How Great The Love Of The Father

Listen to this! "See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him" (1 John 3:1). I see here that God, the Father has captured my heart with His love.

Also there are other things to notice within this verse of scripture. "For this reason the world does not know us..." I look at this part of the verse and it reminds me of the meeting between Eve and the serpent in the Garden way back in Genesis 3. I view the world as tempting us, God's children, in basically 3 areas of life and they are lust, materialism, and pride.

• First of all, "Lust" is a preoccupation with gratifying our physical desires. One such desire that comes to mind is sex. But look at the way it is presented in Genesis 3:6 "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food..." You see, Satan has made sin appeal to our appetites which is a lustful desire whether it be food or drink or sex. So his objective is to get us to let our guard down by using everyday normal things in life.
• Secondly, the sin that Satan presents to us appeals to our ecstatic (subject to or in a state of ecstasy; rapturous) nature (or our desire for things/craving and accumulating things). This is seen in the same verse where it continues "and that it was a delight to the eyes..." Satan knows that if he can draw our attention away from our understanding of God (and he uses possessions a lot) then he can distract us just enough to slip and fall.
• Finally, sin appeals to our intelligence, continuing "and that the tree was desirable to make one wise..." BINGO, she ate from the tree that God had forbidden; Satan wins.

There is one more aspect to how the world works in our minds and that is that there is always a "social" component to sin as we see continuing the verse and it says, "and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate." Read the rest of the story and see just how sneaky and shady Satan is and what capabilities he has here in this world.

So when you go back to the original verse in First John 3:1 you can really see how the world "does not know us" because the love of the Father has captured our hearts and that love is not of this world. So with the sin of lust, we can see and understand that it is not of God, we can see the materialism and know that "Our God shall supply all of our needs according to His riches in Glory..."(Phil. 4:19) and we, with God's help can intelligently understand that pride is nothing more than an obsession with one's status or importance which cuts cross-grain with our Heavenly Father.

Where am I going with this? Well I believe that it is important for us to know that we, as children of God the Father are NOT OF THIS WORLD AND THIS WORLD DOES NOT KNOW US! We are adopted children of the living God and we all know that this world belongs to the "prince of the power of the air"! Who else? Satan himself.

"See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God..." Now there's a promise you can take to the bank!

Dave

To Those Who Might Like To Respond

I have changed my email address. Purchased some new equipment that will allow me to be online anywhere I go which required a few changes. My new email address is papadave3@gmail.com. Please log it down just in case you need it at some point. I have changed it in my profile as well

Thanks for your support

Dave
papadave3@gmail.com
Visit when you can

My Sun City, Arizona Visitors

I continue to review the "hits" on my blog and have noticed over the last 12 months that I seem to have a large amount of viewers living here in Sun City. I live in Surprise, Arizona and it would be nice to know some of you folks.

I'm not asking you to divulge any information about your residence or phone information. Would just like to know if there are any of you that I happen to know personally. If you wish to respond privately, you can email me at papadave@cox.net.

I very much appreciate that you read my devotions and hope you enjoy and are receiving a blessing from them.

God's Best,

Dave

Have Your Lights Gone Out?

"Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). This verse is on my schedule of verses to meditate on and write about and it has been uppermost in my mind for over four years now. Ever since the doctors have been working with my blood (the cancer), I have been using this verse to lean, (sometimes very hard) on.

God's word has indeed been a "lamp to my feet" as I have walked in Malls, grocery stores, churches, and any number of other places I've walked. There are times (because you know, no matter how strong you are, these kind of diseases never leave your mind) when I have had very little light to take the next step in during the last four years. It has always been during these times, that God's word has been there. It has been the flashlight necessary to see me get to where I am going. Sometimes a flashlight and then other times a "Spotlight" to help me see farther down the path, the multiple medical needs that arise.

