitless for the Kingdom. His tactics may be different depending on the season of life you are in. Think about your season right now and where the enemy has baited you in the last week. Strife with a spouse? Anger with a child? Participating in gossip? Foul or abusive language? Impatience? Idolatry? Overspending? Irritability? Pride? Rebellion?

They say it is best to fish right before a storm because the pressure makes the bass more active. As Christians, it is often said we are in 1 of 3 places spiritually:

1. Headed into a storm
2. In the middle of a storm
3. Coming out of a storm

Like the bass, pressure may cause us to be more reactive. The pressure from our storms can often cause us to feel impulsive, defeated, discouraged, weary, and lacking strength. The enemy banks on these feelings to drive us to giving up; however, Christ says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor 12:9). When I'm at my weakest and feeling defeated, I definitely don't feel like I'm strong at all! The problem is that we cannot rely on our ever-changing, fickle feelings. Our faith is rooted, built, and strengthened on God's unchanging, infallible Word.

Today, when you are tempted to give up or give in, look up (to Jesus) before you give up. And remember-don't take the bait!

The Gospel and Common Core-Does it Really Matter?

     

     Several years ago, Bill Nye (“The Science Guy”), and young-earth creationist, Ken Ham squared off in a debate to answer the question, “Is Creation a Viable Model of Origins”? Regardless of who you believe “won” the debate, the question is just as relevant today as it was then. But, what exactly was being debated? Was it evolution versus creation science? Was it Atheism versus Christianity? In actuality, it was (and still is) a dispute between worldviews. It boils down to a clash between those that accept the plain words of Scripture and those that do not. The basis for a Biblical Creationist’s worldview is the infallibility of God’s Word, whereas Evolutionists and others who hold differing viewpoints base their understanding on fallible, and ever-changing man. 

      My objective here is not to present the two opposing points of view, but rather to discuss the relevance of Christian families maintaining a biblical worldview, and why the implications are high if we don’t hold to the infallibility of God’s eternal Word.
      Unfortunately, it has become common place to see “Christian” denominations succumbing to the pressures of the secular world to be accepting of practices the Bible regards as corrupt behavior. Why are we experiencing such an upheaval in biblical beliefs? I believe one of the primary spheres where Christians have lost their way is education. We are beginning to reap our lack in laying a firm biblical foundation for our children and future generations in souls turning to secular humanism as their basis for life.  As Christian parents, it is our obligation to instill in the next generation the importance of learning to think as God thinks; however, if we are using textbooks that are fundamentally anti-God (which is the stance of the government regulated Common Core curriculum), we would be naïve to expect our kids to walk away with a creation based mindset, God honoring theology, or moral absolutes. Spending 12 years under the tutelage of textbooks instructing as fact an evolutionary basis for creation and a secular humanistic approach to life, children are adopting strongholds of belief which are contrary to God’s Word. Instead, they’re heading into adulthood with beliefs that are solidly and devotedly secular and atheistic. We have no need to wonder why the next generation is fleeing the church, and those that are staying are influencing deviations from God’s Word that  are aligned with the world. It is my concern that many children who are raised in solid Christian homes, who are attending schools whether public or private that are exposing them to a secular humanistic viewpoint devoid of God will graduate and leave their parents homes as secular atheists. Indoctrination is happening right before our eyes. If there is a disconnect between what we say we believe on Sunday (the gospel) and what our children are taught the rest of the week at school, we risk raising youth that look and think no different than the world. According to the Southern Baptist’s Family Advocacy Group, “88% of children raised in evangelical homes leave the church at 18 never to return.”

