Amy Scott's Thoughts

Sharing the thoughts that bounce around in my brain!

Getting Ready for Ordination April 24, 2011

Filed under: Travels,Women in Ministry — Amy Scott @ 10:23 pm

I’m going to be taking a quick blogging break for the next few days. Tomorrow I set off for Yakima, WA for Annual Conference 2011. This year I have the honor of being ordained at Annual Conference. Last year, I got to share this experience with my husband, Jeremy, as he got ordained and it was a very exciting time. Now that my mind can move past Easter weekend, I am starting to look forward to this occasion. It has also sparked some interesting emotions and is stirring a lot within me! I promise to write again with how the ceremony went as well as all God is laying on my heart! Pray I don’t trip as I walk across the stage!

Because it’s still Easter (…for another hour and a half…) – HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

 

More than Chocolate Bunnies and Egg Hunts April 23, 2011

Filed under: Bible,Children's Ministry,Women in Ministry — Amy Scott @ 4:48 pm

Today was a great day! We at close to 2,000 kids at Bethel Church for giant egg hunt! 40,000 plastic eggs full of candy were hidden in our fields for children to find. We had inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, balloon animals. With such a big event on Easter weekend, it is very easy for my Easter to be all about Eggstravaganza. I mean I do Eggstravaganza for Jesus and for outreach, but what I am thinking about – prize eggs and signage and parking and volunteers… So right now I want to take a moment to remember the true purpose of Easter – beyond the bunnies!

My Savior died for me because I am sinner and separated from God. There is no way in my humanness that I could bridge the gap. He was God’s ONLY SON and he gave his life for me. He died while I was still a sinner. He died for me because He LOVES me. I have done NOTHING WORTHY of this love! The cross is so central to Easter, the suffering my Savior endured. However, death couldn’t hold Him down and the enemy was defeated! I have the glorious hope of heaven and purpose for each day here on Earth.

As I was thinking about Jesus in the midst of the egg hunt, Philippians 2:5-8 come to mind:

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very natureof a servant,
being made in human likeness.
  And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

Thank you, Jesus, for dying for me. Thank you for lowering yourself from the heights of heaven to human lowliness. I don’t deserve your love, but I gratefully accept it.I know that I serve a God that is living and the grave couldn’t hold you down. Help me to reflect your love to others and make the most of my time here on earth. I LOVE YOU! Amen.

 

Like Ice Cream by Keith Ferrin April 21, 2011

Filed under: Amy's Bookshelf,Children's Ministry — Amy Scott @ 3:20 pm

Helping the next generation fall in love with God’s Word should be as easy as sharing a love for ice cream according Keith Ferrin.  He runs a ministry that focuses on helping people fall in LOVE with God’s Word. Not just read it because they have or believe it because it’s true, but really love it in a relational way. You can tell from listening to Ferrin that he has a passion for God’s Word. Through his roles as a youth pastor and now as a parent, he has wrestled with how to help the next generation be just as passionate about God’s Word.

I was recently at a conference where I got to hear Ferrin speak on the subject of this book. I was so fired up about God’s Word and helping the next generation fall in love with it when I left. When someone truly cares about a cause you can feel them channeling the energy right into you and that is exactly what Ferrin did. I left that session thinking, “I wish everyone could have heard this.” The awesome thing is Like Ice Cream captures everything I learned in that session and more. I would say it’s a must read for children’s or youth pastors, but more importantly for parents. Really anyone with influence into the next generation (grandparents, teachers, congregation members, etc.) needs to read this book!

Kids are at church for a couple hours a week… maybe three hours on a Sunday and hour and a half midweek (most spend less than that). We can’t assume that sending a child off to Sunday school is going to develop this passion inside of them. As a parent, you have the biggest opportunity to influence your children for Jesus.

Ferrin goes through nine principles that will help you be more intentional about helping the next generation develop a taste for God’s Word. In children’s ministry, I can tell that they way I read the Bible and teach the Bible will show kids how exciting it really is. If I’m reading in a mono-tone voice then they aren’t going to sense passion. They are probably going to be bored and tune me out. I have to be creative with how I present God’s Word and show kids that is really alive and active!

