I went to bed a short while ago and of course, I love to put on the headphones and listen to Steve Green. He was singing one of my favorite songs, "Broken and Spilled Out" and it made me think of a scripture verse (imagine that). Anyway the verse was Psalms 84:10 and it says "For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness."
We use to sing a song about that verse: "better is one day in your court, better is one day in your house, better is one day in your court, than a thousand elsewhere." Anyway you get the picture. I find myself "yearning" for the Lord to return more and more each day. I don't know, perhaps it's just that all of these medical problems are a "drag" on the emotions but I believe that yearning for His return is a good thing.
So as I was listening to this song by Steve Green the line came along, "In sweet abandon, Lord You were spilled out, and used up for me," and I thought how precious that God did that for me, and even if I were the only one here, He still would have done that for me. I can somewhat relate. Sometime (most of the time) I feel broken and spilled all over the ground. So many non-functional body parts anymore from the cancer and chemotherapy thing. My bones are beginning to hurt (don't yet know if that is the cancer or just plain "old age" setting in).
However, there is still one thing in me that is still functioning perfectly. That is my spirit. I do so rejoice in the Lord and think of Him often. So one day I'll sit in His court and rejoice because the "thousand" that I'd spent outside of His court will be finally over.
Can you praise the Lord in the middle of your weakness? It's okay, you know! In fact, it takes my mind off all the other things that aren't doing quite as well. He loves you very much. Hope you can show Him your love in return tonight.
God bless,
Dave
Crazy Papa
I'll make 'um an offer
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Ever Wonder About Crowns In Heaven?
Here's an interesting point of view: In the final day, as we stand before Christ He will not be saying "Well done, good and successful servant." No, He will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant..."
When we reach that day of judgement our acts on earth will NOT be judged on how successful we were in the tasks we handled for the Lord, so much as we will be judged for our faithfulness to Him and His call.
*A crown of rejoicing: Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy" (1 Thess. 2:19-20). Isn't it awesome when you read and realize that one of our crowns in heaven will be that of ourselves within the presence of the Lord. He will be so proud for all of your efforts. Again, success is not the issue but rather the faithfulness to follow His command.
*A crown of life: James wrote in James 1:12, "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". This would be the crown promised to the man or woman who has resisted temptation and has patiently endured testing and trials. There are people who suffer from physical infirmities or bad marriages or poverty or emotional trials that are no fault of their own. Others suffer for their testimony of Jesus Christ in different parts of the world. I kinda feel like I may fit into this category and maybe get a crown like this because most of the time I feel like I look like a "burnt match stick" from all the medical problems, blood draws, transfusions, tests, x-rays, chemotherapy and all that stuff. And sometimes it is very hard for me to hold my face up and glorify God, however I can say with assurance that I have done my very best. It's like God is saying, "I have a special crown for you who have endured difficult situations and consistently resisted temptation."
*A crown of righteousness: Shortly before Paul was executed in a Roman dungeon, he wrote these words to his good friend Timothy: "The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:6-8). I think this crown will go out to those who specifically served God with a heart looking toward heaven.
Do you long for the return of Jesus Christ our Lord? If so, I believe that there is a crown waiting for you. There is also a crown waiting for you if you have remained faithful to the Lord, and finished the race he set out before you. I am slow and continuing to get slower, however, I will remain on the race track until I have "finished the race" regardless of the place in which I finish. My hearts desire and God's prompting is to finish the race.
So make every day of your life count folks. Keep one of your feet in heaven and the other on the earth, and be ready to meet your God. He's coming soon!
Dave
*excerpts from "Signs of the Times" by Pastor Greg Laurie.
When we reach that day of judgement our acts on earth will NOT be judged on how successful we were in the tasks we handled for the Lord, so much as we will be judged for our faithfulness to Him and His call.
*A crown of rejoicing: Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy" (1 Thess. 2:19-20). Isn't it awesome when you read and realize that one of our crowns in heaven will be that of ourselves within the presence of the Lord. He will be so proud for all of your efforts. Again, success is not the issue but rather the faithfulness to follow His command.