     Textbooks, such as Common Core, that push a secular/atheistic agenda which deprive children the opportunity to contemplate creationism will have a profound impact on the trajectory of their spiritual lives. Their spiritual resolutions will further impact their decision making process, and ultimately how they choose to live their lives. As parents, it is imperative that we stop and ask the question, “How is my child’s worldview developing?” Education is the primary means of worldview development. We need to think critically about the type of schooling our children are receiving, and the adults providing the instruction. The repercussions for our children’s worldview are weighty. Their worldview will influence what they believe, who they are, what they do, and ultimately, where they spend eternity. Ken Ham asserts, "I want Christians to recognize the importance of allowing Scripture to be the authority in all areas—including history and science. The moral and societal decline we’re seeing across the West is a direct result of man making himself the authority, instead of seeing God’s Word as the authority in all areas. If man makes the rules, then why not redefine marriage, family, and gender? Why not allow anyone to live any way they please? But we are not the ultimate authority—God and his Word are, and we need to allow his Word to shape our thinking and boldly share its truth with our dying culture."
      We cannot compartmentalize our faith in one sphere of our lives and academics in another. In other words, we cannot separate the gospel message from what our children are learning in the classroom. We lose credibility with our children, as well as the watching world, if we preach the gospel message yet extract the Designer from our science and history curriculums. Proverbs 1:7 (NLT) is quick to point out that there is no real knowledge apart from the Creator in saying, “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”  Academic advancement is stalled when education overlooks the presence of God in the world because “all knowledge is His knowledge” (Col 1:16). If we  claim to know Christ and desire to live for him and to train our children as such, it is essential to take seriously the Scriptures that command us  to be transformed by the renewing of our mind to a Biblical mindset and no longer conform to the pattern of the world (Rom 12:2). If we believe there is neutrality in the pursuit of knowledge, we may have already adopted a humanistic mindset.  The Apostle Paul clearly warned Timothy, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Col 2:8 NIV). Does Common Core curriculum really matter? Personally, I think it does. Souls are at stake. However, as Christ’s Bride, we are not without hope! “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” 2 Chron 7:14 (ESV).  Let us thoroughly study the Scriptures for God’s divine direction and pray for a courageous willingness to change course if necessary. 

The Face of Grief

     

     As the first anniversary of my mother’s death is fast approaching, I’ve been reflecting on the moment the phone call came that announced my mother’s arrival in heaven and absence from this earth. It was the moment her hope and joy were finally realized, and I couldn’t help but wonder what it was like-to see Jesus face-to-face. But, at the same time, my heart was a churning mixture of shock, sorrow, and joy. It may seem odd to you that I’d add joy into that concoction, but I was truly joyful knowing that she was no longer suffering, and she was now standing, or perhaps kneeling before the throne of grace. To borrow words from Charles Spurgeon, “However severe the struggle, the victory has been won, the laboring vessel was severely tossed by the waves, but she has now entered into the desired haven.” Her eyes were beholding glory, while my heart was flooded with grief. Grief is a 5 letter word that seems so small and insignificant, but in actuality is quite weighty. What we do in the moments following our impact with grief set the trajectory for our lives in the weeks, months, and years to come. My children watched in their own dismay as I hung up the phone and fell to the floor drowning in tears. With everything in me, I confessed through the sorrow what my mind knew and my heart longed to fully comprehend, “To live is Christ. To die is gain!” (Phil 1:21)  To die.IS.gain. In that moment, my mother gained all she’d ever hoped for. Eternal life was realized as she met her Savior face-to-face.

