Read: 1 Kings 4:29-34

He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. (v. 33).

The rainforest was abuzz with birds. This early morning some friends and I were bird watching in a rainforest in Belize. I, the novice birder, was just barely finding one bird in my binoculars, while my friend Joe was already identifying three others. I was amazed and humbled and inspired to learn more.

Solomon is known for many things: his wealth, his wives, his wisdom. What often gets overlooked is his reported acumen as a naturalist. In this text we are told that Solomon spoke of birds and animals and reptiles and fish. And he spoke of trees, such as the cedar of Lebanon and the hyssop.

One hundred feet tall and nine feet wide, with a broad crown and horizontal branches like a white pine, a mature cedar of Lebanon could live to be more than 1,000 years old. A mighty, beautiful, long-living tree, the cedar of Lebanon was the giant sequoia of ancient Israel. It took your breath away. It was the Tree of trees.

The hyssop, by contrast, was a shrub, one to two feet high, with slender branches and small white flowers. Strongly aromatic, smelling like mint, hyssop branches were cut and used as brushes to sprinkle blood for the Passover sacrifice. Small and seemingly insignificant, the hyssop had an important place in Jewish religious practice.

Trees of grandeur and humility. God made them all.

Prayer:

God of wisdom, help us to learn about, and from, your trees.

Author: Steven Bouma-Prediger

https://woh.org/

Read: Genesis 2:4-25

And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (v. 9)

In the middle of this garden are two unique trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. What are we to make of this tale of two trees? We must first understand that this text is not a scientific explanation of how the world came to be, but rather (and more importantly) a narrative that tells us who we humans are.

The tree of life signifies the means to eternal life. It represents a life of obedience to God, in which we acknowledge our dependence on God. To eat from this tree results in human flourishing—true life gained through a proper relationship with God.

The tree of the knowledge of good and evil represents the human possibility of universal knowledge—“good and evil” is a Hebrew of way of saying “everything.” To eat from this tree indicates the desire to be all-knowing, like God, but in a way not appropriate for humans. Eating from this tree is a bold declaration of independence from God. Hence the admonition not to eat and the assertion of deadly consequences (v. 17).

We still face this choice today: acknowledge our dependence on God, or try to go it alone.

Prayer:

Almighty God, help us acknowledge our dependence on you.

Author: Steven Bouma-Prediger

https://woh.org/

Read: Genesis 1:9-13

The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. (v. 12)

They are invisible. All too often they are just part of the background, the scenery, the landscape. Rarely do we seem to pay close attention to them. And yet we are, most of us most of the time, in the company of trees. White-barked birch and sharp-needled blue spruce, towering American sycamore and puny poison sumac, scaly-needled eastern white cedar and glossy-leaved swamp white oak. What trees share your home place—providing shade, producing flowers and nuts, serving as habitat for bats and birds and bees?

In the creation story in Genesis 1 (vv. 20 and 24) we are told that God’s speaking brings forth birds in the sky above and sea monsters in the water below, animals domestic and wild. So also in verses 11-12 God’s great “Let there be” empowers the earth to bring forth seed-bearing plants and trees of every kind. The Hebrew verb suggests a God who enables the earth to be fertile and give birth to trees. And so the earth brings forth trees of all kinds—a plethora of species about which we are still learning today.

And God saw that it was good. Trees of every kind, in all their variety and beauty. A gift from a gracious God.

Prayer:

God, Maker of heaven and earth, we thank you for the gift of trees, indeed, for all green plants, without which we could not exist.

Author: Steven Bouma-Prediger

https://woh.org/

Read: James 2:14-26

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (v. 17)

James makes it clear that while we are not saved by our works, we need to examine whether we truly know Jesus Christ if we aren’t obeying his commandments and serving in God’s kingdom. We might be big fans of Jesus, but God isn’t looking for fans. God is looking for people willing to speak his Word, feed the hungry, house the homeless, and hug the hurting.
You may have been involved in different ways serving Christ in the past. Perhaps you feel like you’ve paid your dues and it is someone else’s turn to step up. Maybe you feel inadequate and ill-equipped to serve God. You might feel too busy to serve right now.

