God Chose the Least Likely
That the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:17
How do you respond when God calls you to something that seems beyond your reach? When we argue, doubt , or complain, we’re failing to trust the God who promises to be with us and equip us. We think we know our capabilities and capacities, but God loves to stretch us beyond what we think is possible.
Just as God equipped Moses to lead the Israelites with Aaron and his staff, just as God kept his promise to give Joshua victory over the Canaanites, just as God gave Esther the courage to go before the king, he will also equip us for the tasks he gives us. As Paul puts it, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8). God doesn’t call us to something only to leave us to fend for ourselves. He is with us, he provides for us, and he enables us to finish the assignment.
We’re not alone when we feel insufficient for whatever God has called us to do. Scripture gives us many examples of saints who doubted their capabilities. At the beginning of Exodus, Moses is called to a daunting task. From a burning bush, God hands him the responsibility of delivering the Israelites from Egypt—more than 2 million of them.
But Moses doesn’t respond with a lot of joy and excitement. Instead, he questions God’s call on his life: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt” (Exod. 3:11)? God patiently responds that he will be with Moses, giving him the power and grace to deliver the people. When Moses doubts his ability as a public speaker (Exod. 4:10), God sends Aaron to speak on his behalf. He even allows Moses the ability to perform miracles to conquer the Israelites’ unbelief—a staff becomes a serpent, a cloak that heals a leprous hand.
Hebrews 13:20-21
"Now may the God of peace… equip you with everything good for doing his will."
Deb Hill
EFCC Staff
Experience the Scriptures
“All Scripture is God-breathed…” - 2 Timothy 3:16
Have you ever stopped to consider how controversial of a statement this is? All Scripture. Which Scripture? Our Scriptures? Only these 66 books? Even Psalm 137? Really? How about that part about Lot and his daughters? Wow! What about that time that Paul asks Timothy to bring him his coat? Did God need to breathe that part out? In fact, what does it mean for something to be God-breathed? Did God literally breathe out specific words to people? Wait, does God breathe? Did He stop breathing out scripture after He got to book 66? Why?
Ok. Some of you are thinking to yourself… “I wanted to read a devotional, and all I’m getting is a bunch of skeptical questions.” That’s fair. Just give me two more minutes. I bring these questions up because it is good for us to put ourselves in outsiders' shoes now and again. I guess if you are reading this devotional, you already believe that statement to be true. You already bought into the God-breathed nature of Scripture… I want to ask “Why?” Why is it that the first few words of 2 Timothy 3:16, don’t sound crazy to you?
I guess that your answer is NOT that someone presented a compelling argument, and you became convinced of the truth. Not to say that there are not some very convincing reasons to believe in the God-breathed nature of the Scriptures, because there are! I just don’t know many people who have come to believe the Scriptures because of an argument. I guess that most of us if we were put on the spot and people asked, “Why do you believe that the Bible is God-breathed?” You would say something like, “Because the words have changed my life.” Your rationale would not be an argument, but an experience. You have had an experience with the Scriptures, that has been so powerful that you want everyone else to experience it as well.
Well, I think this is a wonderful answer! In fact, so does Paul. Remember the words that follow “All Scripture is God-breathed”? It says, “and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God p may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Paul’s rationale for the God-breathed nature of Scripture is that it has been found to be useful. That is beautiful! So, maybe, instead of getting into arguments about Scripture, let’s be people who constantly highlight how useful the Scriptures have been in our lives. Then maybe others will find that it is useful in their lives as well.
Josh Rose
Family Pastor
Teach the Next Generation
Can you remember who shared stories from the Bible with you when you were a child? Who taught you and directed you to Scripture to learn and grow? Maybe this was a Sunday school teacher, or your parents or grandparents. Quite possibly a combination of several as you consider the memories. We learned through people who had studied and learned what the Scriptures were saying. Perhaps you recall holiday traditions that created the opportunities for stories and the “reasons” we do things or believe the way we do. The other possibility is that you didn’t learn until you were an adult, but now you can share with the youth in your life.
Paul writes to Timothy “to continue in what you have learned and become convinced of, because you know those from who you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures.” We know from the Scriptures that Timothy was raised by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. According to the NIV Study Bible, His mother was a Jewish Christian, his grandmother a Christian and his father was Greek and assumed to be an unbeliever. So, what do we as believers do with this information?
