A couple of weeks ago as we approached the sacramental feast at the front of the sanctuary, a little one was in front of us also partaking in the Holy Meal.  With the bread not being cut up in its normal, uniform squares, the child reached up for a piece of the common loaf.  As her mother guided her along to the next phase of the meal, I heard the youngster say, “I want a bigger piece.”  I chuckled to myself at the innocence of her statement.  I wondered if she knew the depth of her words.

While some might scowl at the perceived irreverence of her remark, it echoes the society in which we live and the desire in all of us.  Actually, this hunger for more reaches far beyond the current decade and has been present since the opening act of Time.  Satan dangled the possibility of MORE in front of the matriarch of mankind… more wisdom… more knowledge… more like God… and she bit.

We know the consequences of that Taste & See event and yet we continue to fall into the same trap.  More. Bigger.  Better.  We want more land, more status, more pleasure; bigger houses, bigger equipment, bigger bank accounts; better vehicles, better toys, better ________.  Our pursuit of more has cost us irreplaceable amounts of time, devastated relationships, and mountains of stress.  All for what?  Will we ever come to realize that what our souls are craving more of is Jesus?

There are many passages in scripture that remind us what the object of our desires should be:

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (Psalm 42:1-2)

“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1)

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!  My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:1)

“Whom have I in heaven but you?  And earth has nothing I desire besides you.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26-26)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)

Tommy Tenney, in his devotional, Experiencing His Presence: Devotions for God Chasers, writes a prayer that we all may need to use daily to build our hunger for God:

“Lord Jesus, my soul aches at the mere mention of Your name.  My heart leaps for every rumor of Your coming, and each possibility that You will manifest Your presence.  I’m not satisfied with mere spiritual dainties.  I’m ravenously hungry for You in Your fullness.  I’m desperate to feast on the bread of Your Presence and quench my thirst with the wine of Your Spirit.”

So go ahead, little one, ask for a bigger piece!  Hunger and thirst for righteousness!  Beg and plead for more of Jesus!  Let God be your portion forever!  You can always have as much of Him as you want!

May it not be said of us that we have an insatiable hunger for the things of this world, but that we long for a bigger piece of the Bread of Life.

Erin Jacobsma

The theme verse for the mission trip the RCYF attended in Benton Harbor Michigan a few weeks ago was “We love because God first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. It seems easy enough to follow God’s command to love others, yet I found this verse to challenge me while in Michigan and it continues now that we are home.

The community of Benton Harbor is very different than here in Luverne. Most of the community members do not look like us, houses are not kept the same as the average home here, and many are without employment. As my group worked the first day, we laughed and had fun while doing our task. As the day went on, the landscaping assignment was taking shape and we had some time left in our day for another project. A few of us began picking up trash in a vacant lot across the street from the home we were at. As we worked, we noticed some neighbors come out of their house to sit in their yard and watch us work. Someone made a comment that it would be nice if these individuals would offer us a hand or at the very least keep their neighborhood clean after we left. It seemed so simple to us, yet in this community these values we hold seem to not be taught. We discussed our frustration and wondered why they felt different than us. As quickly as a few judgmental thoughts entered my mind I heard a whisper say “But I love them, Becky.”

¹⁹We love because he first loved us. ²⁰Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. ²¹And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4

As I pondered these things in my mind, I realized loving others is not always as easy as I had first thought. Without even saying “hi,” I chose to not love as Christ loves me. Many times in my life my actions have been less than loveable, but never – not even once – has God ceased to love me. It’s true of all of us. Our minds quickly make conclusions when we encounter someone who looks a little different than us or has a lifestyle unlike our own. Unfortunately, because of these thoughts, we may fail to see the unique individual God loves and created them to be.

Our Youth Works Trip Journal summed it up this way: We were unable to love: Unable to love God. Unable to love others. But God loved us anyway. Not with a flimsy, only-when-it’s-convenient, once-in-a-while kind of love. But with a deep, all-of-the-time, for-all-of-time kind of love. A love that takes root and gives life. A love that fills us, changes us, flows from us into the world. And so, we are able to love: Able to love God. Able to love others.