Whatever your reason, remember that God gave you this day for a purpose. It is a gift to you from him. How will you use this gift? He expects you to use it to follow him wherever he may call. In doing so you will experience God’s blessing. Ignore the call and you will miss part of God’s plan for your life. I encourage you to accept this calling, whether it is going on mission to build houses for the homeless or whether it is simply to encourage a neighbor with the good news of Christ. Answer the call!

Prayer: Lord God, open my eyes to your calling for my life and give me the courage and the strength to follow this calling, whatever it may be.
Author: Rob Donoho

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Read: John 14:1-7

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? (v. 2)

The houses we constructed in Mexico were very simple. Built on 18-by-20-foot concrete pads, they have two small bedrooms and one common room. There is no plumbing. Despite their simplicity, these houses feel like a mansion to families that previously slept in lean-to tents, in overcrowded homes, or on the street.

In addition to the standard bedding provided by the local mission agency, we brought extra items to make the house feel more homey. This included tables and chairs, plates and silverware, curtains to provide some privacy for each room, and window treatments.

Once everything was prepared, we dedicated the home. We gathered in a circle outside and each volunteer said a few words of blessing to the family and then we presented them with the key. Once inside, we again prayed for God to bless them and their new home. Tears flowed freely from everyone, men and women, on our team.

As great as this experience was, it is only a glimpse of what joy those who have confessed with their mouth and believed in their heart will experience in heaven (Rom. 10:9-10, 13). Jesus is preparing a place for us now. A place we can call our eternal home with all the trimmings.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for preparing a place in heaven for me. May I help others to also find a room.

Author: Rob Donoho

https://woh.org/

Read: Titus 3:1-11

The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent

and profitable for people. (v. 8)

Paul’s advice to Titus is still good advice to us today. As Christians we often see opposition to our worldview. The same was true in Paul’s day. That’s why Paul emphasized the need for unity and for good works. We won’t change the world by winning an argument. The kind of change the world needs to see is the body of Christ standing unified while loving one another and showing love for the world through acts of service.

Our church was going through a period of disunity during the Mexico mission trip due to a decision to terminate the contract of one of our pastors. Disagreement over this decision also divided our mission team.

But no one raised the issue during the mission trip. All of the volunteers focused on serving the homeless by building houses. All of us put our individual preferences and opinions aside to focus on fulfilling our call. In doing so, we experienced great unity.

What an important lesson for us. Serving others releases us from focusing on ourselves and creates a spirit of unity in Christ that may not have existed before.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, forgive me when I make my preferences and opinions more important than loving others. Help me to focus on others by doing your good works in a spirit of unity.

Author: Rob Donoho

https://woh.org/

Read: John 9:1-25

One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see. (v. 25)

Jesus performed a great miracle in giving sight to a man blind from birth. The healed man could not explain the miracle. All he knew was that where once he was blind, now he could see. This miracle serves as a sign that Jesus is the light of the world. Knowing God the Father is only possible when Jesus lights the way.

The condition of the neighborhood where we constructed the home is very poor. No running water or electricity. Dirt roads are lined with trash. Dust covers everything. The situation of these poverty-stricken families seems hopeless, but God can transform neighborhoods, even in the most dire of situations.

Each day we worked, we found ourselves surrounded not only by the family needing a home, but by neighbors and extended family members. During work breaks, I was amazed to see dozens of children quickly surround my wife as she passed out candy, shoes, or school supplies. Where there had been one child moments earlier there were now dozens. The scene reminded me of moths drawn to a light.

Then it struck me. We were drawing these families to God through our gifts. They were seeing Jesus through us. When we love others in Jesus’ name, this helps them see that he is the light of the world.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world. May your light shine through us to draw others to the Father in love.

Author: Rob Donoho

https://woh.org/

Read: 1 Corinthians 3

For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? (v. 4)

Paul admonished the church in Corinth for its many divisions and acting like “mere humans.” How could the church be the light of the world when it acts no different than the world, putting our desires above the needs of others?