What about when the path we walk on becomes "rocky" or has very tall grass to maneuver through? What about those times when the path is so "uphill" that you literally have to walk using your legs and your arms to stay on the path. I'm talking about those times that your trial is so difficult that you can hardly pull yourself up to take the next step on the path. To me, it is very comforting to know that God's word not only lights where my feet are but He also give me a "lighted path" to travel through. It's that path (or that word) that helps remind me every day that it is God who is guiding me and it is His strength that I walk through life using.

There are those of you who have, your entire life been very faithful to God and today, due to some unforeseen tragedy or trial in your life, have forgotten that it is God who supplies the light to guide your way. You have perhaps forgotten how to install the "energizer" batteries that power your flashlight or your spotlight for whatever need. You only need to go back to God's word and get those batteries recharged and allow Him to comfort you as you walk your journey.

You may say, "Friend, that is easy for you to say, you've not lost your job or had your spouse leave you, or you haven't lost every dime you've ever worked for" and you would be right. Compared to a majority of others, I have lived a very comfortable and successful life. I just have a non-curable cancer that we found out yesterday is likely emerging into a second type of cancer called AML (acute myelogenous leukemia).

So Yes, my friend, if you are going through an emotional or painful trial, there is some portion of it that I could probably relate to. "But God!" That is how I live my life. God is indeed, "the lamp to my feet, and the light to my path." I cannot imagine any other way to get by during times like these.

Today I babysat my 2 year-old grandson and while he slept, I attempted to change the channel on the television only to find that the remote needed new batteries. I was not going to change anything until I changed or recharged the batteries in that remote. Maybe it's time to pick up your remote (God's Word) which is already "fully charged" and allow Him to "light your path"!

Dave

Time For Reflection

I have taken some time for reflection and meditation to try and better understand what is happening to my medical situation as it grows more complicated. It was kind of funny last night as I was looking at some of the medical testing results in the area of "chromosomes" and to try to understand how or why I came to be missing some parts of a couple of them was, I suppose, "staggering" just to realize that our medical technology has come to a place where this information is obtainable. Praise the Lord.

So the doctor says I seem to be missing half of chromosome #5 and the duplicates of numbers 7 and 17 are missing which tell a serious story about the blood production system in the body and what it amounts to is MDS which means "myelodysplastic syndrome" and that, if I am explaining it accurately, is a "precursor" to AML which is "acute myelogenous leukemia". The report stated that it was "incipient & emerging" which means basically, "it's on its way".

We all take time in our lives to question "why these things are happening in our lives" especially when we are working so hard to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with a world that is lost and spinning wildly out of control. And this morning, at 5:45 AM God woke me up to help me understand that it doesn't really matter. And He did that by bringing to mind this particular passage of scripture:

"Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this, you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you" (James 4:14-16 NASB).

What I heard God speaking to me was that the condition of my body was irrelevant in life's demands, however, the condition and strength of my faith in Him plays a very big role in how we deal with these dilemmas in life, these trials within that would drive a crazy man sane.

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12:7,8: "And because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me--to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."

I understand these passages of scripture very well and know that God is my strength and support system. The doctors will do what they must do as time progresses, however my concern is to continue to use the spiritual gifts within for the edification of the kingdom of God.

This morning I pray that in your life, as perhaps some of these kinds of "sour apples" fall from your "tree in life" that you "take up the full armor of God" as mentioned in Ephesians 6:13 and "resist the evil day having done everything to stand firm."

In case it hasn't come to your attention, the world is in extreme chaos, such as never before in my lifetime and we are God's "means to His end" so as I read in one of the medical reports it said "take a deep breath, and continue doing what you do in life." God is telling me that the "battle" is becoming more intense and it will, at some point, take every ounce of faith you and I have to finish the battle that will ultimately Glorify our God who is in heaven, patiently awaiting our arrival.

Be blessed this day and do what you can to surround yourself with your family and close friends. You never stop needing one another.