*A crown of life: James wrote in James 1:12, "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". This would be the crown promised to the man or woman who has resisted temptation and has patiently endured testing and trials. There are people who suffer from physical infirmities or bad marriages or poverty or emotional trials that are no fault of their own. Others suffer for their testimony of Jesus Christ in different parts of the world. I kinda feel like I may fit into this category and maybe get a crown like this because most of the time I feel like I look like a "burnt match stick" from all the medical problems, blood draws, transfusions, tests, x-rays, chemotherapy and all that stuff. And sometimes it is very hard for me to hold my face up and glorify God, however I can say with assurance that I have done my very best. It's like God is saying, "I have a special crown for you who have endured difficult situations and consistently resisted temptation."
*A crown of righteousness: Shortly before Paul was executed in a Roman dungeon, he wrote these words to his good friend Timothy: "The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:6-8). I think this crown will go out to those who specifically served God with a heart looking toward heaven.
Do you long for the return of Jesus Christ our Lord? If so, I believe that there is a crown waiting for you. There is also a crown waiting for you if you have remained faithful to the Lord, and finished the race he set out before you. I am slow and continuing to get slower, however, I will remain on the race track until I have "finished the race" regardless of the place in which I finish. My hearts desire and God's prompting is to finish the race.
So make every day of your life count folks. Keep one of your feet in heaven and the other on the earth, and be ready to meet your God. He's coming soon!
Dave
*excerpts from "Signs of the Times" by Pastor Greg Laurie.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
How Can I?
A couple of days ago, I received a question from a precious niece of mine and I tried, with the blessed Word of God, to answer her question with conviction, courage toward the truth as written by God, and easy to understand. I hope I have done that for her. I recently met her husband and they are a precious couple with beautiful children and grand child. I appreciate when someone ask questions concerning the Word of God because it prompts more and more study of His Word for me. Thank you, sweet Jackie.
As I thought about that tonight I was prompted about another question that I am sure is asked over and over again, not only in America but all over the world and that question is: "How can I have my sins forgiven and live with Jesus Christ for all of eternity?" I would like to address this question tonight because it can never be given enough attention before the return of our Lord and Savior. And as the events of the world identify with His soon return, it seems really applicable now.
"How can I have my sins forgiven and live with Jesus Christ for all of eternity?"
B. Once we have come to that point in our lives then we have to be willing to repent, or turn from our sins. Repent means to "turn around and go in the opposite direction." The Bible tells us in Acts 3:19, "Repent therefore, and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." After we recognize our sin, it is necessary for us to be willing to "turn" from that sin in order to come to God.
C. After repentance comes believing: Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." That comes from John 3:16 and is probably the most popular Bible verse around the world. You see, it's not just enough to recognize sin in your life and then turn from that sin. There is this powerful Hope that our God has provided for us and that was to give up the One He loved most so that He could love you just as much. And praise the Lord, He was willing to die not only for you and I, but for everyone who would someday fall to his/her knees and ask Jesus into their lives.
D. Finally, there is a "gift receiving" ceremony that takes place. You see, God is offering you a gift. The gift of eternal life and security in heaven with Jesus Christ. But in order to complete the process you must reach out and accept that gift. In the Gospel of John 1:12, John explains it like this: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name." It is through prayer that we invite Jesus Christ to come into our lives and control our life through the Holy Spirit.
So to sum up: We must "Confess, Repent, Believe and Receive!"
Here is a simple little prayer you can use right now to come to God and have all of your sin forgiven for all of eternity: "Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now receive You into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen." You see, you may be reading this and think like my big brother thinks, "I'm too bad for God to help me. He'll never forgive me for all the bad things I've done so why bother." Well, I know a lot of people who have been much worse than my big brother and God saved them. He can save you too. No matter how bad you believe you are. Go back and read through these thoughts again and then go before a Holy and Loving God and ask Him. Remember too that we don't go looking for God. He came to us to offer His Son as a sacrifice for however bad you think you have been.
I hope, with God's Love, that you take this message serious. Your very eternity depends on it. And if you are reading this and are already "set up" in the Kingdom of God, then pray for others as they take the time to find out for themselves, what it is like to be in Love with God.
Dave
As I thought about that tonight I was prompted about another question that I am sure is asked over and over again, not only in America but all over the world and that question is: "How can I have my sins forgiven and live with Jesus Christ for all of eternity?" I would like to address this question tonight because it can never be given enough attention before the return of our Lord and Savior. And as the events of the world identify with His soon return, it seems really applicable now.