As we pulled into the ministry site in Mexico after a long drive, I was surprised to see my fellow volunteers race to the camp bedrooms to grab the best bunk beds. I was a little offended that in my old age, I was going to have to grab a top bunk. I realized my selfishness and confessed my sin. Shortly thereafter, one of the young men in our group offered me his bottom bunk. I accepted and then felt guilty for doing so. It was time for another confession.

To see our group work so fervently to build the houses for the homeless was amazing. However, when we arrived back at camp the race for the showers began. It was everyone for themselves!

Each night in worship we watched videos of each team’s progress building houses and sung praises to God for his faithfulness in helping us. It was obvious that God was at work despite our selfishness. What truly amazed me was that God was able to accomplish this despite our human weaknesses.

Prayer:

Father, forgive me for my selfishness. Thank you for working through me despite my human weaknesses.

Author: Rob Donoho

https://woh.org/

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. (v. 13)

As Paul traveled throughout the Roman Empire he recognized that all believers, regardless of background or abilities, were part of the body of Christ. We experienced this in different ways—working together and then worshipping together—while serving in Mexico.

Three separate parts of the same body worked together to serve the families. The local church in Mexico first identifies families in need of housing. Pastors working in the barrios know which families would most benefit from a house. Then our Mexican ministry partner works with these local churches to plan and perform the work using churches like ours.

We also experienced the joy of worshipping together as one body. On Wednesday night of build week, we worshipped with the local church supporting our building projects. We worshipped in Spanish and English. At the end of the service, the Mexican pastor asked to pray for us.

We shared that our associate pastor was with his 15-year-old son in the hospital suffering with leukemia. We gathered in a circle, holding each other as the Mexican pastor implored God to heal this young man. Tears streamed down our cheeks as we fervently prayed together. Despite the language barrier we all felt the power of the Holy Spirit at work.

Prayer:

Lord God, thank you for making the body of Christ much greater than our local church. Help us to fulfill our part in your body.

Author: Rob Donoho

https://woh.org/

Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (v. 12)

In this great passage on love, Paul speaks of how dimly we see things now, but how clearly we will see them later.

One day, after another hard day of new home construction in Mexico, the mission office asked one member of our team to come to their office. A family had come to visit this team member, who had built a home for them 16 years earlier. The family had heard that he was in Mexico building another home and drove 100 miles, and then waited several hours, just to see him and thank him for his help in building their home so many years before.

His service 16 years ago had helped transform their lives from a desperate situation to one of hope. Not only had they put their faith in Jesus, but they had also been able to give their children an education. Their older daughter was now in university and the younger boy was getting ready to attend school in the fall.

While we may not always get the opportunity to see the fruit of our service in this life, we can take joy knowing that in heaven we will see the impact of our efforts. How exciting to know that our sacrifices can make an eternal difference.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for giving us small glimpses of the eternal picture we will enjoy in heaven with you. Give us the will to make an eternal difference in the lives of others.

Author: Rob Donoho

https://woh.org/

Read: Ephesians 3:14-21

That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through

his Spirit in your inner being. (v. 16)

I was exhausted after the first day of work building a house for a Mexican family. Paint covered my clothes and every inch of my body felt dirty. My back ached and my neck was stiff. I wanted nothing more than a warm shower, a quick meal, and a good night’s sleep.

As we drove away, I was surprised to see the family for whom we were building a house remain on the home site. The father sat on the ground guarding the building materials. The mother held her one-year-old son, and the three-year-old girl sat on the steps of the framed house, waving good-bye to us with a big smile, eyes beaming. The family was so excited to have a home, they were ready to move in despite not having finished walls, a roof, or furniture.

Suddenly, I didn’t feel so tired. Not only did I feel a new sense of commitment towards the task, I felt reenergized by God’s Spirit. God filled my heart with love and compassion for this family.

Answering God’s call can be tiring. When we feel our strength waning and our commitment wavering let’s put our eyes on Jesus and those he loves. Doing so will provide us with renewed strength.

Prayer:

Lord God, strengthen me when I am weak by helping me see the purpose of your call. May I always keep my eyes on you, Lord.