God's VERY Best to you this day,

Dave

PS. The Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is presently still "at bay" (still "lurking around" but currently taking a back seat to a different set of circumstances - Praise the Lord!).

Precious Promise

After experiencing a wonderful weekend of praise and worship, both at church and during the Harvest Crusades, the Lord made me think of the final verse of scripture in the book of Matthew as Jesus finishes His commission to us while here on earth:

"teach them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20).

In a single day, all over the world, thousands of people give their lives to Christ and plan to walk "in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). So, not only did Christ command us to witness to others and lead them toward the Christ, but as well, He wanted us to disciple them as He mentions in the above scripture.

There are probably hundreds of thousands of baby Christians walking the face of the earth, continuing to be babies because nobody is "teaching them to observe all that I commanded you..." and so they go from place to place looking for answers and wanting to know more about following Christ. Here is why I see so much value in the weekly Bible Studies and Fellowship that are offered by many churches. Not only do we need to be involved, but we also need to lead these young Christian men and women to this kind of fellowship that will help them begin to walk on more solid ground in their Christianity. Do you know somebody that needs a little assistance and are just not sure how to help. Bring them with you the next time you visit your own Bible Study Fellowship. They will appreciate it.

And then the promise! Jesus has put it in writing! "lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." This is a promise that only Christ can keep. I won't always be with you. Your favorite Christian friend will not always be with you, but Jesus has promised that He will be there to correct, convict, console or to counsel.

Maybe your education on discipleship is lacking. Maybe your the blind man who said "all I know is once I was blind but now I see" (paraphrased from John 9:25). There's your start toward discipleship. We all have a testimony that we can share and teach with. Are you using or wasting the gifts and talents given to you by God.

Let's "Rock n' Roll"!

Dave

Amazing "Out Pouring" Of Salvation This Weekend!

Because we were not able to stay in California last week, we missed the "Harvest Crusade" in Anaheim, California that took place this past weekend with Pastor Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries. This was their 20th Anniversary and the 3-day event was absolutely incredible. However, because of the magnificent technologies of the day, we were able to watch each service via the Internet.

The outcome of this crusade brought me to 1Peter 2:9,10 which says, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

Being chosen by God as a child of His is a most astonishing thing and it helps me to live my life without fear of the entrapment's of this world. The Lord Jesus has secured my salvation by way of His suffering a brutal death, burial and resurrection. Going through a difficult medical problem is much easier to deal with knowing that I have been called "...out of darkness into His marvelous light..." As the eminent return of Christ rapidly approaches, it make me even more excited, and increases the "yearning" to be in heaven with my heavenly Father and constantly in His presence.

Each of these several thousands who have excepted God's grace can now actively seek and apply God's perfect will to their lives. What a great joy it was watching and listening to the Lord at work. I believe the total number of hearts given to Christ during this crusade will surpass twelve thousand. How amazing is that? God is still in control and still calling his people to walk in holiness.

I praise God for His marvelous works.

Dave

Night One of Harvest Crusade with Pastor Greg Laurie

Click on the link above to watch Harvest Crusade from tonight, Friday August 14th.

Dave

Feel Like I've Been Beat With Rods!

Today I went in for my bone marrow biopsy and when I got there I found the doctor to be behind (always the case with a doctor) and he did not have time to use sedation on my biopsy so he offered to reschedule me for next week. I determined that already being there was half the battle so I suggested that we just continue.

Did I mention it hurts a little bit? Anyway we proceeded and they were all very nice and the test results will be back in a week or so. While I was having the procedure it made me think of Paul when he takes the time to defend his Apostleship in 2 Corinthians 11:21ff and he says:

"To my shame I must say that we have been weak by comparison. But in whatever respect anyone else is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am just as bold myself. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as if insane) I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure upon me of concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern? If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, He who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the ethnarch under Aretas the king was guarding the city of the Damascenes in order to seize me, and I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and so escaped his hands." (vss. 21-33)

I refer to these verses as a portion of the resume of the Apostle Paul. I have gone through some pain both physically and emotionally, however, I do not, in any fashion "stack up" to the difficulties that I read from my good friend Paul. They wanted to put a long, thick needle in my back so they could draw out bone marrow to determine to what degree the cancer had returned and they offered no sedation. I hurt from the procedure but I cannot come close to equating to the hurt both physically and emotionally that is printed above from the scriptures.