Clearly, we are to teach our children and our children’s children about Scripture. When my kids were younger, I always prayed to have clear communication with them, even in tough times. I am grateful that this prayer has been answered and as adults there is consistent grace-filled communication. Speaking slowly and thoughtfully was a sweet provision from the Lord.
I am reminded of my inquisitive 3-year-old grandson, Jackson. He watches my husband and me intently when he is with us and often asks “Papa, why do you do that?” or “Lovey, what happened?” He wants reasons for how things are. This gives us a great opportunity to bring Scripture into his world and to share age-appropriate truth with this little boy. We not only have a responsibility to do this, but our heart’s desire also is for all our grandchildren to know the truth taught in the Scriptures. Sharing with our grandchildren naturally gives them a curiosity to learn more. We look for teachable moments with our grandchildren as we tried to with our kids.
Often, our intentional grandparenting involves praying for each of them. This would include praying for our kids. I am enrolled in a “Grandparenting Matters” class here at EFCC. Learning to be an intentional grandparent and how we can have influence in the lives of family members so that it is passed through to future generations. “Tell it to you children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.” Joel 1:3
Tammy De Armas
EFCC Member
No Ordinary Breath
According to 2 Timothy 3:16, all scripture is God-breathed. Also, according to a recent study by the Barna Group, “More people have more questions about the origins, relevance, and authority of the Scriptures….the steady rise of skepticism is creating a cultural atmosphere that is becoming unfriendly—sometimes even hostile to claims of faith….It is an increasingly hard pill to swallow that an eclectic assortment of ancient stories, poems, sermons, prophecies and letters, written and compiled over 3,000 years is somehow the sacred Word of God.”
Believers today walk by faith and hold that the entirety of scripture, Genesis to Revelation, is literally God-breathed. When Paul told that to young Timothy, he would’ve been referring primarily to the 39 books of the original Hebrew Bible, the Old Testament. But also by the time Paul wrote Timothy, the accounts and teachings of Jesus were recorded by eyewitnesses, and respected as “scripture”. In 1 Timothy 5:18 Paul quotes 2 scriptures, one from Deuteronomy and another, Jesus’ words from Luke chapter 10, proving Paul had access to Luke’s gospel. He considered the words Jesus spoke to be on par with Deuteronomy, or any other book of the Old Testament. In 2 Peter 3:15-16, Peter acknowledges Paul’s letters were written “with the wisdom that God gave him” and he groups them along with “other scriptures”.
2 Peter 1:20 tells us that prophecy in Scripture never came from the prophets themselves, but that it was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God. Interestingly, the word for Spirit and the word for breath are the same word in the original language!—don’t miss the connection between the breath of God and the Holy Spirit of God.
Although 40 different authors wrote the Bible, it’s all God-breathed. Where the Bible speaks, God speaks.
In John chapter 20, Jesus, risen from the dead, appears to the disciples and says “Peace be with you!” He shows them his scars and they’re overjoyed to see him. Then the resurrected Lord does something interesting. He says, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Then Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
The breath of Jesus is no ordinary breath. He exhaled and gifted his beloved friends with a comforter-counselor, who would strengthen and encourage them to the end of the age. When we read that Scripture is God-breathed, think of it alive with the wisdom, power, and authority of eternal God.
Hebrews 4 describes the Word of God as both living and active. Oh Christian, in the pages of scripture, our God, He is alive.
Donielle Winter
EFCC Member
It's Ok to Weep
I know Jesus wins. That is not up for debate or question—He has already won. Yet, in the waiting, we feel the very real effects of sin and suffering in the world around us. What I have learned over the years is that when suffering comes, it is okay to weep and groan. Lamenting, crying out, and seeking comfort do not take away from Christ’s victory or the future glory we will one day see. Instead, they allow us to live in the tension of God's unfolding plan of redemption. And in that, we are never alone—God is with us in our suffering.
It took me a while to believe this, but even when I feel alone in my suffering, God is there. Romans 8:26 tells us, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” We may struggle to find the right words. We may be at a loss. We may feel weak. But the Holy Spirit is there, interceding and even groaning on our behalf. It is deeply comforting to know that even when I lose sight of hope, the Holy Spirit sits with me in my suffering, I’m not alone in my suffering.