Author: Rob Donoho

https://woh.org/

Read: 2 Corinthians: 9:6-15

You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. (v. 11)

As Paul traveled through the Roman Empire he collected offerings from churches that had more in order to share with churches that had less. Through this experience he noticed the principle that God blesses both the giver and the receiver.

While in Mexico to build houses for the homeless, we saw this principle at work. An experienced member of our work team brought his own power tools to help with our project. He also brought a particular tool that is used in building construction to anchor the house frame to the foundation. He figured we could go twice as fast using two of these tools and planned to donate his tool to the local ministry when we were finished with the house so they could have an extra.

As we began the process of attaching the frame to the foundation, the tool provided by the local ministry broke. While my friend’s plans to work twice as fast failed, we rejoiced that God had provided us with another tool that worked well. We would have struggled to finish framing the house without it.

Through my friend’s generosity and foresight, God blessed us with the ability to finish the house on time. More importantly, we were able to bless a homeless Mexican family with a place they could now call home.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for faithfully providing for us. Bless us as we share your generosity with others.

Author: Rob Donoho

https://woh.org/

Read: 1 John 5:1-15

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (v. 4)

As our church mission group prepared to cross the border into Mexico from California to build houses for the homeless, we decided to keep all of our passports together. On prior mission trips, border guards never asked for passports entering into Mexico. We wanted to make sure that we had all the passports in a safe place for reentering into the United States.

Unfortunately, on this trip the border guards detained a few volunteers in two vehicles entering the country because they did not have their passports. Most of our party crossed into Mexico before realizing that Mexican border guards were holding back several members of our group.

Our first response was to pray. We knew that going back into the United States to deliver the passports could take several hours. God revealed to us a better way. Rather than drive back through the border, we took several team members to the walking bridge into the United States with passports in hand. They were able to deliver the other passports to the Mexican authorities and this allowed our entire group to enter into Mexico.

Those with their passports had already driven to a taco stand near the mission site. They cheered the group of “hostages” upon their arrival an hour later. God had answered our prayers.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for helping us to overcome the world’s obstacles. Please help us to seek you first when the enemy resists us.

Author: Rob Donoho

https://woh.org/

Read: Joshua 3:1-6

Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” (v. 5)

God gave Joshua a plan to enter into the Promised Land. Before the people of God could enter this land they needed to consecrate themselves, to formally dedicate themselves to God’s cause.

Signing up to serve on the Mexico mission trip was easy. After confirming God’s call I expected we would need a meeting or two to organize the trip and then be on our way. However, our pastor leading the trip required each of the participants to attend four training sessions in the months before the mission. During this time we prepared our mission plan. Whom were we going to be serving? What would be our attitude? What was our plan to get to the mission site? What was our plan once we were at the mission site? We needed to address all the logistical details. Most importantly, we needed to prepare our hearts, to consecrate ourselves to God’s service.

During the final training session our pastor showed videos of the families we would be helping. We learned their story, why they needed a home, and what circumstances they faced every day. Suddenly, the mission trip became much more than a task to be completed. It became an act of love towards real people with real needs.

Who is God asking you to love today? How are you preparing to answer this call?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for preparing me to be a blessing to others. Consecrate my heart with your love for those who need it.

Author: Rob Donoho

https://woh.org/

Read: Act 13:1-3

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (v. 2)

The decision to answer God’s call to release Barnabas and Paul was not easy for the church at Antioch. The church would severely miss them both since they were a great blessing. The church fasted and prayed to confirm the decision.

My confirmation to answer God’s call to build houses for homeless families in Mexico came first from my wife. The Holy Spirit spoke to each of our hearts at the same time. We came out of the Mexico mission team service saying the same thing: “God is telling us to go to Mexico.”

We both felt the Holy Spirit tugging at our hearts, but sometimes our feelings can lead us astray. Rather than move prematurely, we decided to pray through our feelings and to seek counsel through reading God’s Word. We also sought the advice of others, including our pastor.

Once God confirmed our calling, it was time to commit. This time, I asked God to make a way and promised him I would prioritize the mission trip first, above all other potential time conflicts, even work. What peace I experienced putting this in God’s hands. Then, with call confirmed, we were ready for the next step.