Even though our stories do not all look the same, it turns out God is at work in each of our lives. Every moment we walk here on earth is our journey of God redeeming and loving us. May it never be said of us that we only loved those who look and act like us. May we spread Christ’s love by inviting others into our lives so we may share His goodness, promises, and forgiveness for all. We spread His love – a love that fills us, changes us, and flows from us into the world.

Becky Ossefoort

Although we know God’s sovereign plan of redemption is always unfolding according to his good pleasure, this year’s General Synod meeting felt very conflicted primarily because of the discussion on human sexuality. In addition, it felt very politicized as several groups championed their cause on other issues within the RCA. Below is a brief summary of what happened at the General Synod this year in Chicago; more can be found on the RCA website.

In regards to the issue on human sexuality, General Synod 2016 adopted as constitutional the “Order for Christian Marriage” liturgy, which describes marriage as “a joyful covenanting between a man and a woman.” The vote elevates the 2002 liturgy to constitutional status if it is approved by two-thirds of the RCA’s 44 classes over the coming year. The decision also needs to be ratified at General Synod 2017. The recommendation arose out of the report of the special council on human sexuality that took place in April. Other recommendations from the special council were discussed at length and not approved.

On the final day, delegates called for a change to the Book of Church Order (BCO), mandating that consistories or governing bodies “shall assure that marriages in a church or congregation are between a man and a woman.” The change must be approved by two-thirds of RCA classes and ratified at General Synod 2017 before it is added to the BCO.

In addition, General Synod also passed a resolution to “reject all forms of mockery, degrading words and thoughts, economic oppression, abuse, threats, and violence against members of the LGBTQ+ community,” regardless of position on the “moral status of same-sex behavior.” The resolution called on anyone involved in such behavior to “repent and immediately begin walking in obedience to Jesus’ command to love.”

General Synod delegates also voted “to declare that the RCA does not support the use of reorientation/reparative therapy but does affirm the power of the Holy Spirit to transform all lives.”

In other business:

• RCA general secretary Tom De Vries delivered his report, calling synod to act with love. He said the RCA’s impact will be greater “if we journey together as God’s people who have been called for God’s purposes.”
• Synod approved president Evan Vermeer’s proposal to develop a way for churches that are financially healthy to partner with churches that have fewer resources.
• Synod set the 2017 per-member assessment at $52.23. These funds support the work of the synod, denominational ministries, theological education, the Board of Benefits Services assistance program, and other initiatives approved at synod. Delegates set the 2017 Partner-in-Mission (PIM) share at $6,400; PIM shares fund the work of mission coworkers around the world.
• Synod elected Dan Gillett as president and Lee DeYoung as vice president. Gillett is lead pastor of First Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan. Lee DeYoung is an elder at Hager Park Reformed Church in Jenison, Michigan
• Synod celebrated the organization of eight new RCA churches, presenting the new churches with plaques that commemorate their organization. The RCA has also approved plans for 22 new church plants, in locations ranging from Detroit to Nashville, since General Synod 2015.

Despite the battle between good and evil, you and I can remain hopeful and excited about our future. For as Jesus said, “I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”

May His Kingdom come, Mike Altena

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”  -Margaret Mead

Isn’t it crazy that we humans simultaneously fear and crave relationships?  We are hard-wired to want to know others and be known by them, but due to the vulnerability and sacrifice required to invest in deep relationships we often opt out.  I believe ARC is called to be counter-cultural in this area, and in so doing we will shine the light of Christ.  We will foster authentic, transformational relationships, and build a network of life groups who change the community and the world!  Through life groups we can:

*Disciple each other- We all have spiritual gifts designed to help each other grow closer to Christ.

*Care for each other- When hard times come, we need other believers to surround us with prayer.

*Build community- Life Groups are not just Bible studies.  We share life and build lasting friendships.

*Be missional- We often talk about being a “missionary to our circle of influence” at ARC.  Our goal is to begin to do this increasingly through life groups so we can foster encouragement and accountability.

*Grow our Church- Disconnected people in our church will be more likely to stay and grow if they are invited into a life group.  Also, many unchurched people who aren’t comfortable attending a worship service may be interested in visiting a life group to discover more about Jesus.

*Be transformed- Sunday worship is very important in a believer’s life, but personal transformation will mainly happened in the loving laboratory of a life group.