One of the best examples that came out of the book is that of a cucumber. A cucumber can became a certain kind of pickle depending on what’s it is soaked in. You can’t make a sweet pickle by using dill. What you soak the cucumber in will decide what it becomes. We can’t just hope that kids turn out a certain way when they are not exposed to what they need. As a parent, you have the choice of what your children will be exposed to, you will have a say in the environments they spend time in and the people that influence them. Don’t expect your child to turn into a sweet pickle if their hanging out with dill pickles.

The truth of the matter is we can talk about God’s Word all the time, we can get creative with how we weave it into everyday life, we can be excited about it and show kid’s what a relational view of the Bible looks like, but only God can call a child to himself. This is where prayer is a key part of helping the next generation fall in love with God’s Word. We can only do so much and then we have trust God to grow the seeds that we have planted in these young hearts. Prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have in helping the next generation fall in love with God’s Word.

Another book I would like to suggest on a similar topic is Spiritual Parenting by Dr. Michelle Anthony. I read it as research for a possible parenting class at the church. I learned so much from it as a children’s minister.  It’s important for me as a children’s minister to empower and equip parents to be the best spiritual influences in their child’s life. Together we have an exciting opportunity to help children build their spiritual foundation that will carry them through for a lifetime with Jesus.  I’m excited – are you?

 

Better Together April 20, 2011

Filed under: Bible,Children's Ministry,Women in Ministry — Amy Scott @ 2:44 pm

When I was in high school, I felt the call of God in my life to go into ministry as a full time vocation. The thing is I only knew I wanted to be at church – all the time. I couldn’t picture myself heading into an office building and working the 9 to 5 job. I liked kids, but the thought of being in a classroom all day as a teacher scared me. So where was I going to fit? It all seemed so wide open. So many options!

Then the Lord brought Jeremy into my life. Jeremy was the intern at my home church. He was active in children’s ministry and right around the time we started dating he was offered the position as children’s pastor at my home church. This was very exciting for him and I was so proud of him. I was away at college during this process so when I came home for that summer, he was curious if I wanted to teach a class of girls on Wednesday nights and help with children’s church on Sunday mornings.

Being just out of high school, I was still in the youth mindset, but I knew that church was much more than a youth ministry, so I decided to jump into children’s ministry. I figured if God wanted Jeremy and I to be together then I would need to find a fit in children’s ministry. If I didn’t fit, then I figured maybe this wasn’t the right direction for my ministry calling.

That summer was so important for me as a young person with a passion for ministry. I fell in love with children’s ministry and it set me on the path I’m now walking out. The great thing about my ministry is that I’m not doing it alone. I get the joy and the pleasure to walk beside my husband in truly a partnership of ministry.

Being able to share my ministry with my husband is so important for strength. We are able to support strengthen each other. We process the world differently, so we have two perspectives that help us to think outside of the box and openly discuss life and ministry from various angles. My strengths are not my husband’s strengths and his are not mine. We are able to round each other out.

Ministry is so rewarding, but it also can be very draining. By sharing the load, in a partnership, I am able to go farther and do more. I am also empowered to be who I am and how God made me to be. I don’t have to worry about trying to be just like my husband and mirror his ministry. We can see where we each shine differently. Every person is blessed with unique spiritual and leadership gifts. Using these unique gifts brings balance to ministry. We are energized to be an allied force for good.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.  But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” I get to live out this principle every day at work. I know that I am better off for working in a team. We get more done together then we do alone. Our labor has a good return and we have the support and strength of each other. It is so nice to know that someone is there to catch me when I fall and that we’ll be able to get up and keep going. No getting stuck in a pit for this girl, I’ve invested in the buddy system.

Now I realize that not everyone has the blessing of sharing their ministry with their spouse. The ideas and principles still apply to anyone. We are not meant to it alone. Ministry is best done together because it is so central on relationship. We need to build partnerships into our lives and share our loads. Not only will the burden be lighter, but you have shared joy and shared triumph. Build people into your life that you deeply share your ministry with. Don’t walk this path alone. It’s truly better together!

 

The Intentional Woman by Carol Travilla and Joan C. Webb April 19, 2011

Filed under: Amy's Bookshelf — Amy Scott @ 6:02 pm

As I write this review, I’m listening to the April shower happening outside of my window. I have a cup of hot chocolate steaming beside me and my favorite blanket across my lap. I’m just taking a deep breath and feeling the goodness of God wash over me. Simple moments like this are a pleasure and help me make it through the busyness that surrounds my life.