Prayer:

Lord God, please show us your calling for our life. Thank you for other believers who can help us confirm this call.

Author: Rob Donoho

https://woh.org/

Read: Exodus 4:1-17

Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’” (v. 1)

In Exodus 3 and 4, God made it obvious that he was calling Moses to return to Egypt. Moses had plenty of reasons not to answer God’s call. However, Moses eventually obeyed and God blessed an entire nation.

While I haven’t seen any burning bushes, I have sensed God’s call to serve. Last year, I sensed his call as a mission team spoke to our church about their work building homes in Mexico. I had occasionally thought about serving on a mission trip, but something always came up to prevent me from going.

I wasn’t totally ignoring God’s call. In my church I served as an elder and deacon, helped lead the men’s ministry, taught Sunday school, and led small groups. I had even led a capital campaign to grow the church. Surely, I had done enough! Besides, I didn’t know much about construction and probably wouldn’t be much help to a build team. And at 56 years of age, wasn’t I a little too old for doing hard physical labor? (Call me Moses!)

We all have good reasons to avoid answering God’s call, but if we don’t answer it, we may miss out on an incredible blessing. God doesn’t want part of our heart. He wants it all. Are you willing to completely surrender your will to God’s call?

Prayer:

Father, forgive me when I refuse to listen to you. Give me the courage and strength to obey, whatever it may be.

Author: Rob Donoho

https://woh.org/

Read: Ephesians 3:1-21

I pray that you [may be] rooted and established in [Christ’s] love. (v. 7 NIV)

The central figure in this story is God. Jonah is fascinating (“villains” often are), but not nearly as interesting as the character of God revealed in his interactions with Jonah. The big fish interests people of all ages (like all monsters and miracles), but its role isn’t as astounding as what God does. Nineveh was important in the ancient world (this story highlights that history), but God’s plan of salvation for time and eternity (illustrated by Jonah) transcends an earthly empire.

Jonah struggles to overcome personal prejudices and preconceived ideas about God and the world. He runs on anger more than truth. He fails to grasp the centrality of God’s mission to the purpose of his life. He recognizes sin in others but not in himself. He fails to appreciate how God is able to bring perfect love and justice together, and what that means for his personal guilt, grace, and gratitude. We need to learn from Jonah. It doesn’t matter if we ever see a monster fish, but it matters terribly if we don’t apply the lessons of this book.

Did Jonah finally get it? Did he become a prophet majoring in God’s love, grace, and good news? Or did he stay an angry, bitter man, outside God’s mission looking in? The story doesn’t tell us, because the real point isn’t Jonah’s final response, but yours and mine.

Prayer:

Lord, I know Jonah’s struggles all too well. Open my mind to your Word and my heart to your mission in the world. Amen.

Author: Doug VanBronkhorst

https://woh.org/

Read: Jonah 3:1-3, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

. . . that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Cor. 2:5)

Lord, Jonah is going to Nineveh, but he is anything but grateful.

He was thankful enough to be rescued from the sea.

Yes, but that’s all. He doesn’t want to deliver your message. He is determined to do it as quickly as possible. His hatred for Nineveh will be obvious. There could not be a worse messenger!

My Word doesn’t depend upon the messenger. I don’t need Jonah’s help. I want it, not for my sake, or Nineveh, but for Jonah. He needs to learn. He doesn’t understand why he’s on the earth, why he was called to be part of Israel, or why they’re my chosen people. Most importantly, he doesn’t understand me. He knows my law and judgment, but he doesn’t see their deeper purpose. Jonah doesn’t know mercy and grace.

Except when he was drowning! Jonah is a slow learner as well as a terrible evangelist.

Yes, but all my servants are flawed. I’m not done with him yet. Jonah thinks he’s better than the Ninevites. He thinks I’m in his life just to meet his needs. He needs to learn it’s my work, not human effort, that saves people from their sin, and no one can earn or deserve my salvation.

Prayer:

God, help me get past myself—my needs and desires—to be in tune with your work in the world. Amen.

Author: Doug VanBronkhorst

https://woh.org/