Click on the link above to watch Harvest Crusade from tonight, Friday August 14th.
Dave
Crazy Papa
I'll make 'um an offer
Friday, August 14, 2009
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
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
Thursday, August 13, 2009
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
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
"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
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
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."
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
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
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
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
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