Today’s scripture: 1 Samuel 3:3-11 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Chris Tenpas):
Let me give you a brief snapshot of who I’ve always been: I hate leftovers — they taste funny! I run the water at full pressure while I’m brushing my teeth. I buy little things impulsively, like chapstick, because I walked out of the house without it. Now tuck that away and read on.
In January, I had the amazing privilege of traveling with five others from our congregation to the country of Sudan. For me, this journey began 18 years ago, and it took several proddings from God before I finally believed I was capable of such a trip. As a teen in a very active youth ministry program, I had a youth director who spent time in South Africa. He shared with us his political and religious passion for the country. It was right around the time Nelson Mandela was released from prison, a time of apartheid and military sanctions. This became the seed of my journey.
Over the years, God has continued to direct my heart and my compassion for the people of that continent, but as a girlie-girl, caught up in fashion, make-up and dozens of chapsticks and lipsticks, I just couldn’t see how I would survive in that place, even for a day.
Then David Radcliffe spoke at JMCC on World Mission Sunday, in 2007. His words changed my life and my need to go became real. I spent a good deal of time that evening pleading and arguing with God, figuring out how I was going to make it there and why I was supposed to go. I began watching and waiting for signs, like Samuel did when he finally said, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”
I realize now the irony that Pastor Jeff gave a sermon series before my departure on simplifying, using our money and our resources wisely, and taking time to consider the question “What would Jesus buy?” Now I understand this: Jesus would eat his leftovers, and so I do. He would use his daily access to clean, running water with conviction to conserve all he could, so I do. And He would NOT spend money impulsively on silly things like chapstick just because he forgot his at home.
Chris Tenpas with a new friend.
Now that I’ve been to Sudan, and seen firsthand how great the need is, I am reminded more and more of the things I can do to make a change. And when my small efforts are grouped together with others’ similar changes, they can create a trickle effect that results in their greater access to what I take for granted.
Shortly after our return home, my fellow Sudan travel buddy and friend, Elizabeth Keller, sent an email with a quote that said, “Remember what millions of hands can do.” (Wangari Maathai) So if this girlie-girl can make a few changes, maybe you can too. What will yours be? Together, through the love we have been shown in Christ Jesus, we can be enough to provide hope and light to the beautiful people of Sudan.
Thought for the day: Learn a little, give a little, think a little differently. Is God calling me to make a change?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.