Currently we have about 80 ARC adults who regularly attend a life group.  This probably puts us around the neighborhood of 20% participation.  The Life Group Leadership team and the Consistory are praying and believing that we could significantly increase that number in the years ahead, and as we do so we will see greater impact on personal lives of ARC attenders as well as impact on the community and the world.

What is stopping us from fully embracing this proven method for growth?  The biggest excuse we all have is lack of time.  The problem with that excuse is that it works off of the assumption that God is calling us to ADD life groups to our already busy schedule.  Remember when Jesus called the disciples to leave everything and start a life group that eventually changed the world?  They cleared off their entire schedule to make that work!  I don’t think God is asking us to do that, because many of the activities in which we engage will be our open door for missional outreach.  However, God may be calling us all to sacrifice one or two things that will not be as eternally significant as being in community with other believers and seekers.  Will you make a sacrifice in faith that God will use your life group to change you and the world?

This fall we will launch the “Grow and Go” campaign at ARC which will give you a great opportunity to join or lead a life group.  I believe God is planning great things for us.  Begin praying now, ARC!

Cory Grimm

I live with a hippophile.  For those of you who don’t know what that is, it is someone who loves horses.  Cowhide, ropes, horseshoes, and suede adorn her bedroom and her closet displays an assortment of cowboy boots, western shirts, bib overalls, bandanas, and hats.  Since she was knee high to a grasshopper she has tossed the Barbies and doll babies aside to accommodate her cows and horses, fences and barns.  We do not live on a ranch or even an acreage, but that doesn’t matter.  She is a cowgirl at heart.  Since she does not have the luxury of tending to a horse on a regular basis, her cowgirl dreams are appeased through the television.  Apparently there are other city slicker horse lovers too because there is an abundance of horse films on the market.  From “The Black Stallion” to “My Little Pony”, we have watched a lot of horse movies over the years, but one of my favorites is “Secretariat”.

Secretariat is the name of an incredible horse owned by Penny Chenery who ultimately crosses the finish line into history as the Triple Crown winner.  We have watched this movie countless times, but as we followed the story yet again on a Sunday afternoon rerun, a familiar clip reined me in.  Secretariat had lost one of his early races and Penny was interviewing a new jockey named Ronnie Turcotte.  Ronnie was an experienced rider, one of the best, but also had the reputation of running his horses too hard.  Rumor at the track was that he had recently run a horse so hard his heart burst.  As Penny questioned Turcotte in a heated conversation, Ronnie didn’t back down.  “I risk my life every time I climb on a horse.  I’m not afraid, neither are they.  I want to win just like they do.  My last horse wanted to win so much his heart burst.  It’s who they are.  It’s who I am.”

It was this scene that played on a continuous loop in my mind.  … his heart burst… it’s who they are… it’s who I am…  I began to wonder what that would look like in my own life to go after something with such gusto my heart would burst.  There’s a lot of things I could say I have done my best at, but have I ever wanted to win so badly that I would go to that extreme.  Have I ever left it all on the track?

But that’s exactly the kind of commitment Jesus wants from us.  We are instructed to offer our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30), to submit to God (James 4:7), and to do everything to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).  That doesn’t sound like a half-hearted, Sunday only, good enough, kind of commitment to me.

My desire is to get to the finish line of this life and hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.  But do we really think those are the words that will come from our Father’s mouth if in reality we are running the safest race possible, being content with finishing with the pack, instead of laying it all on the line?  I have been reading a book called “The Jesus Centered Life”.  If you don’t mind a lot of highlights and underlines you are welcome to borrow it.  The author has challenged my status quo living with paying ridiculous attention to Jesus and being ruined by Him and for Him, to not being satisfied with Jesus as a ‘nice guy’ but being captivated by the Lion of Judah.

So how about you?  While a hippophile is someone who has an extravagant love for horses, early followers of Jesus were known as Christians, meaning to be a “little Christ” or someone who had a passionate heart for following Christ.  Are you ready to be done with safe living and be the kind of disciple who gives it all you got?  May it be said of us when the hearse pulls up to the door, that we ran so hard our heart burst for Jesus!