     After my mother’s funeral, during my quiet time, I found myself turning daily to the book of Psalms. The laments of the Psalmist resonated with my spirit as a soothing balm for my grief-filled soul. During that time, I came across Charles Spurgeon’s sermon entitled, “The Man of Sorrows,” which he delivered in 1853. With his poignant words he writes, “Christ is in all attitudes the consolation of Israel, but He is most so as the man of sorrows. Troubled spirits turn not so much to Bethlehem as to Calvary; they prefer Gethsemane to Nazareth. The afflicted do not so much look for comfort in Christ as He will come a second time in splendor of state, as to Christ as He came the first time, a weary Man, and full of woes. The passion flower yields us the best perfume; the tree of the cross bleeds the most healing balm. Like in this case cures like, for there is no remedy for sorrow beneath the sun like the sorrows of Immanuel. As Aaron’s rod swallowed up all the other rods, so the griefs of Jesus make our griefs disappear. Thus you see that in the black soil of our subject, light is sown for the righteous; light which springs up for those who sit in darkness, and in the region of the shadow of death. Let us go, then, without reluctance to the house of mourning, and commune with “The Chief Mourner,” who above all others could say, “I am the man that has seen affliction.” In one sense I was deeply comforted to know Jesus understood my ensuing grief, but alternatively, Spurgeon’s writing exposed the truth of Isaiah 53:3 NLT which names my Savior “a man of sorrows,” who was acquainted with “deepest grief.” If my Savior was acquainted with grief, so will I be in my pursuit of Christ-likeness. To be “acquainted with” implies personal experience or a familiarization. To be familiar with grief? My first thought was, “No thank you. I’ll pass.” But, the igniting truth is: None of us gets a pass from grief in this life, and grief is the key to intimacy with Christ. Grief is its own type of gift-the gift of intimacy. In my experience, grief can be described as a severe sorrow of piercing mental anguish. It can appear as a never-ending assault on your heart and your mind. Walking through grief can feel as if you’re suffocating, and every step forward is a forced, willful opportunity to evade the darkness and step back into the calmness of light. But, once we experience grief, life is never the same, and I’m not sure that it’s supposed to be. Grief is meant to change us.

     Grief is the protagonist in our salvation story all the way back to the Garden of Eden. It is the antithesis of the deceptive American prosperity gospel. Jesus didn’t promise health, wealth, and flourishing, favorable circumstances in life. In fact, he declared, “In this life you will have tribulation” (John 16:33 KJV). Tribulation can be defined as, “grievous trouble,” or causing grief. If life is smooth sailing, you should probably question who you’re following. The secret is: Intimacy with God happens in the darkest of times, in the brokenness of life, during grieving seasons, and unfavorable conditions. If God is only good when “life is good,” that is shallow faith. Grief is the means by which our faith is conditioned to grow. Grief and brokenness are the well-traveled roads for the authentic Christ follower. They are the roads that will lead to our “happily ever after,” it just won’t be this side of heaven.  

Beyond the Open Door

       

        Why do we believe that when God opens a door in our lives that what lies on the other side will be easy? We often determine that if it’s God’s will for my life all will go well and the path will be smooth; however, I’ve come to realize when God opens a door in your life, he places before you a choice. The choice often presented is the opportunity to stay in comfort and security, or risk it all for the spiritual growth beyond the open door. 

          Four months ago our family was presented with an open door. We were offered the opportunity to move to the Texas Hill Country where my husband would work at San Marcos Academy, a private Christian school, and our daughters would end their homeschool journey and transition into traditional school life. Our family had prayed for several years for the opportunity to leave the Houston area, and had prayerfully considered other positions, but none had come to fruition for one reason or another. When the door opened to go to SMA, we were confident in God’s leading to step through the open door. Little did we know hardship was just around the corner.

          I sit here this morning four months past our decision, and when I tell you of the battles we faced and are currently facing with this open door, you may think we made the wrong decision. I’m not gonna lie, Satan has thrown arrows of doubt our way taunting us just as he did with Eve in the beginning hissing, “Did God really say?” The moment doubt was thrust into the situation, the more confident I became in the truth of God’s Word that says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). Knowing what lies on the other side of an open door would often send us running in the opposite direction, but without the open doors in our lives, we just might die the slow death of comfort, ease, and apathy, and that’s not the way of Christ. The only way to make progress in the Christian life is on the door marked: Suffering.

          I share our story certainly not to dissuade you from choosing the next open door in your life, but to encourage you to grab the knob and fling the door wide open. Why? Because what we learn on the other side of the door is worth the risk. Is it hard? Yes, but, spiritual growth happens on along the roads of life, not sitting in a church building. We can sing about the joy of the LORD on Sunday morning, but the joy of the LORD is found in the sorrow of Monday morning.