"How can I have my sins forgiven and live with Jesus Christ for all of eternity?"
A. The Bible prompts us to admit that we have a need. We all are sinners and in need of a savior. Romans 3:23 says "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." From all the way back in the Garden of Eden, inherited sin has been a human issue and flaw in our ability to relate to our Father in heaven. And so Paul tells us simply that "All" have sinned! In order for us to clear a path to forgiveness, we must first recognize that we ARE sinners.
B. Once we have come to that point in our lives then we have to be willing to repent, or turn from our sins. Repent means to "turn around and go in the opposite direction." The Bible tells us in Acts 3:19, "Repent therefore, and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." After we recognize our sin, it is necessary for us to be willing to "turn" from that sin in order to come to God.
C. After repentance comes believing: Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." That comes from John 3:16 and is probably the most popular Bible verse around the world. You see, it's not just enough to recognize sin in your life and then turn from that sin. There is this powerful Hope that our God has provided for us and that was to give up the One He loved most so that He could love you just as much. And praise the Lord, He was willing to die not only for you and I, but for everyone who would someday fall to his/her knees and ask Jesus into their lives.
D. Finally, there is a "gift receiving" ceremony that takes place. You see, God is offering you a gift. The gift of eternal life and security in heaven with Jesus Christ. But in order to complete the process you must reach out and accept that gift. In the Gospel of John 1:12, John explains it like this: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name." It is through prayer that we invite Jesus Christ to come into our lives and control our life through the Holy Spirit.
So to sum up: We must "Confess, Repent, Believe and Receive!"
Here is a simple little prayer you can use right now to come to God and have all of your sin forgiven for all of eternity: "Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now receive You into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen." You see, you may be reading this and think like my big brother thinks, "I'm too bad for God to help me. He'll never forgive me for all the bad things I've done so why bother." Well, I know a lot of people who have been much worse than my big brother and God saved them. He can save you too. No matter how bad you believe you are. Go back and read through these thoughts again and then go before a Holy and Loving God and ask Him. Remember too that we don't go looking for God. He came to us to offer His Son as a sacrifice for however bad you think you have been.
I hope, with God's Love, that you take this message serious. Your very eternity depends on it. And if you are reading this and are already "set up" in the Kingdom of God, then pray for others as they take the time to find out for themselves, what it is like to be in Love with God.
Dave
Friday, September 10, 2010
I Can Count All Of My Bones!
There are 31 verses below. Please read them and ponder the message given:
My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; And by night, but I have no rest. Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. In You our fathers trusted; They trusted and You delivered them. To You they cried out and were delivered; In You they trusted and were not disappointed. But I am a worm and not a man, A reproach of men and despised by the people. All who see me sneer at me; They separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying, " Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him." Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; You made me trust when upon my mother's breasts. Upon You I was cast from birth; You have been my God from my mother's womb. Be not far from me, for trouble is near; For there is none to help. Many bulls have surrounded me; Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me. They open wide their mouth at me, As a ravening and a roaring lion. I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It is melted within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And my tongue cleaves to my jaws; And You lay me in the dust of death. For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me; They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots. But You, O LORD, be not far off; O You my help, hasten to my assistance. Deliver my soul from the sword, My only life from the power of the dog. Save me from the lion's mouth; From the horns of the wild oxen You answer me. I will tell of Your name to my brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. You who fear the LORD, praise Him; All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel. For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for help, He heard. From You comes my praise in the great assembly; I shall pay my vows before those who fear Him. The afflicted will eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the LORD. Let your heart live forever! All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, And all the families of the nations will worship before You. For the kingdom is the LORD'S And He rules over the nations. All the prosperous of the earth will eat and worship, All those who go down to the dust will bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep his soul alive. Posterity will serve Him; It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation. They will come and will declare His righteousness To a people who will be born, that He has performed it. (Psa 22:1-31 NASB)
Ever have a day when you feel something like this. I don't propose to know how deeply our Lord suffered however, I do feel days like it says in verse 17 when "I can count all of my bones" because it is so painful. I have friends today and others who have already gone home to be with the Lord who have expressed this level of pain in their bodies and I pray.