I am grateful that God understands what we go through. We see this in a powerful way when Jesus weeps for the loss of His friend (John 11:35). He shows us that grieving is part of life. We will face circumstances beyond our control and understanding that bring pain. Yet, even in His weeping, Jesus ministered to Martha. I imagine the Spirit’s interceding and groaning happens in much the same way—sitting with us, strengthening us, reminding us that while we long for suffering to end, the hope we have in Jesus and the help we have in the Spirit allow us to grieve and still be okay.
Growing up, there were many times I felt alone in my suffering. I believed that being tough was the only way to get through it. But I was wrong. Jesus has taught me that it is okay to weep—because He is the one who will be strong for us and lead us through.
Praying for you all. If we can help in any way, please let us know.
Pastor Jeremy Johnson
Receptacle of Power
In Isaiah, we read “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you." We are not told “if” we go through water but “when”, so this gives a complete understanding that we all will have sufferings. John 16:33 states “I have told you these things, so that you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” The plan in place is clear – we will suffer. His kindness gave us the knowledge to know there will be times of trouble and His desire for us during the trial is peace. Why? because we are with Him- always. We are not alone in the suffering because He declares he will be with us. We are reminded throughout Scripture as He promises never to leave or forsake us several times.
What does that do for us as believers? It doesn’t change the suffering but helps us as we go through it. It is a game-changer. I see it as the dependence of this Spirit-filled power mixing with our weakness and assuring us that He is WITH us. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Cor 4:7-8 I love Elizabeth Elliott’s statement when she had just given birth and was not feeling equipped to be a good mother, “My very weakness was the very qualification to be a receptacle of power.”
With any of our sufferings, there can be so many unanswered questions that leave us without any hope. The thinking begins “If only the circumstances were different”. When we don’t understand the “whys” of a circumstance we also have to trust. It is here I have felt Him gently unfolding my tightly gripped hands that are clenching the outcome of my suffering. Have you ever felt this?
Dennis Keating used to use the phrase “new normal” when someone had gone through a llife-changing event. It always seemed to involve trials. I now see it as letting go of the old reality and accepting the “new normal”. This simply takes time, and we need the Savior’s help.
It certainly doesn’t feel ok now, and perhaps the greatest blessing is, it won’t always be this way. Let’s refocus our gaze on the Lord who is with us. “So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18.
Tammy De Armas
EFCC Member
Hard Times & Hard Faith
James Chapter 1
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
These words were written to 1st-century churches everywhere, struggling churches, growing churches, churches persecuted by the infamous Roman emperor Nero, and churches who wouldn’t be birthed for hundreds….thousands of years, including Emmanuel Faith Community Church, Escondido, California.
James, also known as the kid brother of the promised Messiah, penned these challenging words that likely have perplexed followers of The Way for centuries.
Consider it pure joy as you face trials. Not bittersweet joy or joy mixed with grief. But PURE JOY. Initially, when we hear those words, something makes us wanna roll our eyes. Seriously? James calls Christians to face trials: grief, pain, sadness, disappointment of every kind…with PURE JOY?
How? Why? Is that even in the realm of possibility?
Let’s start at the end of that verse and work backward . . .
The goal and the promised result for the disciple who obeys James’ directive is that you will lack NOTHING, and become both mature and complete.
Who doesn’t want that?
Does anyone set a New Year’s resolution to grow more and more immature, to lack all sorts of things, and to feel incomplete? Of course not, that would be absurd.
Maturity, completeness, lacking nothing, sounds awesome, like what Jesus came to bring us in John 10—abundant life, life to the full.
Guess how we get there? Not by dancing through life. According to James, we become mature and complete by persevering, enduring, standing firm, and not quitting. Perseverance isn’t a moment in time, but a process….that sometimes lasts days, weeks…. maybe even years. It’s a process with a purpose that produces a good result.
God knows, hard things and hard days test our faith in a way that easy-breezy days don’t. But faith that is tested, faith that is put through the fire of unbelievably hard circumstances, that faith, like gold, grows hard and strong, genuine and beautiful. That kind of faith will bless you. Faith like that blesses others too.
James continues in verse 12. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
God help us see the good in the hard; help us face trials with pure joy. We long to lack nothing, we long to look like you, Lord.
Donielle Winter
EFCC Member
God Brings the Good
About fourteen years ago at a follow-up appointment following a routine surgery, the doctor gave me news that sent my world spinning–I had cancer. I’m sure some of you can relate to that feeling. I remember the shock, denial, grief, and fear like it was yesterday. I remember even taking the wrong exit as I drove back to work.