I would be proud someday for someone to read of such a "resume" concerning my life as a Christian, suffering for the cause of Christ. How proud I am that I know of this man named Paul who was willing to suffer these difficulties in life so that he could reach the world for the sake of Christ Jesus. His crown should naturally be filled with precious jewels.

I think it is necessary for us, as we walk through our life, to work toward and develop just such a "resume" for our lives. In most cases, difficulties of this magnitude will never be reached (thank God) but we need to be ready to share the trials that were the "strengthening" part of our Christian life. The things that caused us to continue to take steps forward as we desired to please God and share the Love of Christ with the world.

I can say (and I speak the same foolishness) that while my back was being poked with a long rounded needle, and I was NOT sedated, I spoke the truth of the Gospel of Christ to those in the room, including my doctor. They find themselves amazed that during such a trial, one like Paul, was concerned for their eternity.

Dave

By Way Of Explanation

Barb and I are trying to do more traveling in our travel trailer and that is why you might see some advertisements on the side of my blog related to camping. We are enjoying our time away so much that we want to do more and thought some of you might be interested in some of these informational materials. If you want to know more, just click on the link and it will take you to each site. I don't know yet if it will bring you back so you might just want to click on the back browser arrow after your journey.

God Bless and Thanks for your prayers,

Dave

New Heaven And Earth

I am NOT looking to exegete (from the Greek 'to lead out') involves an extensive and critical interpretation of an authoritative text, especially of a holy scripture, such as of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible) the book of Revelation, however as I was reading today from chapter 21, I was moved by verses 1-4 and thought I might write a word or two about it. Revelation 21: 1-4 says,

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them, and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

What a beautiful passage of scripture to look at and to look forward to. Every day I think I see the world moving faster and faster to the Lord's eminent return for His bride, the church (and by "church" I mean the body of Christ). As I said, I don't intend to get deep into the understanding of this scripture at this time, just wanted to bring it to the forefront simply because of what we see in the world today.

We are, indeed, moving at a very high speed toward a collision between man and God. A time when Jesus Christ will return to take those of us who faithfully follow Him, to our home in glory and I am enjoying the scenery. It is pleasing to know that Jesus Christ loves me, died for me, and prepared for me a place in heaven where my eternity is secure in Him.

A "new heaven" and a "new earth", a "new Jerusalem" just waiting for my arrival where there will be no hurting, no pain, no tears. There will be no more death and we will morn never more. I know that I am sounding sentimental but don't you, on occasion, sit and think about how it will be to live our lives outside of these "tents" that continually tear and get injured or sick?

Someday, and it may be very soon, our High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ will break through the clouds and arrive to take us to glory. Are you ready? Have you made your reservation yet? Have you invited Jesus Christ to reside in your heart? It's not really all that difficult. You just need to invite Him in by praying and confessing your sin and asking for forgiveness. Tell Jesus in your own words to come into your heart and help you live your life by His grace.

As it is and has always been, He is waiting on you!

Dave

Let Go And Let God

Today I felt a need to focus on several passages of scripture with the primary scripture passage in Psalm 51. It is from verses 10 through 12 and they say, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Thy presence, and do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation. And sustain me with a willing spirit."

King David finds himself on his face before God here because of his decision to "act" on his desires and his lust over another man's wife (story in 2 Samuel 11) and he morns the fact that his actions had grieved the Holy Spirit of God. To me, it seems easy to see the wrinkled brow of the king as he weeps before God. He pleads with God not to "cast me away from Thy presence".