I have been up all night unable to sleep because of the "bone counting" going on in my body. Sometimes it feels like someone is twisting them and allowing them to "fling" back into position which really hurts. I have taken enough pain and sleeping aids to put a horse to sleep and my guess is that God had a message for me.
Although, on a daily basis, the pain develops more and more, I continue to trust in God, who is, indeed, the Author and Finisher of my Faith, for my final outcome in this life. And at the appointed time which God has set for me, it is my hope that people would have found me enjoyable to be with, funny, candid, and just an all around good fellow. But my greatest desire is that those people would recognize the "God Man" within me and the earnest desire to share His love with others.
This world is hurting like nothing we have ever experienced before in any of our live times and I see this as a signal from our Father in Heaven, to look up, and call out His name. Maybe you are in such pain that you cannot utter a word. Our Lord hears your groaning and loves and desires to minister to you.
Won't you turn to God and receive His grace; even as you suffer terrible afflictions tonight. I have. And now that I have shared this with you, I feel better. Tonight I feel the need to lift up my children and grandchildren to the Lord for His blessing.
You've heard it said before, "Let go and let God." Well I say "Let go and experience the results of His Glory."
I pray for your suffering this very night. God bless you,
Dave
My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; And by night, but I have no rest. Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. In You our fathers trusted; They trusted and You delivered them. To You they cried out and were delivered; In You they trusted and were not disappointed. But I am a worm and not a man, A reproach of men and despised by the people. All who see me sneer at me; They separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying, " Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him." Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; You made me trust when upon my mother's breasts. Upon You I was cast from birth; You have been my God from my mother's womb. Be not far from me, for trouble is near; For there is none to help. Many bulls have surrounded me; Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me. They open wide their mouth at me, As a ravening and a roaring lion. I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It is melted within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And my tongue cleaves to my jaws; And You lay me in the dust of death. For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me; They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots. But You, O LORD, be not far off; O You my help, hasten to my assistance. Deliver my soul from the sword, My only life from the power of the dog. Save me from the lion's mouth; From the horns of the wild oxen You answer me. I will tell of Your name to my brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. You who fear the LORD, praise Him; All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel. For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for help, He heard. From You comes my praise in the great assembly; I shall pay my vows before those who fear Him. The afflicted will eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the LORD. Let your heart live forever! All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, And all the families of the nations will worship before You. For the kingdom is the LORD'S And He rules over the nations. All the prosperous of the earth will eat and worship, All those who go down to the dust will bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep his soul alive. Posterity will serve Him; It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation. They will come and will declare His righteousness To a people who will be born, that He has performed it. (Psa 22:1-31 NASB)
Ever have a day when you feel something like this. I don't propose to know how deeply our Lord suffered however, I do feel days like it says in verse 17 when "I can count all of my bones" because it is so painful. I have friends today and others who have already gone home to be with the Lord who have expressed this level of pain in their bodies and I pray.
I have been up all night unable to sleep because of the "bone counting" going on in my body. Sometimes it feels like someone is twisting them and allowing them to "fling" back into position which really hurts. I have taken enough pain and sleeping aids to put a horse to sleep and my guess is that God had a message for me.
Although, on a daily basis, the pain develops more and more, I continue to trust in God, who is, indeed, the Author and Finisher of my Faith, for my final outcome in this life. And at the appointed time which God has set for me, it is my hope that people would have found me enjoyable to be with, funny, candid, and just an all around good fellow. But my greatest desire is that those people would recognize the "God Man" within me and the earnest desire to share His love with others.
This world is hurting like nothing we have ever experienced before in any of our live times and I see this as a signal from our Father in Heaven, to look up, and call out His name. Maybe you are in such pain that you cannot utter a word. Our Lord hears your groaning and loves and desires to minister to you.
Won't you turn to God and receive His grace; even as you suffer terrible afflictions tonight. I have. And now that I have shared this with you, I feel better. Tonight I feel the need to lift up my children and grandchildren to the Lord for His blessing.
You've heard it said before, "Let go and let God." Well I say "Let go and experience the results of His Glory."
I pray for your suffering this very night. God bless you,
Dave
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
You Are The Light Of The World!