Now on to the book review… The Intentional Woman is a wonderful study. It was a great follow-up to Half the Church by Carolyn Custis James which I finished before starting this study. The study is formatted into 6 steps that can be done in a multitude of ways. This is a nice because it allows you to make the study fit your life and what works best for you. My suggestion would be a 6 week study with a small group of women – maybe 5 or 6. I think it would also great for a pair of ladies to go through.

It is a study and therefore, it is interactive. There are questions for you answer along every step of the way. The main focus on the study is where you’ve been, where you are at now and where you are going.  Travilla and Webb give many examples from their own journeys as well as other intentional women. Even if you decide to do the study alone, you still feel like you’re walking the path with others.

This study became a reaffirmation of what I’ve been currently working through personally. I’ve been in a very reflective season where I feel the Lord is calling me into new depths of ministry. As the Lord calls me to His purposes, I have to make sure my life is balanced enough to respond. Defining my priorities and addressing my passions are so important for intentional living. If you don’t prioritize the important stuff it will get pushed aside for a frantic, try-to-do-it-all pace. Some people might be able to balance what seems like a million hats, but I’m learning I’m a do a few things and do those things well kind of person.  I have to be intentional about where I am spending my energy so I can get maximum effectiveness.  Sometimes this is hard to accept, but it might mean letting go of some roles.

Travilla and Webb will help you to navigate the things that shaped you growing up, the things you are currently doing, and the things you feel called to do.  One point they brought out was a lot of us still love the things we loved when we were little. It might be painting, journaling, playing with friends, reading, etc. We often feel the need to push aside these simple childhood pleasures when become adults because we no longer feel they are important uses of our time. The truth is God made you in a unique way and there is probably something you really love to do. Don’t put off spending time doing something you love because you feel it’s selfish to focus on yourself. If we are truly balanced people than we will know that there needs to be export (us giving to others) and import (us being renewed). God might use that thing you loved as a child to be an outlet for you and your ministry.

In a constantly busy culture, it’s important to sit down and evaluate. Being an intentional woman will set you on a path of doing life on purpose. Don’t just let life happen to you. Decide what it’s important to you, respond to God’s calling on your life and live like you mean it! Live like it matters for eternity! The Intentional Woman is a great resource to help you sort through it all and make a clear, concise step in the right direction!

 

All Things For Good April 18, 2011

Filed under: Bible,Women in Ministry — Amy Scott @ 2:41 pm

Recently, my husband and I have walked through a very sad and unique season of life. My husband lost both of his grandfathers in less than two months time. It was very hard for me to watch the family grieve. Through this season I was overwhelmed with thoughts about what if my last remaining grandfather was to pass away as well. I knew he wasn’t in the best health, but I assumed he had years left to go. Just 6 months after we buried my husband’s first grandpa to pass away, we buried my grandpa. We lost three grandpas in six months.

The personal family loss was hard, but it was also coupled with many other losses within my own church congregation. In ministry, I attend many memorial services for congregation members and their families. During this same season of family loss, our church had a woman at age twenty-three lose a battle to cancer and another member die in a tragic plane accident. My sister-in-law’s sister also passed away during this same time period.

It seemed like death was everywhere and in every circle of my life.  My grandpa was the last to pass away in the string of many losses. I can see that the Lord prepared my heart for this very loss. I know many families are like mine, I grew up being close to only one set of grandparents. My first encounter with loss was my mother’s father. Mental illness had kept us from being close for many years and when he passed, I felt relieved. I knew his mind was whole again and he was with his Savior. Emotionally it was still difficult, but I always knew the next grandfather to pass would be the most difficult loss, because he was the one I had been most attached to. Watching my husband grieve only made me wonder how I would ever handle the loss of my own grandfather. I had no idea that this experience that I dreaded was right around the corner for me.

During this strange and sad season, I had looked up a lot of scripture to help the ones I loved. I would pour through the Bible looking for encouragement for those whose hearts were aching. Even in my own devotional time the Lord brought scripture after scripture to me. I was so encouraged and was able to share with others the positive words I was receiving. Now I can see that the Lord was preparing my own heart for the road that was ahead.

