Yes, it's me, Dave...I'm back...for now. Some very extreme changes in my health (which are not really an excuse for not writing) but what the heck. I needed some time to clear my brain. The good thing is that it is small enough so that I didn't have to take too much time.
Anyway, just a note tonight to let you know, I will try to get back into the devotional "saddle" and start sending once again. Lot's of changes in my life over the past several months but since I love talking about myself, I am sure you'll hear about them.
In the meantime, God is STILL in control and will be posting again in a few days. Hope you are all still out there. And of course, BTW, I need more prayer than I have every needed before so if you can, won't you please petition God for me when you think about it?
Dave
Crazy Papa
I'll make 'um an offer
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Bible Names For Jesus: The Word
I would like to end this alphabetic series on "Biblical names of Jesus Christ" with "The Word". This is an extremely important title for Christ as it "absolutely" attaches Jesus Christ to the trinity. In John 1:1 it says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. This passage of scripture in John 1:1-18 is very poetic and important for our positive understanding of who Jesus Christ really is. The "Trinity" is flawlessly connected here for all to see.
As can be seen, the first three words that John uses as he starts his gospel, help us to understand that EVERYTHING has been established "In the beginning" and that Jesus Christ, the second part of the Trinity was there for the event. He is the creator of everything that was created.
Today was a very anxious day as I started chemotherapy again today. Of course, they pre-medicate you so as to prevent any unforeseen "reactions" to the drugs they use to poison the cancer cells in the human body. But today was a different day. The pre-meds obviously had NO effect on what was to happen to my body on this day. Within the first hour of treatment, I began to shake, my body ice cold. I was told that at one point the shaking became so radical that it was moving my lounge chair. I cannot remember what took place from that point until I opened my eyes and they finally found their way to my Oncology Doctor who was standing there to observe the actions of the nurses. They all did a wonderful job of getting me through this reaction and finally, when I recognized my doctor, I said "Hi Doc" (that's how I greet him always). His respond was simple and comforting...he said "he's back." He verbalized a few orders and left the room. I cannot tell you where I may have gone (I'm confident I was safely 'tucked' within the arms of Christ), but it was relieving to hear the doctor announce my return to the nurses.
Here's what I do know: John 1:14 says, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." Wherever I might have gone for that few moments really doesn't matter because the "Word that became flesh" dwelt among ME as this incident unfolded (not the doctor, Jesus Christ). Once I was back, was breathing on my own and no longer "raddling the daylights out of my chair", I recognized the peace of Jesus Christ dwelling with me in that place.
Yes it was an anxious situation, as there are many in our lives, but once my mind and heart returned it's focus on Christ, everything was peaceful.
A VERY exhausting and unpleasant day, indeed. However, the "Word dwelt among us" and peace and grace was His result.
The Word, a wonderful way to present our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to those we call friends and loved ones. I cannot tell you what would have been my response to that incident, had "The Word" not dwelt with me today. All I can say is that I am grateful for His love and grace in my life. God bless you all. We'll do it all over in 10 or 12 days. And I am sure, I'll have "good" company.
Dave
(Thanks for letting me share this series of Biblical Names for Jesus Christ. All of the thoughts for this series came from God's inspiration to me, however some of my research came from George W. Knight, author of "The Names of God". All other information and facts came from God's Word, of course)
As can be seen, the first three words that John uses as he starts his gospel, help us to understand that EVERYTHING has been established "In the beginning" and that Jesus Christ, the second part of the Trinity was there for the event. He is the creator of everything that was created.
Today was a very anxious day as I started chemotherapy again today. Of course, they pre-medicate you so as to prevent any unforeseen "reactions" to the drugs they use to poison the cancer cells in the human body. But today was a different day. The pre-meds obviously had NO effect on what was to happen to my body on this day. Within the first hour of treatment, I began to shake, my body ice cold. I was told that at one point the shaking became so radical that it was moving my lounge chair. I cannot remember what took place from that point until I opened my eyes and they finally found their way to my Oncology Doctor who was standing there to observe the actions of the nurses. They all did a wonderful job of getting me through this reaction and finally, when I recognized my doctor, I said "Hi Doc" (that's how I greet him always). His respond was simple and comforting...he said "he's back." He verbalized a few orders and left the room. I cannot tell you where I may have gone (I'm confident I was safely 'tucked' within the arms of Christ), but it was relieving to hear the doctor announce my return to the nurses.