Erin Jacobsma

Several people have asked me if I have been enjoying fewer activities in the youth department. I must admit, this comment makes me chuckle inside just a bit. While I was happy to see the Midweek and Sunday School season come to a pause, the VBS planning was just revving into high gear. Tomorrow morning nearly 150 students and over 50 teachers, leaders, and helpers will come through our doors. Knowing all the details are in place, all Cave Snot kits are ready to go, and everyone knows what their responsibility is for the week has more than filled my time!

Soon our week of VBS will come to a close and then the youth group will be loading up the vans and trailer next Saturday morning for the mission trip to Benton Harbor, MI. As I look at my own calendar, I see the month of June disappearing quickly. Before I know it my kids will be busy finishing the details on their fair projects, and then August will be here. Yet, when I look at this summer’s calendar it looks a little different than the years past. Because of the new school start date in Luverne, my children will actually get an extra two weeks added to their regular summer vacation.

I say great! Think of the extra time we can spend with each other and do fun things as a family. Fourteen extra days for them to say “Mom, I’m so bored. There isn’t anything to do around here!” Ah, yes, summer vacation! J

So, what do you plan on doing with the days of summer? Have you asked your child what they want to do with their extra-long summer? I’d like to challenge everyone to put their summer to good use. Perhaps you could start by asking yourself these basic questions:

What is something you are doing that you want to get better at, and how do you plan to do that?

What is one new thing you would like to try and/or learn about?

Once a week, what type of service would you commit to doing?

As a family, ask the same questions. How can your family grow together in service, and shine Jesus’ light to those in your circle of influence? The opportunities are endless, but here are some ideas our family came up with to help get you started:

-Visit a nursing home resident regularly -Help a neighbor with yardwork -Go out for ice cream

-Take snacks to the hospital staff -Learn to play a new sport together

-Make and bring a meal to someone in need -Run errands for an elderly person

-Take care of another family’s children so parents can go out

-Plant a garden and donate produce -Volunteer together regularly

I know we haven’t added any days to our year, but at our house we have added 14 less “school night bedtimes” and I pray we can utilize that time to grow together as individuals and as a family. Will you commit to being intentional with how you spend these extra days or will they slide by like summers past? Don’t let this rare opportunity pass you by. We all know how quickly time can pass, so get started brainstorming today how you will not only bless someone in need, but grow closer as a family.

As I was typing this article I was reminded of our theme verse from last summer’s Power Connection. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23)  Go and be blessed to be a blessing this summer!   Becky Ossefoort

We all know we are better at committing and actually doing things when we have an accountability partner. So, Cory and I are willing to do just that. Contact either of us and we will check-in each week to see how it is going.

Dear ARC Friends and Family,

God is an awesome God!  He has walked with us every step of the way as we faced situations that have tested us and our reliance on Him.  Many times, we weren’t sure how He was working when we needed things like money for vehicle repairs or rent, or other basic necessities like food.  He blessed us daily and we could never adequately express what He has done and continues doing in our lives.

As I write this, todays’ devotion is Luke 12:22-32 which talks about God providing for our every need and trusting Him to provide daily for us.  As a human being, it is easy for me to forget that and He uses these times to bring me back to a reliance on him.  We don’t know what tomorrow looks like but we don’t need to know that.  We have talked as a family about how precious this time of learning has been and how we never, ever again want to depend on a paycheck or a bank account for our security or peace of mind.  We have experienced incredible freedom and we don’t ever want to lose that.  It is easy to say that we don’t depend on those things, but there was a time when the thought of them not being there raised fear and anxiety.  No more… worrying cannot add a single day to our lives beyond what God in His infinite love and mercy is already giving us.  We can focus on spreading His Word and serving Him in whatever capacity He calls us to; He takes care of the rest.