Listen to this passage of scripture. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lamp stand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matt. 5 14-16 NASB)
Here's another one. "...if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7 NASB)
Hang with me, I'm going somewhere with this. Here's a good one. "for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light..." (Ephesians 5:8 NASB)
Let's just add one more to the mix. "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (2 Cor. 4:4 NASB)
Thanks for sticking with me. What do all these verses have in common? They talk about the "light of the world." And what would that light be? That light is the Lord Jesus Christ living within you. You don't "hide the light" so that it cannot be seen; you don't fail to "expose" the light as you fellowship with one another; even though you used to be in darkness, your light shines brightly for others to witness; and your light is not covered to discount the light of Jesus in your life. You, as a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ "cannot" hide it, you "cannot" help but expose it, you shine with Christ's love to those around you and you "do not" discount your light in Christ as you share with others.
When Paul was speaking to the servants of Christ in the church at Corinth he said, "Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God." (1 Cor. 4:5 NASB)
I've taken some verses of scripture that focus specifically on "the light of the world" and I want to make a comparison here. We do, daily what we do, as Christian men and women because the light of God lives within us and we cannot help ourselves. Take a moment and think about it. Has there ever been a time when someone has walked up to you and said, "there's something different about you!" What is it that makes you smile when the doctor tells you that the news is not good? Why do you live life like everything is really OK?" You can't tell me it hasn't happened to you.
Well what it is specifically is the "light" of God being exposed as you live your life. That's right. In your everyday, normal traffic pattern of life, God is shining through the pours in your body as He testifies of Himself to the world. Let me take you to another verse of scripture and see if it makes all of this come together better.
Go all the way back to the beginning. Look at the first book of the Bible - Genesis. Look in the first chapter and in the 3rd recorded verse of God's Marvelous Word He declares "Let there be light; and there was light." Okay, now one more passage and I'm going to tie this all together. In Genesis 1:14-19 God creates the Sun and Moon. One to govern by day (the sun) and one to govern the night (the moon).
Okay so you all can count and now you realize that the 3rd verse of the Bible tells us that God turned on the light but He didn't create the light-bearing vehicles until the 4th day. So we understand that "From God" we receive the light of the world which is different from the light of day. Well, that's what the other verses above are associated with. We are the "light of the world" (we expose the darkness) because we walk around illuminating the light of God all the way back from the beginning. When Jesus says that you are "the light of the world" back in Matthew 5, He's not calling you a lamp or lantern or even a spotlight. He is telling you that you, as a walking, talking, breathing, born again, believer in Jesus Christ are emitting the "light of God" as you share your life with others.
SO! If you are truly what you say you are (a fully-devoted follower of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as a Christian) you are a walking, talking, breathing, born again, believing "light" to a dark and dying world. You need to see this for what it is because you are truly the light that God intended to use to share Himself to the world with. And your job is to shine, even though you have no "light-bearing" capability.
I am the light of the world. That is what I understand the Bible to say to me. So I want to be guilty of exposing the darkness in every room I enter, every moment of every day of my life. There is no need to flip a switch. Sometimes I don't feel "so bright", sometimes I'm rather sickly from all of the things my body experiences however, that is not my concern. God said I am the light of the world. So what is my goal? "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
All of the above verses lead us back to the beginning with God when He says "Let there be light; and there was light!"
Okay, the lights are on...is anybody home?
Dave
Here's another one. "...if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7 NASB)
Hang with me, I'm going somewhere with this. Here's a good one. "for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light..." (Ephesians 5:8 NASB)
Let's just add one more to the mix. "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (2 Cor. 4:4 NASB)
Thanks for sticking with me. What do all these verses have in common? They talk about the "light of the world." And what would that light be? That light is the Lord Jesus Christ living within you. You don't "hide the light" so that it cannot be seen; you don't fail to "expose" the light as you fellowship with one another; even though you used to be in darkness, your light shines brightly for others to witness; and your light is not covered to discount the light of Jesus in your life. You, as a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ "cannot" hide it, you "cannot" help but expose it, you shine with Christ's love to those around you and you "do not" discount your light in Christ as you share with others.