I thought the Lord was giving me these Scriptures so I can be used in the situations that surrounded me. It was for others that He was pouring out these verses to me. It wasn’t until my own grandpa passed away that I learned the Lord was prepping my heart and preparing me for the loss that was about to come.  He used the ministry that I poured out on others so that He could minister to me in own hard season of the loss.

Death is always going to be a part of my life. Especially in ministry, I know that I will attend many more memorial services and minister to many aching, grieving souls. Because of this season that I have walked through, I feel like the Lord has prepared me for the future. He has shown my heart the healing power of His scripture. The meaning feels so much deeper now. I feel the words with greater conviction and long even more for the glory of heaven.

There are two verses really struck me during this time of loss and I would like to leave them with you. Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Tears were so common during this season and they still come from time to time, but there is such peace knowing that there will be a day when all is made right and all pain will be redeemed. Also, Romans 8:28 spoke to me saying, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  I was reminded in those hard moments that God can use all things for good. Even the things we can’t see as good. He uses it. My personal experiences have not been pleasant to walk through, but I know that it has deeply impacted me as a person and the way I minister. The best ministry comes out of experience and I can see how I walked through a hard time so that I can pour out to those who find themselves on a similar path. God can and will use my pain for his glory.

 

Half the Church by Carolyn Custis James April 17, 2011

Filed under: Amy's Bookshelf — Amy Scott @ 4:50 pm

I feel like all I can say after reading this book is “wow.” On so many levels that sums up every aspect of this book. Half the Church is a must read for all women (and really men as well). It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are at, this book will inspire you to be the woman God created you to be and step forth with action to impact your world.

James started this book based of the inspiration of stories she heard about the global atrocities that women face. Since women make up half of the population and half of the church, we need to examine what our role is and who God has called us to be. Obviously there is a lot of pain and suffering in the world. Sometimes as western thinkers, we can close our eyes to the truth that half of the church is mistreated. Not only are women mistreated globally, but they are silenced. Women feel that they must be silent and take a back seat to men. We can see this even in the modern day church.

So what do we all have in common? What does this mean for the average church lady and for the girl sold into the sex-trafficking industry? There must be some common ground, some place where we can see God’s purpose for us.  There is a universal call to all women – here in the US and around the world!

The book uncovers so much and gives solid Biblical backing to God’s global vision for woman.  First of all, we are image bearers of God. Being made in his image means we are called to his purposes in this world. We were made to be in alliance with men. It’s not a battle of the sexes. It’s not about women taking a stand against men. It’s about us coming together to make the church whole and to be a complete presence of God in the world.

James brought up a good point when she says that two are called to become one. There aren’t fractions here. It isn’t one half comes together with another half to make one. When men (one) and women (one) come together in unity (one) then a true reflection of God can be seen in the world. We are not against each other.  The church is functioning as a healthy whole when both men and women are contributing.

We are called to leadership. Just because I am female does not mean I am sidelined in God’s kingdom call. James mentions that the church has put so much focus on being a wife and mother that we are not able to see the vision for women outside of these roles. Now these roles are not to be taken lightly, but they are not our whole identity.  God certainly has a calling and purpose for women before marriage and he certainly has a calling and purpose for them after their child-bearing years. We are never off the hook for being God’s image bearers in this world. Our leadership and our value remains steadfast from the moment we take our first breath to the moment we take our last. God has a dynamic vision for our lives and the question is are we ready to accept and live it out.

Through vivid illustrations and biblical examples, James clearly paints the picture of how God views his daughters. We are not second best and we are not an afterthought. This book has really empowered me to a new level of boldness and a new sense of urgency. We can’t let half the church do this alone. The body of Christ suffers when all its parts aren’t working in unity for God’s kingdom purposes. This is a call to half of the church – it’s time to step up and embrace God’s vision for our lives. Trust me; this book is worth the read!

 

Keeping Track April 14, 2011

Filed under: Women in Ministry — Amy Scott @ 1:40 pm

A few years ago I had a friend tell me I should write a book on organization… It’s not a book, it’s a blog, but I still hope it helps!

I’m sure you’ve been there too – looking at your calendar like it’s a giant jigsaw puzzle to be rearranged and contorted so that everything you feel you need to accomplish has a space and a time. Ministry has a different schedule all to itself. It isn’t nine to five like most jobs. It happens at all times of the day – morning, afternoon, evening and even night! Sometimes it is overwhelming to try to keep track of everything and stay sane at the same time.