          Authenticity is the revealing of our soul. It’s allowing others a glimpse of our inner self where all the hurts, sorrows, joys, and imperfections dwell. We’re really all imperfect, but we’ve perfected the art of faking fine. We’ve subconsciously added “perfection” to the fruit of the spirit and we hide behind pretense. A couple of weeks ago, my glass house shattered as I fell to pieces in the solidarity of the laundry room. I had “faked fine” as long as I could, but the stress, disappointment, and sorrow became overwhelming.

          Just 3 short months after my mother’s unexpected death, while my heart was still grieving, we were up to our ears in moving boxes, putting our home on the market and purchasing another, saying goodbye to friends and family, and preparing to make major life changes. Four days after submitting his resignation letter at his current employment, my husband’s contract was unexpectedly terminated which left our family without a paycheck from June 16^th until September 1^st. The weekend prior, we had put a contract on a home in San Marcos, but it’s hard to qualify for a loan when you’re unemployed! God was faithful through the difficult struggle to close on our new home, as well as the months without a paycheck from school. A few days after unloading the moving truck, we were notified that we had lost the contract on our home in Dickinson 5 days from closing. This marked the 2^nd contract we had lost. So, we put it back on the market and waited. During this time, school had started, and we were adjusting to a new way of life for our family. I fought mixed emotions as my girls headed off for school, and I continued to mourn the death of my mother in the quietness of my heart. The stress of moving, starting over, and all that it has entailed has also added stress to our marriage. Yet, God is faithful. He is teaching me that suffering is the door that refines. It is the door that leads to more of Him. Suffering is the door that leads us away from worldly comfort that slowly suffocates. Suffering is the door marked, “die to self,” and how else can we truly live?

          Today we are on the precipice of losing the 3^rd contract on our Dickinson home. Needless to say, 3 months of double mortgages and bills is taking a toll financially. Honestly, I’m weary of the fight. My strength is depleted, but my God’s isn’t. When I’m at my weakest, He is at his strongest. I’m thankful I can have peace in the middle of life’s difficulties because peace is a person named Jesus. In the third of seven “I am” statements, Jesus declared himself to be “the door” (John 10:7). He is the only door to salvation, and he presents open doors to us for our sanctification. Is there an open door in your life that you’re prayerfully considering? God presents doors in our lives for our spiritual growth, not necessarily for the next rung to climb the corporate ladder. How does God wish to reveal himself to you? We come to know the characteristics of Christ through open doors. We can’t know Christ as Provider until we face situations that cause us to rely on his provision. We learn of God’s faithfulness as we walk through trials and our faith is weak. We know him as Healer on the other side of illness whether in this life or the life to come. We come to understand his steadfast love when earthly relationships fail and he makes himself known as Emanuel, God with us. What characteristics of himself does he want to birth in you? Are there roots in your life waiting to bear fruit that wouldn’t glorify God that need to be uprooted? The next time you encounter an open door in your life, prayerfully consider that the risk is worth finding Christ on the other side, and what you might miss if you allow the door to pass by. 

In My Mother's Eyes

On March 27, 2017 my mother passed away unexpectedly. In keeping with her life of giving, upon her death her corneas were donated. I’ve often wondered about the older woman who now continues to see through my mother’s eyes. I’ve written a poem that might portray what my mother’s eyes are rejoicing to see in heaven, yet continue to see on the earth.

                                            In My Mother’s Eyes

In my mother’s eyes the essence of beauty is reflected,

while on earth she’s still connected.

My mother’s eyes gaze upon streets of gold,

 and apostles and prophets of old.

Do my mother’s eyes still see purple mountains majesty?

Do they often moisten at life’s tragedy’s?

My mother’s eyes have seen angels, and know them to be true;

all the while gazing through the window at birds that flew.

My mother’s eyes have seen God’s glory,

while helping another woman see the rest of her life’s story.