Here's what I do know: John 1:14 says, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." Wherever I might have gone for that few moments really doesn't matter because the "Word that became flesh" dwelt among ME as this incident unfolded (not the doctor, Jesus Christ). Once I was back, was breathing on my own and no longer "raddling the daylights out of my chair", I recognized the peace of Jesus Christ dwelling with me in that place.
Yes it was an anxious situation, as there are many in our lives, but once my mind and heart returned it's focus on Christ, everything was peaceful.
A VERY exhausting and unpleasant day, indeed. However, the "Word dwelt among us" and peace and grace was His result.
The Word, a wonderful way to present our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to those we call friends and loved ones. I cannot tell you what would have been my response to that incident, had "The Word" not dwelt with me today. All I can say is that I am grateful for His love and grace in my life. God bless you all. We'll do it all over in 10 or 12 days. And I am sure, I'll have "good" company.
Dave
(Thanks for letting me share this series of Biblical Names for Jesus Christ. All of the thoughts for this series came from God's inspiration to me, however some of my research came from George W. Knight, author of "The Names of God". All other information and facts came from God's Word, of course)
Monday, November 29, 2010
Today Is Chemo Day
By the time you read this post, I will be at the Chemotherapy Lounge in Scottsdale, beginning a new series of therapy to attempt to "retard" the protein cells which are growing in my bone marrow (not supposed to be). Anyway, just wanted to say that I appreciate your prayers and thoughts for my wife and I as we begin another journey for which we do not know the outcome (come to think of it, none of us know the outcomes of our journeys).
Our God is an AWESOME God, and He is in control of every aspect of our lives so we have no fear for we know we are in His hands. This series of therapy will only last for 4 weeks just for the purpose of seeing if we can slow down the Leukemia growth for now. I don't know when the next biopsy will be but will keep you posted.
You have all be extremely encouraging and because of you and God, I am at peace. Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayerful support for us. We love you all.
Dave
Our God is an AWESOME God, and He is in control of every aspect of our lives so we have no fear for we know we are in His hands. This series of therapy will only last for 4 weeks just for the purpose of seeing if we can slow down the Leukemia growth for now. I don't know when the next biopsy will be but will keep you posted.
You have all be extremely encouraging and because of you and God, I am at peace. Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayerful support for us. We love you all.
Dave
Bible Names For Jesus: Vine
John 15:5 says "I am the vine, and you are the branches; He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing."
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples the night of His arrest. He know that they would have to be "attached" to Him, strongly in order to survive the upcoming events. We've all hear the stories about the vines and the pruning process. We are the (His) branches and sometimes we need pruning in our lives in order to grow. Maybe that's were some of the pain I spoke about last night comes from.
The idea Jesus wanted to get across was that we are the weaker branches that are attached to the strong vine (Himself) as we go through different stage in life, sometimes being pruned back, perhaps even farther than we wish to be. However there is always a reason. He (Jesus) as the vine, would sustain and nourish us so we would bear "much fruit" in the days ahead.
Jesus is the "Vine" and we are the "branches" all for a good reason. Jesus was called the "Vine." Now why couldn't I have thought of that?
Dave
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples the night of His arrest. He know that they would have to be "attached" to Him, strongly in order to survive the upcoming events. We've all hear the stories about the vines and the pruning process. We are the (His) branches and sometimes we need pruning in our lives in order to grow. Maybe that's were some of the pain I spoke about last night comes from.
The idea Jesus wanted to get across was that we are the weaker branches that are attached to the strong vine (Himself) as we go through different stage in life, sometimes being pruned back, perhaps even farther than we wish to be. However there is always a reason. He (Jesus) as the vine, would sustain and nourish us so we would bear "much fruit" in the days ahead.
Jesus is the "Vine" and we are the "branches" all for a good reason. Jesus was called the "Vine." Now why couldn't I have thought of that?
Dave
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Names For Jesus Christ: Truth
When Jesus encountered Thomas in the upper room, He used this name for Himself in their conversation. If fact, this is the only place where Jesus is referred to as "truth". In modern days society, when we use the word "truth" we are usually referring to "words" or "speech". A good example would be "When I have fellowship with my close friend, he always shares the truth. Telling the truth is a good thing. Some believe that it is easier to "sugarcoat" than speak the truth in love which usually ends up getting us into more trouble than if we had just said the truth in the first place. This was our Lord Jesus Christ. Every word that proceeded from His lips was "truth". He would always express the truth even if it was a hard thing to accept.
But even more so than speaking the truth, it is important that we "act out" the truth and again, this is the sense in which we see Jesus as He communicates to Thomas.