In spite of the recent break-in to our vehicles and stolen property, we are and will always be thankful for His faithfulness to us.  He calls us to pray for our enemies and be thankful in all circumstances.  He always wants us to learn and grow during those times to really appreciate who He is.  As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

We do know that in the coming months, there will be many changes in our family.  We are awaiting the births of 2 grandchildren within the next few months, as Craig and Casey and their families are expecting.  Chris recently started working full time on the air base in Sioux Falls with the Air National Guard.  Joel will be in his senior year of high school.  Cheryl is working at the moment at New Life Treatment Center in Woodstock.  Beginning in mid-June, I will be deploying to the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt until Spring 2017.  God is already working out the details of the future and we are confident that He knows what we need on a daily basis.  Psalm 91 resonates with us in our current circumstance.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.  He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.  You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.  A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.  You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.  If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.  For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.  You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.  “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

We are filled with gratitude for how you have blessed us in so many ways, prayed for us, and encouraged us.  May God continue to call this nation, and each of us, to repentance and revival.  May He bless our brothers and sisters around the world, and all who are reading this.

In Christ’s love, Jeff Thacker

I was recently waiting to check out at Ace Hardware when, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a brightly colored yellow bottle with a picture of a baboon with a red butt and a big smile. After picking up the bottle and looking more closely, I learned that it contained Anti Monkey Butt Anti Friction Powder with Calamine.

At first I wondered, is it fair for some business to capitalize on the misfortune of the baboon that can’t actually do anything about its big red butt since that’s the way God created them. Shouldn’t there be some animal rights group that could sue, or at least protest, the Anti Monkey Butt Corporation for the iniquitous and humiliating treatment of a defenseless animal.

Next I began to wonder, has monkey butt among humans become enough of a problem in America that Ace Hardware should display Anti Monkey Butt powder right next to the flashlight batteries and candy bars. Is our fast paced and hurried world causing an increase in perspiration in those areas on the human anatomy where friction occurs resulting in suffering from those annoying rashes?

As I was reflecting, my mind drifted back to those 90 degree days on the farm when I was baling or pouring concrete and I would end the day with a serious case of monkey butt. For those who feel uncomfortable with defining that sweaty rash as “monkey butt,” I used Google to find out the official medical term and discovered that a doctor would diagnose it as “chafing.”

I also discovered that if you have chronic monkey butt, you should consider seeing a dermatologist, although, believe it or not, some holistic spas may offer treatment to your backside in the same way they would with facials. However, they also advised to consult with a licensed esthetician before you get a facial on your butt. J

That being said, in order to learn more about the demand and effectiveness of the Anti Monkey Butt product, I thought I would ask my friend at the checkout counter a few questions. First I asked her if there was a good market for the product. And she said they actually sell quite a bit of it. I then asked her if she had any experience with the product, or if it actually worked. Although she had never used the product, customers had shared with her that it is indeed an effective sweat absorber and friction fighter. When I asked if anyone tried to return their bottle of Anti Monkey Butt powder for a refund, she replied that she wasn’t aware of anyone.

Her responses were proof enough for me, and so just in case that dreadful experience would reoccur, I decided to purchase a bottle. As I was walking out the door I began to chuckle; isn’t it funny that God created our bodies in such a way that the combination of excess perspiration and friction would result in monkey butt.

As I climbed into my pickup, I then wondered what it was like for the Israelites wandering in the desert; what did they use to address the uncomfortable burning sensation? Sand? Corn starch?  I hope this article has brightened your day, for a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

And may it not be so with you, but if you’re ever in church and the friction has resulted in chafing, feel free to stop by my office, the bright yellow bottle is on my book shelf. Just grab a pinch to put between your cheeks.

Best wishes, Mike Altena

I’ve known for a long time that Fred Rogers, famously known as Mr. Rogers on the children’s show, “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood,” used to be a Presbyterian minister, but I never knew why he chose to leave that calling and go into children’s television.  This is the answer Wikipedia gives:  Rogers stated, “I went into television because I thought there (must be) some way of using this fabulous instrument to nurture those who would watch and listen.”

Of course everyone in my generation and the one before, and maybe even the one after, would be familiar with the show.  Remember how he would come in singing the theme song and manage to change shoes and exchange his jacket for his cardigan without missing a beat?  I’m sure that’s not as easy as it looks!  And who wasn’t fascinated by that trolley?  Where did it come from?  How did Mr. Rogers understand what it was saying?  How did it travel to the “neighborhood of make believe” where all the puppets lived?