When Paul was speaking to the servants of Christ in the church at Corinth he said, "Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God." (1 Cor. 4:5 NASB)
I've taken some verses of scripture that focus specifically on "the light of the world" and I want to make a comparison here. We do, daily what we do, as Christian men and women because the light of God lives within us and we cannot help ourselves. Take a moment and think about it. Has there ever been a time when someone has walked up to you and said, "there's something different about you!" What is it that makes you smile when the doctor tells you that the news is not good? Why do you live life like everything is really OK?" You can't tell me it hasn't happened to you.
Well what it is specifically is the "light" of God being exposed as you live your life. That's right. In your everyday, normal traffic pattern of life, God is shining through the pours in your body as He testifies of Himself to the world. Let me take you to another verse of scripture and see if it makes all of this come together better.
Go all the way back to the beginning. Look at the first book of the Bible - Genesis. Look in the first chapter and in the 3rd recorded verse of God's Marvelous Word He declares "Let there be light; and there was light." Okay, now one more passage and I'm going to tie this all together. In Genesis 1:14-19 God creates the Sun and Moon. One to govern by day (the sun) and one to govern the night (the moon).
Okay so you all can count and now you realize that the 3rd verse of the Bible tells us that God turned on the light but He didn't create the light-bearing vehicles until the 4th day. So we understand that "From God" we receive the light of the world which is different from the light of day. Well, that's what the other verses above are associated with. We are the "light of the world" (we expose the darkness) because we walk around illuminating the light of God all the way back from the beginning. When Jesus says that you are "the light of the world" back in Matthew 5, He's not calling you a lamp or lantern or even a spotlight. He is telling you that you, as a walking, talking, breathing, born again, believer in Jesus Christ are emitting the "light of God" as you share your life with others.
SO! If you are truly what you say you are (a fully-devoted follower of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as a Christian) you are a walking, talking, breathing, born again, believing "light" to a dark and dying world. You need to see this for what it is because you are truly the light that God intended to use to share Himself to the world with. And your job is to shine, even though you have no "light-bearing" capability.
I am the light of the world. That is what I understand the Bible to say to me. So I want to be guilty of exposing the darkness in every room I enter, every moment of every day of my life. There is no need to flip a switch. Sometimes I don't feel "so bright", sometimes I'm rather sickly from all of the things my body experiences however, that is not my concern. God said I am the light of the world. So what is my goal? "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
All of the above verses lead us back to the beginning with God when He says "Let there be light; and there was light!"
Okay, the lights are on...is anybody home?
Dave
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Well as most of you probably know by now, Barb and I are parked and comfortably taking up residence in beautiful downtown Dewey, Arizona up in the mountains of Arizona where the temperature never reaches 100 degrees. The coach air conditioner works rather well up here and we "love it!" Oh sure, we miss the kids and grand kids but they are a mere 75 miles away, just an hours drive from here anytime we need our fill of our family.
Tonight we got a chance to share dinner with Med and Gail, Barb's sister and brother-in-law and we had a wonderful time together being able to walk out in the city without the aid of any inhalers or SVN machines to help breathe this beautiful clean air.
And as we drove back to our new residence I noticed that we could actually see the stars in the sky and I noticed them "twinkling" in the sky and it made me think of our Lord and how He was up there helping us live our lives here. What a beautiful site it is just to be able to see something in the sky besides smog.
I went to bed and put on my headphones as I normally do and tonight decided to listed to an old Eagles album on my ipod and I came to a song called "Life in the fast lane" and it drew my attention to our lives. We all live "in the fast lane" and sometimes we have to or we get left behind in life. And sometimes it causes us to miss some things that should be more precious to us than trying to get some adrenaline out of every moment of these lives. For instance, I looked on Face Book earlier tonight and notice that my son wrote that he had a "bad tennis" day today. I didn't think much of it until I sat down here to write and thought, "well, at least he had a tennis day." So some of his day was good even if he was "off" of his game.
Then, naturally because I could not fall asleep, God prompted me to get up and read from His Word. I came across 2 Thessalonians 5:16,17, & 18 which simply say "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (NASB).
Well I thought about those verses and wondered how I fit into Paul's instruction: I mostly rejoice (some may think I complain alot but I mostly rejoice in life). I don't find that I "pray without ceasing" but I seem to be in a constant state of communication with the Lord over life in general. And I think that there are VERY FEW things that I do NOT give thanks for. I know I wasn't really rejoicing when our 5th wheel had a flat tire and we were out of state. I didn't jump up and down when it was necessary to travel to Wal-Mart twice to fix a leak in the tank lines today and I certainly don't remember thanking God for the money that was available to get that line fixed. But now that I think back on the day, it was pretty rejoicing, enjoyable and pleasant to visit with family.