I believe that I tell the truth for the most part. I am confident that my wife does as well. An example would be when people ask my wife how I am feeling. Because she lives with me 24/7 she is keenly aware of every singe ache and pain I experience. In fact, I am up writing this tonight because of some very severe leg cramps that woke me up and made my legs feel like they were in "vice grips" and being squeezed severely. Tomorrow morning my wife, because of her love for me will make it known to those who pray for us how difficult my night was. In the same way, if I am asked how I am feeling, in the midst of some very severe leg pain, "I feel fine". Barb lives with a "realistic" attitude whereas I live in an "ideal" world. Both of us are sharing the truth, just from different perspectives.
Our world is so materialistic today that sometimes it is difficult to discern what the truth really is. Society tries to convince us that we need money and possessions to obtain the "essence" of truth and have the path to "a good life." In fact, what is truth for one person is not necessarily truth for another because there is no absolute truth (or so the world would have us believe so).
When Pilate pronounced the death sentence onto Jesus Christ, Pilate was told by Jesus that He came into the world to "bear witness unto the truth" (Jn 18:37). And this is when Pilate ask a most critical question and that was "what is truth?" The truth was that Pilate was standing so close to the "truth" that he could have reached out and touched it. But because of his unbelief, he missed it. What a tragic event in the life of Pilate! And what an accurate picture of a sinful and unbelieving world. And this is the arena that we as Christians are thrust into to bear witness of the Truth.
I happen to believe, along with large numbers of my Christian brothers and sisters "THAT THERE IS" absolute truth and we find that in Jesus Christ, our Lord. The truth is that I have had a VERY TERRIBLE NIGHT as my wife would express out of love and compassion. But if you asked me directly I would want you to know that no matter how bad this night was, I am "held up by the almighty" and given that fact, feeling fine far outweighs the pain and suffering we experience day in and day out. Hope that's not confusing.
The truth in this situation for Barb would be Jesus holding out His hands and side toward Thomas and telling him to touch the wounds and believe. And for me the truth is, I ride on the shoulders of the greatest Man who every walked on this earth, and even if I were to fall, I have confidence that I would not reach the ground without His assistance.
Yes it is possible to be in severe pain and still be just fine. You need go no farther than the Cross of Christ to see just how painfully fine He was.
Dave
But even more so than speaking the truth, it is important that we "act out" the truth and again, this is the sense in which we see Jesus as He communicates to Thomas.
I believe that I tell the truth for the most part. I am confident that my wife does as well. An example would be when people ask my wife how I am feeling. Because she lives with me 24/7 she is keenly aware of every singe ache and pain I experience. In fact, I am up writing this tonight because of some very severe leg cramps that woke me up and made my legs feel like they were in "vice grips" and being squeezed severely. Tomorrow morning my wife, because of her love for me will make it known to those who pray for us how difficult my night was. In the same way, if I am asked how I am feeling, in the midst of some very severe leg pain, "I feel fine". Barb lives with a "realistic" attitude whereas I live in an "ideal" world. Both of us are sharing the truth, just from different perspectives.
Our world is so materialistic today that sometimes it is difficult to discern what the truth really is. Society tries to convince us that we need money and possessions to obtain the "essence" of truth and have the path to "a good life." In fact, what is truth for one person is not necessarily truth for another because there is no absolute truth (or so the world would have us believe so).
When Pilate pronounced the death sentence onto Jesus Christ, Pilate was told by Jesus that He came into the world to "bear witness unto the truth" (Jn 18:37). And this is when Pilate ask a most critical question and that was "what is truth?" The truth was that Pilate was standing so close to the "truth" that he could have reached out and touched it. But because of his unbelief, he missed it. What a tragic event in the life of Pilate! And what an accurate picture of a sinful and unbelieving world. And this is the arena that we as Christians are thrust into to bear witness of the Truth.
I happen to believe, along with large numbers of my Christian brothers and sisters "THAT THERE IS" absolute truth and we find that in Jesus Christ, our Lord. The truth is that I have had a VERY TERRIBLE NIGHT as my wife would express out of love and compassion. But if you asked me directly I would want you to know that no matter how bad this night was, I am "held up by the almighty" and given that fact, feeling fine far outweighs the pain and suffering we experience day in and day out. Hope that's not confusing.
The truth in this situation for Barb would be Jesus holding out His hands and side toward Thomas and telling him to touch the wounds and believe. And for me the truth is, I ride on the shoulders of the greatest Man who every walked on this earth, and even if I were to fall, I have confidence that I would not reach the ground without His assistance.