There is a central theme that runs through that show that we might not have caught because it was mentioned so often that it was easy to miss.  Mr. Rogers would always ask, “Won’t you be my neighbor?”  He was all about knowing the people in his community and inviting in everyone else to join the group.  He had a powerful way of making you feel like you were special and you had value and could be his neighbor no matter your background.

Remember the man who asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”  We know that was a very important question because Jesus came back with the famous parable of the Good Samaritan.  Theologians will tell you that the man probably wanted to find out who wasn’t his neighbor…i.e. the people whom he wasn’t required to love.  Jesus of course confronts that type of thinking and essentially teaches that we should see everyone as a potential neighbor.

So that gives us some challenging questions to think about this week:

Was Fred Rogers Missional?  (Missional:  being a missionary to your circle of influence)

He was eventually ordained as an evangelist by the Presbyterian Church, but would you agree with that designation?  He never mentioned Jesus in a broadcast, so is teaching and modeling the ways of Jesus enough to lead people to faith?

Do you think Mr. Rogers made a greater impact on the world with what he did, or should he have remained a minister in a church?

Do you think Christians should infiltrate the mainstream media, television and movie production, and other mediums of communication in similar ways as Fred Rogers did, or should we continue to have our own separate outlets?

In what ways can you use Mr. Rogers’ example in your current situation?

Some might say Mr. Rogers left “the ministry” to work in television.  Others might say he simply expanded his role as minister to include a larger circle of influence.  It is easy to see both views on these questions, but I think they are good conversations to have as we continue to seek to impact our world for Christ.

Mr. Rogers: You always make it a special day for me. You know how, don’t you? By just your being you. Whether you’re in kindergarten, or third grade, or no grade at all, or ANY grade at all, I like you just the way you are. I’ll be back tomorrow. Bye.

Cory Grimm

CHANGE… The mere mention of change stirs up anxiety in most people, but change is a natural part of life.  Change is inevitable.  Sure, change is messy and can be difficult, but change also brings opportunity and progress.  Change comes from two places.  It comes from within or is brought about through forces from the outside.  Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  Transformation is change from within; conformity is change from the outside.

I started thinking about change a few weeks ago when I had the privilege of attending a weekend retreat with Cornerstone Prison Church at the South Dakota State Penitentiary.  Throughout the weekend, inmates and outsiders shared their stories of how God had orchestrated change in their lives and brought them to a better place spiritually.  My heart was burdened for these men as they shared their struggles of attempting to change the path they were on and walk out their faith in a dark place surrounded by guilt and shame over their past choices.  We talked about the hope we have and about being prepared to share our testimonies.  We encouraged each other to persevere and to be a light wherever we are.

The whole experience was a lot to process, but there was a simple question presented by one of the speakers that caught my attention.  “Do you believe God can change people’s lives?”  I nodded my agreement to the posed query.  Yes, God can change people’s lives!  After all, 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”  Which led me to think about the apostle Paul.  Talk about a man that experienced change.  Paul went from being the early church’s greatest enemy to its boldest ambassador.  I wonder how many people ever expected Paul to change.  I wondered if someone had been praying for Paul’s transformation.

That’s when the Holy Spirit opened His can of conviction.

Here I was sitting shoulder to shoulder with murderers, thieves, rapists, and drug dealers and I had no problem believing that God had changed their heart, yet there are people in my everyday life who I have given up hope on ever experiencing transformation.  What does that say about what I really believe?  I declare that I believe God can transform someone’s life, except for So-and-So or You Know Who.  (I’m sure you can fill in that reference with someone from your own life.)  That person will never change.  We make excuses for people who we see as being outside the reach of God’s alterations.  “Oh that’s just the way he/she is.”  I felt ashamed for dismissing the power of the Holy Spirit to change a person’s heart.  I was overcome by the hypocrisy that I say I believe in God’s transforming work, but I don’t expect it.

As the retreat was drawing to a close, the Pastor led us in an examination of our hearts as we prepared to come to the Lord’s Table.  My heart was heavy.  I was undone by the guilt of my own self-righteousness and judgmental thoughts.  I was in need of God’s changing grace just as much as anyone else in the room.  I wept as I was reminded by a convicted felon that Jesus’ blood was shed for me. For both of us.  For all of us.

My most needed change is that He must increase and I must decrease.

Erin Jacobsma