So some days we DO INDEED, "live in the fast lane" and it is at times, difficult to slow down long enough to give God glory even when all the air is out of the tire. But I did have a great day and I think Brad, my son, even though he was not "on his game" rejoiced in the opportunity to take some time away from a busy work schedule to get some tennis in.
Verse 21 says "But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good..." and that, we try very hard to do. The oncologist office called yesterday and it seems that a blood test (called an M-spike test) came back too high and he wants to discuss it with me so now we have to go down the hill next week to see about that problem. Seems that the M-spike test is a measure of the cancer, possibly, "sticking it's ugly head up" for a look around and I'm sure he just wants to stay ahead of it. "Rejoice always!" Okay, I'm very thankful that he found that so we could discuss my options and continue praying without ceasing while I am thankful that there are tests like this to keep my health in line. Boy, some of these instructions are hard to carry out. I don't want to go to the doctor, I don't want to have more tests, I don't want to go through chemotherapy again, but I thank God that He is in control and not me.
"Life in the fast lane" sometimes slaps us right in the face and of course, another line in the song is "surely you could lose your mind".
So where am I going with this or am I just rambling because I can't sleep? Well actually I got up to tell all of you that I am "Rejoicing always; praying without ceasing; and giving thanks in everything for this is God's will for ME in Christ Jesus!" Will the strength of your faith allow you to say that tonight?
Dave
Tonight we got a chance to share dinner with Med and Gail, Barb's sister and brother-in-law and we had a wonderful time together being able to walk out in the city without the aid of any inhalers or SVN machines to help breathe this beautiful clean air.
And as we drove back to our new residence I noticed that we could actually see the stars in the sky and I noticed them "twinkling" in the sky and it made me think of our Lord and how He was up there helping us live our lives here. What a beautiful site it is just to be able to see something in the sky besides smog.
I went to bed and put on my headphones as I normally do and tonight decided to listed to an old Eagles album on my ipod and I came to a song called "Life in the fast lane" and it drew my attention to our lives. We all live "in the fast lane" and sometimes we have to or we get left behind in life. And sometimes it causes us to miss some things that should be more precious to us than trying to get some adrenaline out of every moment of these lives. For instance, I looked on Face Book earlier tonight and notice that my son wrote that he had a "bad tennis" day today. I didn't think much of it until I sat down here to write and thought, "well, at least he had a tennis day." So some of his day was good even if he was "off" of his game.
Then, naturally because I could not fall asleep, God prompted me to get up and read from His Word. I came across 2 Thessalonians 5:16,17, & 18 which simply say "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (NASB).
Well I thought about those verses and wondered how I fit into Paul's instruction: I mostly rejoice (some may think I complain alot but I mostly rejoice in life). I don't find that I "pray without ceasing" but I seem to be in a constant state of communication with the Lord over life in general. And I think that there are VERY FEW things that I do NOT give thanks for. I know I wasn't really rejoicing when our 5th wheel had a flat tire and we were out of state. I didn't jump up and down when it was necessary to travel to Wal-Mart twice to fix a leak in the tank lines today and I certainly don't remember thanking God for the money that was available to get that line fixed. But now that I think back on the day, it was pretty rejoicing, enjoyable and pleasant to visit with family.
So some days we DO INDEED, "live in the fast lane" and it is at times, difficult to slow down long enough to give God glory even when all the air is out of the tire. But I did have a great day and I think Brad, my son, even though he was not "on his game" rejoiced in the opportunity to take some time away from a busy work schedule to get some tennis in.
Verse 21 says "But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good..." and that, we try very hard to do. The oncologist office called yesterday and it seems that a blood test (called an M-spike test) came back too high and he wants to discuss it with me so now we have to go down the hill next week to see about that problem. Seems that the M-spike test is a measure of the cancer, possibly, "sticking it's ugly head up" for a look around and I'm sure he just wants to stay ahead of it. "Rejoice always!" Okay, I'm very thankful that he found that so we could discuss my options and continue praying without ceasing while I am thankful that there are tests like this to keep my health in line. Boy, some of these instructions are hard to carry out. I don't want to go to the doctor, I don't want to have more tests, I don't want to go through chemotherapy again, but I thank God that He is in control and not me.