My mother’s eyes transfix on costly stones,

yet gaze in wonder at instrument’s glorious tones.

My mother’s eyes have seen again loved ones she once knew,

and yet another enjoys the beauty of grandbaby number two!

My mother dreamt of cobalt blues,
and today she gazes upon heavenly hues.

My mother’s eyes behold heavenly things,

whilst another mother enjoys God’s created beings.

On a crisp September day, my mother’s blue eyes lit up the room

as she gazed adoringly at her handsome groom.

And one day when your life on earth is through,

my mother’s eyes will twinkle as she

gazes lovingly at you.

When the aged eyes close for the final time,

and a heavenly chorus chimes,

my mother’s eyes will see the reflection of the face that

continued seeing through the gift of God’s grace.

And So the Adventure Begins...

On my final Monday morning in Houston, I gaze around my empty living room, and thank God for the wonderful memories we have made in this home. Tomorrow the movers will arrive drawing our time in Houston to a close, and a new chapter in our family story will begin.

Although I’m looking forward to moving to the Texas Hill Country (unlike most people I actually enjoy moving), I feel somewhat emotional, and I begin wrestling with my feelings. I fight to believe how quickly the years have passed, and that we now have two teenage daughters and a “tween” young man. While I have grown accustomed to moving every two-three years (Houston has been our longest stint at 4 years), I want to be sensitive to the fact that new beginnings have many exciting aspects; however, they also can be difficult, especially for kids. Our children have been through several military moves, but they’re older now, so moving has bigger implications in each of their lives. Saying tearful goodbyes to close friends are heart wrenching not only for them, but as a watchful mother as well. A wave of apprehension grips my heart. Did we make the right choice? Did we allow discontent to drive our decision? Should we have stayed? Did we pray enough? But then my heart is quieted, remembering the sovereignty of God, and the truthfulness of the Word, “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9 ESV). We are on his path, and it's a path we’ve been seeking prayerfully for the last two years.

Immense changes are coming in the next couple of weeks. Moving to the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Lenny will begin a new job, we’ll begin searching for a new church family, and our daughters will walk through the doors of San Marcos Academy to continue their academic careers beyond the scope of the homeschool classroom they’ve always known. I’m excited for this opportunity that God has laid before them, but I guess I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t say my heart is a bit torn at the fact our time together learning at home has drawn to a close. I didn’t realize as we closed the last book of their 7^th and 9^th grade years that they would be embarking on a whole new adventure next fall. God has been abundantly gracious in the years he has given me to nurture and teach my children at home. I cherish the time, memories, and countless conversations. I’m thankful for the laid back pajama days as well as the friends we’ve met along the way. Time indeed passes quickly. I remember well our first year of homeschooling as I nervously launched on this somewhat crazy notion to educate my children at home. Armed with Deuteronomy 6:4-6, Abeka curriculum, and an adorably decorated classroom, we set to work! Even when you’re unsure of your steps, we can rest assured in the One who ordained them. He has been abundantly faithful through nine years of homeschooling, and I’m confident that his faithfulness will continue in our move to San Marcos. I’m excited to explore new places with my family, become involved at San Marcos Academy, make new friends, and enjoy the open door(s) God has in store for us. And so the adventure begins… 

Risk Taker

Would you consider yourself a risk taker? I wouldn't. I've always regarded myself as a "safety girl," preferring options with as close to a guaranteed outcome of little to no loss as I can get.  The gut honest truth is: I like my comfortable life. In fact, I probably like it a little too much. I live what millions would consider the "American Dream." I may not have a white picket fence around my home, but during my married life we've always had a steady source of income that's afforded us nice homes, amenities, a well-stocked pantry, closets of clothing, two vehicles, and the ability to extend generosity to others in their time of need. All of this so called "stability" recently came crashing down with one open door, and our decision to step out in faith and take a risk. 