In your quest for organization, I would suggest keeping one master calendar. For me I use my Outlook on my laptop as my master calendar. It’s important to put every engagement on this calendar. It doesn’t really matter how small the event. Having a master calendar will help you evaluate where you are really spending your time. I can tell just by looking at my calendar if my schedule is in balance or not. Different events are color coded as work and personal. The great thing about electronic calendars is most come programmed with reminders. Some things I know I forget more easily than others, so these are things I intentionally use a reminder for. Some people prefer to use their smart phones, some prefer the day planner and some use their computer.  Whatever works best for you, make sure to keep it handy and updated!

I keep in my purse a little notebook. This is my random notes book. If someone asks me to remember something and I’m worried about forgetting, I jot it down. I find that just the act of writing it helps to cement it in my brain. This notebook is good for random thoughts, making lists, pulling a piece of paper out and sharing information with another person. I find many uses for it. Once it gets filled up with my scribbles it gets tossed and replaced with a new notebook. Many phones come with a note application that you can use just like this, but for me there is something about the paper that helps.

There are many books out there with grids and charts to help you process what to prioritize in your day.  I’m not a huge fan of charting out my priorities, but I have found this to be an important exercise. When my routine schedule changes or I feel like my plate is getting full, I take time to reprioritize. During this process I write out my commitments (the things I have to do) and I write out what I want to (the stuff that makes me happy). When I write all these things out I can honestly see what I have on my plate. Recently, I’ve had to learn that if I’m adding something to my schedule I might have to take another thing off my schedule. This really helps me focus on what is most important to me.  Often as women in ministry we feel we have to be super human and be at all places at all times. The truth is I am human and I am reminded of this often. I can’t do everything. Through a process of prayer and planning I can sort through my schedule and keep it in place with where my energy will get the most impact and effectiveness.

Once on the path to organization you might feel the pull to use every second of every day. Just like prioritizing what ministries and people you are going to pour yourself into you, there also needs to be time built into your schedule for you. In a culture that doesn’t under the Sabbath concept, we must remember to build rest into our lives. If you don’t build it into your schedule then no one is going to do it for you.  As an introvert, I have built quiet times into my schedule so I can read and reflect. For an extrovert, maybe you need to schedule time with family and friends outside of a ministry context to just have fun.  When you schedule time for you to be you and do the things you love, you’ll have more energy when tackling the other activities on your calendar. It’s important that you don’t get lost in your own calendar.

So say good bye to frantic planning, post-it notes everywhere, and overbooking. It’s time to take a realistic look at your schedule. The more you evaluate it and it keep in line with your calling; you’ll find it rewarding and not daunting to keep up with. Your schedule should be defined by you and not the other way around. The energy and empowerment you’ll find from getting a grip on the calendar will help to push you forward into new heights of effectiveness.

 

Radical by David Platt April 13, 2011

Filed under: Amy's Bookshelf — Amy Scott @ 10:44 am

Radical is a book at about the American Dream and how it really isn’t biblical. I didn’t expect the book to have such a strong missions theme. I honestly thought it would be more focused on what we’re doing wrong as a church. Platt focuses on our misplaced priorities, but overall he points to where our priorities should be. It’s a convicting read that will really make you think.

Platt used lots of illustrations from the church that he pastors in Brimingham, Alabama. He also has extensive missions experience himself. Through his writing you can see he has a passion for God’s Word and a passion for the world. Both passions truly come together to make the gospel the center of his lifestyle. I have a hard time reading stories about what others have done for God’s kingdom because I get into a comparative mindset. Instead of asking, “Do I have to do what they did?” I should probably ask “how would you like me to respond to what I’ve read?”

I’ve been on one mission’s trip in my lifetime and it deeply impacted me. As a student, I thought I would go again and again. Now that I’m an adult I have learned how hard it can be to set aside time and resources to do missions. I can see how the American Dream has crept into my mindset of what I must do. It dictates how I spend my time and where I spend my money. Even though I haven’t traveled out of the country again to serve, I can still remember the excitement and passion that was infused into me on that trip. Missions work is God’s heart and as the church it is not an option to think that it is for a select few that are called to serve in it.