"Life in the fast lane" sometimes slaps us right in the face and of course, another line in the song is "surely you could lose your mind".
So where am I going with this or am I just rambling because I can't sleep? Well actually I got up to tell all of you that I am "Rejoicing always; praying without ceasing; and giving thanks in everything for this is God's will for ME in Christ Jesus!" Will the strength of your faith allow you to say that tonight?
Dave
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Hop On The Bus!
"For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 ).
Well Barb and I finally made it up to Prescott Valley, Arizona. I've always wanted to see what it was like to live in a mountain area and it is absolutely beautiful up here. We got checked into the RV Park here and are looking into deciding if this will be our home (for at least a year) and I'm hooked already. We played bingo with some of the other tenants tonight and noticed that we looked as though we were teen-agers compared to some in the room, but what the heck, they were young once too.
Last Monday I wrote about an old family friend who was not doing so well. She was diagnosed with the same type of cancer that I have just a year ago and this afternoon she breathed her last breathe here and went home to be with the Lord (we will miss you Kathy-Marie). Now the news is not all bad either. Since she had given up her own heart to live for Christ, she was accepted in heaven with our Lord today. That is very good news because John 14: 1ff says "Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to Him, Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way? Jesus said to him, I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. (John 14: 1-6 NASB).
So this is the way I look at my own situation each and every day of my life. I am here trying, daily, to express the Love of Christ to others on my journey and while I do that, My Lord is "preparing a place for me"! Now some people would, out of habit, drag this to it's negative conclusion because that is the way they look at life. On the other hand, there are those of us who look at "this life" as a type of "bus depot" and we are only waiting here to catch the bus that will deliver us to our eternal resting place. With me, that is in heaven with my Heavenly Father (along with Kathy-Marie and my very own earthly Father).
So to the Tarvin/Hixon family I would simply say "Rejoice, and again I say Rejoice" for that loved one whom you feel you have lost is now in heaven with a hammer in her hand, helping our Lord "prepare your place" for that time in life with your bus arrives. Be joyful and rest in knowing that she no longer suffers, and is overfilled with joy in her heart tonight as she kneels at the feet of Jesus Christ.
We love you, Kathy-Marie,
Dave & Barb Stallings
Well Barb and I finally made it up to Prescott Valley, Arizona. I've always wanted to see what it was like to live in a mountain area and it is absolutely beautiful up here. We got checked into the RV Park here and are looking into deciding if this will be our home (for at least a year) and I'm hooked already. We played bingo with some of the other tenants tonight and noticed that we looked as though we were teen-agers compared to some in the room, but what the heck, they were young once too.
Last Monday I wrote about an old family friend who was not doing so well. She was diagnosed with the same type of cancer that I have just a year ago and this afternoon she breathed her last breathe here and went home to be with the Lord (we will miss you Kathy-Marie). Now the news is not all bad either. Since she had given up her own heart to live for Christ, she was accepted in heaven with our Lord today. That is very good news because John 14: 1ff says "Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to Him, Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way? Jesus said to him, I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. (John 14: 1-6 NASB).
So this is the way I look at my own situation each and every day of my life. I am here trying, daily, to express the Love of Christ to others on my journey and while I do that, My Lord is "preparing a place for me"! Now some people would, out of habit, drag this to it's negative conclusion because that is the way they look at life. On the other hand, there are those of us who look at "this life" as a type of "bus depot" and we are only waiting here to catch the bus that will deliver us to our eternal resting place. With me, that is in heaven with my Heavenly Father (along with Kathy-Marie and my very own earthly Father).
So to the Tarvin/Hixon family I would simply say "Rejoice, and again I say Rejoice" for that loved one whom you feel you have lost is now in heaven with a hammer in her hand, helping our Lord "prepare your place" for that time in life with your bus arrives. Be joyful and rest in knowing that she no longer suffers, and is overfilled with joy in her heart tonight as she kneels at the feet of Jesus Christ.
We love you, Kathy-Marie,
Dave & Barb Stallings
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