For the past two years my husband and I have been praying for God to open a door for us to move away from the fast paced city life of Houston, TX.  Being a retired military family who is used to moving every couple of years, we quickly grew restless with the craziness of city life, resenting every agonizing moment spent in traffic, and lamenting the simpler country lifestyle we left behind. This is not to say we didn't have great things going for us in Houston. My husband worked for one of the best school districts in the area, and was well-regarded by his boss, peers, and students. We had a great homeschool community that provided excellent resources for our children. We even have family in the area; however, in the four years we've lived here, we lacked for close connections, and never really felt "at home." This feeling of discontent didn't appear to be a fleeting emotion no matter how many times I brought it to the Lord in prayer. My husband and I agreed, Houston wasn't the place the Lord was calling us to stay, but where was He calling us to go?

We began praying and seeking possible job opportunities, but for two years we ran into road blocks and the right opportunity didn't seem to reveal itself. In May, my husband stumbled across a listing for a JROTC position at San Marcos Academy in San Marcos, TX, and decided immediately to apply. (If you're familiar with the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, you know exactly why he jumped at the opportunity, not to mention is was a Christian school)! However, with this opportunity came risk. We knew if offered the job we'd lose a significant chunk of our income. Was it worth it? Was God really calling us to go? Do we really have faith that God will provide, or do we just offer lip service to the idea? This open door was about to put our faith to the test, and reveal the idols of my heart. 

My husband interviewed, and was offered the position. We had already been in prayer concerning God's direction for our family, and although we can't say we had supernatural indicators for accepting the job, we did feel that we had prayed for wisdom and discernment, and choosing to say yes to this opportunity felt more alive than the safety of no. Stepping out in faith means being willing to leave idols behind.

Five days after my husband submitted an early resignation (allowing the district ample time to find his replacement without leaving them with a simple two week notice and no instructor to begin the new school year), he received a phone call advising him that his contract would be terminated effective by the end of the week. So, right off the bat our faith is being put to the test! Termination means no paychecks for the next month and a half until he starts his new job, and oh by the way, we had just signed a contract on a new home in San Marcos. Buying a home and being unemployed don't exactly go hand in hand. 

So, we began to tighten our financial buckle in an attempt to stretch our final paycheck as far as it would go. Adjusting our grocery budget is something I had never had to do, and frankly, my flesh was screaming for ice cream, chips, and anything not deemed "necessary." We already had tickets to attend the Father's Day Astros game with my dad, but saying no to all things ballpark related revealed the ugliness of idolization in my heart. The immature, entitled part of me was demanding ball park foods: hotdogs, cotton candy, peanuts, soda (how can you enjoy a game without such things)? It was then that I realized I wasn't content with just being. Being with my family and being thankful for what I did have:  a ticket to the game, spending Father's Day with my dad, and being surrounded by my family and screaming fans.

Two weeks later, just when we thought the move would transition smoothly, we lost the contract on our home. The potential buyers got cold feet and walked. So, our faith is once more being tested. I am absolutely confident we are walking in the will of God because the opposition is fierce. Although I struggle with "counting it all joy when I face trials of various kinds" (James 1:2), I am certain God will see us through even though I can't see the way. There is a thrill knowing God is directing our steps, and is in sovereign control of our situations, even those situations that we find disappointing. The thing is, we can't learn to trust God without risk, uncertainty, humility, and vulnerability. 

Although we are in the middle of a storm, and we can't see how the difficulties we're facing will turn out, we can rest in the fact God is strengthening our faith and teaching us to trust in him alone. He is our provider-not the school district and not the potential buyers, and he will work "all things out for our good" (Romans 8:28). Here is what I'm most excited about-all of this struggle means Satan is trying his hardest to keep us from moving and to lose faith. Why? When God opens doors, it is not solely for the benefit of those to whom it was open. The benefit is for those we will meet along the journey. For those we can share our story to encourage them along in theirs. It's for those who need to hear the gospel to whom we are being sent. It is for God's glory and our sanctification.