I wrestled a lot with this book. I didn’t naturally want to agree with everything I read. Thinking outside the box of culture is never easy. The great thing about Radical is the last chapter. I really expected Platt to tell me to sell all I own, move to a third world country and serve the poor. I was bracing for the call to poverty, but I was quite surprised to find it wasn’t there. Platt’s final thoughts are a few very tangible ways that anyone can start toward a new path and mindset.

I would like to share the five challenges he set forth. These challenges are set in the context of a year time commitment. The first one is pray for the world. It seems so simple, but our eyes will be opened when take time to focus on something other than ourselves when we go to pray. The second challenge is to read the Bible in a year. I wholeheartedly agree with this challenge! In order to know the will of God and his call on your life, you must be in the Word. The third challenge is sacrifice your money for a specific purpose. I like the call to a specific purpose because it will draw to close to that purpose. The fourth challenge is spend time in a different context. Getting outside of your normal walls will help to expand your perspective and widen your worldview. The last challenge is to commit yourself to a multiplying community. I know that there is power in the Church and we are stronger together.

I haven’t come up with the answers to all of those challenges. Honestly, some of them come more easily to me than others. I’m taking time to pray about how I can make these challenges a reality in my life. I know that if you read this book you will feel the same call to examine your heart and your lifestyle. I pray that your eyes will be opened to new doors of opportunity

 

Promises April 12, 2011

Filed under: Bible — Amy Scott @ 6:22 pm

Last year I committed to reading the Bible through in a year. I had done it twice before, but that was years ago. I really enjoyed the journey and found many scriptures I had read before jumped off the pages to me in a way I hadn’t seen previously. Just like a little alter built between me and God, I have started the one year reading process over again and I have come across a verse that reminds me of all the emotions and thoughts that flooded my soul last year.

Before I share with you the verse, I would like to give some background details, so that way the miracle of this verse isn’t missed. The book of Deuteronomy is the last book written by Moses before he dies. Moses clearly in this book sets aside the blessing of following God’s law as well as the curse for not following it. He paints a beautiful picture of how things can be if the Israelites stay true to their God. I can imagine how inspiring it must have been to the Israelites to hear all the good things the Lord had planned for their future. When Moses dies, he passes the baton onto Joshua, who will now lead God’s people in the Promised Land. The Israelites know that many battles lie ahead and that they must purge the land of its evil inhabitants. With the inspiration of Moses and the courageous leadership of Joshua, the Israelites move forward and conquer. The book of Joshua documents the battles won and how the land was divided amongst the tribes.

Here is where my special verse comes into play. Joshua 21:45 says, “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” This might seem like a simple verse, but its power packed! There were a lot of promises in the book of Deuteronomy, not just one or two. All of the Lord’s good promises were fulfilled. The Israelites knew the reward, but they also knew the amount of effort that was going to be required of them. They boldly walked in the truth that the Lord would do as he said and he did! We can see the process of faith unfold in this verse. The Israelites took him at his word and he came through.

God has called us, just like the Israelites, to move forward and be a force for good in this world. He has laid the promises out before us. We know the reward for stepping out in faith. My journey might not reflect that of an Israelite solider, but I am still called into a battle and into a fight. I know that it won’t be easy to cross the obstacles that lie ahead of me. However, I can see clearly that the Lord promises good to me if I do as I am called.

The closing of Joshua might seem like a nice place to end the story. God inspired the Israelites. They did as God told them to do. God was faithful to reward them. And they all lived happily ever after. I wish this was how the story ended, but sadly it’s not. The book of Judges turns into a cycle of the Israelites turning their backs on God. Instead of the living the promises of Deuteronomy, they are now living the curse.  This process continues on through the generations and leads to their exile and dispersion as a people.

Here we can plainly see that good leads to good and evil leads to evil. The path we set out on determines our direction. The Israelites have given us a clear picture of what it means to live in obedience and blessing or to live in disobedience and suffer the curse. I am inspired to know that God will keep his promises; he will not fail me. However, I’m a part of this equation! I must choose the path and I must walk it out. If I want to see the promises fulfilled then I have to live out the calling he has given me and walk in obedience. When I look back on my time here on earth, I want to be able to say the same thing Joshua said, every good promise was fulfilled!