Explicitly Dependent June 25, 2010

Day 5 of ONS

explicitly dependent.

what a great little phrase that packs a punch. as we studied the manuscript of Deuteronomy 8:1-18, parts of which say, “Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers…He humbled you…to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD…You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers.”

If I were to summarize the entire passage, my summary said:

Carefully follow the LORD’s leading. There are lots of good things that await you. You’ve been tested thus far, but when you get all the things you want–when you have felt satisfaction, remember that (then and now) it was the LORD who provided.

As InterVarsity staff we have the awesome of privilege of absolutely knowing that we are dependent on God for provision. Other careers receive a pay check, and its not that they aren’t depedent on God–let me explain. Because people have jobs and receive regular paychecks, it puts up a false idea that they are not trusting in faith for that money. Its set up and you signed a contract. But the thing is, its still all on faith, cause that job could be there one day and gone the next. Its hard for the average working person to see it as GOD’s provision and faith in HIM rather than in the paycheck, in the CEO. This might not be making any sense. All I’m really saying is, because we are raising support as staff, we are EXPLICITLY–very very obviously and specifically, dependent on God. When we’ve eaten and had our fill, we will most certainly remember and thank the LORD for the provision.

Explicitly Dependent. what a blessing!

we had yet another jam packed day with studying scripture, learning some best practices for branding and prayer letters, visited the National Service Center, where all the office-y types at IV work, and they were so welcoming! we toured all the different parts and met lots of amazing staff. I especially enjoyed hanging out in the 2100 office, seeing all the creatives! and it was so neat to meet some more of the people who worked on the video of me, and still remember me! They were pumped I’m coming on staff.

Came back and when skating on a sweet path at the Lake. It was kinda weird though because I had to go up/down elevators to get to it! oooo Madison.

then dinner with my small group at an East African place, had some pretty delicious lamb.

Part of me wants to get started on all the amazing things we’ve been learning, and start to put them into practice. But tomorrow is a sabbath day of rest, and then the second half of ONS continues!