Yes it is possible to be in severe pain and still be just fine. You need go no farther than the Cross of Christ to see just how painfully fine He was.
Dave
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Bible Names For Jesus Christ: Son Of Mary
So many different names in the Bible for Jesus that it is hard to decide which one to comment on. Savior, Savior of all men, Savior of the world, Second man, Seed of David and the list goes on and on.
But after doing a little reading about this reference to a Name of Jesus (Son Of Mary) I thought this one was most befitting our Savior.
In the time of Christ, it was customary that a child be called after his father. Jesus was referred to as the "Son of Mary" and only in one place in the Bible. Mark 6:3 says "Is not this the Carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us? and they were offended at him."
Yeah, another "Hurdle" for Christ. The people of the day could not believe that the "only begotten of the Father" could possibly have grown up in their midst. They knew Him simply as a carpenter and the Son of Mary.
Of course, Mary knew from the beginning who this Jesus was and what was important about Him. Within her womb she was introduced to the very special gift that God had given the world. And she brought him up just like all of His siblings.
Mary knew of His special powers as was evidenced when in John 2:5, at the Wedding Feast of Canaan, she told the servants to "do whatever He tells you (turning the water into wine).
Did she know He would be executed like a common criminal. Not sure about that because the Bible does not make that point clear for us, however, she knew that He was a special child and we find her at the foot of His cross on the day of His crucifixion and Jesus takes the time to care for His mother by giving authority to John to care for her (John 19).
Jesus Christ was indeed, the Son of Mary, for a very important reason.
Dave
But after doing a little reading about this reference to a Name of Jesus (Son Of Mary) I thought this one was most befitting our Savior.
In the time of Christ, it was customary that a child be called after his father. Jesus was referred to as the "Son of Mary" and only in one place in the Bible. Mark 6:3 says "Is not this the Carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us? and they were offended at him."
Yeah, another "Hurdle" for Christ. The people of the day could not believe that the "only begotten of the Father" could possibly have grown up in their midst. They knew Him simply as a carpenter and the Son of Mary.
Of course, Mary knew from the beginning who this Jesus was and what was important about Him. Within her womb she was introduced to the very special gift that God had given the world. And she brought him up just like all of His siblings.
Mary knew of His special powers as was evidenced when in John 2:5, at the Wedding Feast of Canaan, she told the servants to "do whatever He tells you (turning the water into wine).
Did she know He would be executed like a common criminal. Not sure about that because the Bible does not make that point clear for us, however, she knew that He was a special child and we find her at the foot of His cross on the day of His crucifixion and Jesus takes the time to care for His mother by giving authority to John to care for her (John 19).
Jesus Christ was indeed, the Son of Mary, for a very important reason.
Dave
Friday, November 26, 2010
Bible Name For Jesus Christ: Root And Offspring Of David
"I have sent My angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star" (Revelation 22:16) There are so many names for Christ that start with an "R" that I could have used, however this name has a "dual" meaning and a precious balance.
Jesus was the divine Son of God; the one who served as the agent of creation which makes Him David's creator, naturally, the "Root of David" but He came to earth in human form and because of this he is also David's descendant, or Offspring (the Messiah from the line of David reigning over the spiritual kingdom that He came to establish). Making Jesus both superior to David and the rightful heir to his throne.
Stay with me here for just a moment because it is not as difficult as it sounds. Jesus used this name for Himself in the closing verses of the final chapter of the last book of the Bible. Don't you feel that may have some importance? It's as if He used His last opportunity to tell the world who He is and what His life and ministry are all about.
Here we can see that Jesus Christ, our Lord, was both the Son or Offspring of King David (making the lineage complete) and yet He was also superior to or Master of King David.
Do any of us even realize the bargain we received when once, we received Jesus Christ into our lives?
Dave
Jesus was the divine Son of God; the one who served as the agent of creation which makes Him David's creator, naturally, the "Root of David" but He came to earth in human form and because of this he is also David's descendant, or Offspring (the Messiah from the line of David reigning over the spiritual kingdom that He came to establish). Making Jesus both superior to David and the rightful heir to his throne.
Stay with me here for just a moment because it is not as difficult as it sounds. Jesus used this name for Himself in the closing verses of the final chapter of the last book of the Bible. Don't you feel that may have some importance? It's as if He used His last opportunity to tell the world who He is and what His life and ministry are all about.
Here we can see that Jesus Christ, our Lord, was both the Son or Offspring of King David (making the lineage complete) and yet He was also superior to or Master of King David.
Do any of us even realize the bargain we received when once, we received Jesus Christ into our lives?
Dave
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