One day a friend asked me, "Do you ever ask God “Why me?” I could honestly say no, rather I asked “Why not me?” We aren’t promised a trouble-free life but we know that God can work all things together for the good of those who are called according to his purpose through him. Why, because his plans are for our good and his glory. He doesn’t waste anything, even the worst things. We might not know or see the good during the storm, but at the right time, he will reveal it.
You might be in a long season of suffering, grief, or turmoil. God hasn’t forgotten you. One day–whether in this life or the one to come, you’ll see he was working beauty out of ashes, goodness out of sorrow. Pastor Dennis used to say “SBIGO, something bigger is going on here,” in other words, God will bring the good. Keep hoping, and trusting, and keep the faith in God's love for you.
I love Isaiah 43:2: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Life can be overwhelming, painful, and scary, those feelings are real and normal. I had no idea that after a huge surgery and six months of chemo and radiation, I would be able to say thank you Lord for using this experience to open up opportunities for friendships with women going through serious, often terminal illnesses, a blessing, and a privilege. God never leaves us even when we feel completely alone, he is there waiting for us to find comfort and peace in him.
Deb Hill
EFCC Staff
Understanding Suffering
We live in a world that wrestles with suffering. Every time we turn on the news or scroll through our feeds, we’re reminded of the ever-present stories of war, sickness, brokenness, and loss. But it’s not just in our news feeds, it's in our own homes and lives as well. We often find ourselves asking: Where is God in all of this?
If we want a biblical perspective on suffering, we need to turn to Ephesians 2:1-3. Paul lays out three enemies of the human soul. He wrote, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” (Ephesians 2:1-3)
The world – We live in a fallen world. Natural disasters, disease, and decay are all reminders that this isn’t how God originally intended things to be. Creation groans under the weight of sin (Romans 8:22).
The flesh – Sin isn’t just something out there, it’s in us. We make choices that hurt others, and others make choices that wound us. The truth is, if God were to stop all evil, as Frank Turek said, he’d have to start with us.
The devil – Yes, the enemy is real. Peter warns us: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan’s goal is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
Now, let me ask you a question - who is not on that list? God. So often, when tragedy strikes, we’re tempted to blame God. But Ephesians 2 is clear; God is not the author of evil. The world, the flesh, and the devil are responsible for suffering, not God. The good news is that God is not the cause of suffering, but he is the cure. He is the redeemer, the rescuer, the one who enters into our pain and carries us through. Jesus took on suffering and suffered for us. He was beaten, betrayed, and crucified so that sin and death would not have the final word.
So today, as you wrestle with the brokenness around you, remember this: God is not against you, he is for you. He is working, redeeming, and restoring. And one day, he will wipe every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4). What areas of your life are you experiencing pain? How can you invite Jesus to meet you in the midst of it and bring hope?
Pastor Ryan Paulson
Gentleness and Respect
Does it seem like the world is getting harsher? People are less patient, ruder with their actions in lines and on the road, quicker to say cruel things and start fights. The way of the world is to yell louder after being yelled at, and hit harder after being hit. The world, or the sinful nature inside people, leads folks down a vicious spiral of making things worse. God gives believers a better way.
But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:14-17
The terms in this verse “gentleness and respect” reminded me of Andrew Luck’s words when he was playing quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. He was mic’d up for a few games and his way with the players trying to tackle him was to respond politely and with encouragement. They tackled him to the ground and he said, “Nice hit big man.” “Nice hit buddy.” “Yeah buddy, good hit. Hey, you’re a menace out there.” “Good job man.” This seemed to make guys try to tackle him more carefully, or at least caused them to respect him more and be adversaries but not enemies.
Prov 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” That should be the believer’s way.
When facing someone who wants to make you suffer or makes slanderous accusations against you, use questions as a strategy to respond with gentleness and respect. Pastor Greg Lane modeled this strategy. Anytime I, or someone in a group I was in, would come up with a crazy idea, plan, theory, or complaint, rather than dismiss it as foolish (as I was prone to do), Greg would ask probing questions that would cause the one with the crazy thought to realize what they were saying was impractical or going the wrong way. Asking questions is one tactic to bring wisdom, perspective, and God’s truth to a situation where those are needed.
Take a moment to ask God to help you bring reasons for hope through gentle statements and respectful questions to those around you today.
Pastor John Riley