Are there any of us who want to be "cast away from God?" I think probably not. However, most every day I take some sort of action that is "displeasing" to my Father in Heaven and I am ever so thankful that I grieve when I recognize my sin. Because it brings me to my knees in repentance before my God who is waiting patiently to forgive me.

I think of Proverbs 20:22 that says, "Do not say, I will repay evil. Wait for the Lord, and He will save you." I'm brought to that scripture when someone hurts me and I am reminded that "vengeance" is not mine but rather the Lord's to take or leave as He sees fit (Romans 12:19). In fact it says "NEVER take your own revenge but leave room for the wrath of God..."! Someone has hurt you or said something about you that is "tearing at your heart" and you want to say something back or you want to slap them in the face. It could have been something from years ago but it still "cuts like a knife" today. But then we see Jesus' words in Matthew 5:38,39 that say, "You have heard that it was said, AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH! But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also."

We are tested on every side, every day, every hour by the evil one and God reminds us that the evil is NOT ours to take our revenge on but rather His and in His time. We walk this earth carrying around "hurts" possibly from years past, and cannot release them to God. Each time we are reminded of that person or that incident, we want to pick up a board and seek our revenge. In the Beatitudes, Jesus says, "Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt. 5:11,12). Does it really matter today, what that person may have done or said to you all those many years before?

Jesus was debating the Pharisees and the Sadducees and a lawyer comes to him wanting to know which of the commandments is the greatest. Jesus explains in Matt. 22:37-40, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." Again, after a review from the eyes of Jesus Christ, our Salvation, does it really matter what has been done to you? I take you back to my original scripture passage, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Thy presence, and do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation. And sustain me with a willing spirit."

Is it possible that God needs to restore to you, the joy of your salvation? I've heard it said hundreds of times before, "Let go and let God"!

Dave

Hopefully Rested Up Now!

To those of you who come daily to look at my blog, you may have noticed that I have been "out of pocket" for about a month. I have taken some time for reflection, understanding, growing, hurting, learning, and enjoying some leisure time with my wife (need more of that).

On Thursday of this week I have to go back in for a Bone Marrow Biopsy because of some blood testing over the last couple of months that has not gone "really well"! I would ask for your continued prayer support and that you also come back and read my writings.

I have accumulated a large portion of my devotions to try to develop into book form, not because I consider myself as a writer but rather because everything I have written has come from the heart of God and He has used me as an instrument of His glory and I wish to share with as many as possible. I am considering a daily devotional booklet that I thought would be good for taking to work. I was considering the title of "Work Week Devotions" with a sub-title of "A desktop devotional to walk you through your week!" I mention that for posterity sake because these posting are timestamped.

Thanks for your support and the next posting you read will be me, getting back to God's business.

God Bless You All,

Dave

Just A Little "Head's Up"

For those of you who read my blog frequently, I just wanted to let you know that I am still alive and progressing. Having some test done in a week or so related to the cancer, so Barb and I decided to do some "boon docking" in Orange County, California at the BEACH (the manager at my Mom's Mobile Home park may let me leave my RV here for a week so we can drive back to Phx without all of the gas expense then go back to the beach without even more gas expense; they have a new RV storage). We'll be back early next week to prepare for the tests and then hopefully I can go back to the beach and get settled into some more "writing".



By the way, I came up with an idea for a small devotional book using my devotions. I thought I might be able to call it "Work Day Devotions" and build it as a "Monday thru Friday" devotional for people to carry to work with them. Anyway, I thought it might be a good idea so I am doing a lot of "cutting and pasting" and font changes and stuff like that. When I finish, hopefully it will look professional to take to a publisher to get an opinion.



Please pray for me about this project, and also for the testing (bone marrow biopsy) on the 13th of August. Other doctor started me in insulin today so, oh boy, I've also got that to look forward to. Ain't God Great,



Dave