Thoughts of a Listener

Climb Everyday

2012-01-05T10:52:00.000-05:00

"When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down

and taught his climbing companions."

Matt 5:1-2 - THE MESSAGE

One of the advantages of reading different translations and versions of the Bible, is that you see new things is passages that you have read before, perhaps, many times before.

This morning in my devotions, I read the passage that the above verses come from - Matt 5. I had never noticed The Message's depiction of only the disciples following him up the mountain.

Just as those disciples were committed to Christ - hanging on his every word, so too must we. Where in your life do you need to climb higher after Christ? Lace up your climbing boots! There is so much waiting for you!

When smaller Is BIGGER!

2011-11-28T16:33:00.000-05:00

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."

Prov 16:9 NIV

I remember writing a piece in October in which I stated our future plans for life and ministry - at least the plans that I knew of. God has a way of granting the desires of our hearts even when we don't fully know what those desires are.

I remember telling some trusted friends that I was going to resign as an associate pastor, even though Robin and I had only a few open doors of marriage ministry to walk through. The words to a Sidewalk Prophet's song kept running through my mind, "Father of love, you can have me - YOU CAN HAVE ME!" We were willing to be obedient to what God was asking us to do - step out in faith and trust him.

I had faith, but I was also working on a plan, you know just in case. However my plan made it no farther than a browse through some local printing industry jobs, online, to ascertain any part-time opportunities.

One day after submitting my resignation, I received a email from a transition team member of a church near our home. I knew my pastoral resume was active in the area and was open to the idea, should God so will. However, it wasn't until I received that email that something begin to change in my heart.

Until that day, I had envisioned traveling and doing marriage conferences on the weekends to support our family and grow the ministry to which God has called us. However, I knew that marriage ministry, providing an income, would be very unlikely, because of our focus on couples and churches who do not have the finances to support such ministry and our committment to see that no couple falls through the cracks.

God began to instill in me that, if we would be obedient and allow him to use us, that he could do more through us in pastoral ministry than we could even imagine - even more for marriages.

We are excited about this next chapter of ministry that God has purposed for us. We are believing that the chapter will be long and fruitful. Are we going to keep ministering to marriages? In the words spoken by the people around our son's college, "Ya Sure! You Bet'cha!" By listening to God's quiet leading, we have the opportunity to see not only marital and family change in our community, but life change here and abroad.

Will we travel as much? Probably not, but I believe, through Christ, our Kingdom impact will be greater. When we, ourselves, are content with being small, God's plans for us become larger than we could ever imagine.

Time Out To Listen

2011-11-03T15:39:00.000-04:00

With all of the rain we have been experiencing in Northeast Ohio, I decided to take advantage of the sunny day we had on Tuesday and start cutting our grass - a task that has been washed out by either the weather or my schedule. Hopefully, it will be the last time I have to do it this year.
I started with the trimming. I was pushing the mower around the north side of our dog kennel, when I heard the familiar, "Hi Dave!" I turned to see the neighbor boy standing at the property line waving at me. I waved and went right back to my task. I finished the trimming and then shut the push mower off.

"Hi Dave!" Again, I turned to see the friendly 7 year old, still waving and smiling at me. A question crossed my mind, "Have I become so busy that I cannot stop what I am doing and give this little boy a few minutes of my time?"

Calling the boy's name, I started a conversation with the lad, which lasted a few minutes and consisted of a very detailed and enthusiastic account of his recent trick or treating adventure.

Once he finished with what he wanted to tell me, he said, "Well, I'll let you get back to your mowing." He then flashed a big smile and walked away.

Did I get as much mowing done that evening? No. Did it really matter? No. While I do not know if my listening to a little boys story had any significant impact on his life, at least he knows that I care. Maybe that is all he needed from me.

An Emotional Day

2011-10-17T06:29:00.002-04:00

By the time my head hit the pillow last night, I was well on my way to a sound sleep. I was drained, not so much physically, but emotionally.

Yesterday, we announced my resignation as associate pastor to our church family. It was a day filled with emotions. We felt the excitement that accompanies the sense of God's leading and the sadness of the thought of parting with so many people that we have grown to love.

We will be serving at Grace Fellowship through the end of the year - leaving sooner if God chooses to open a door of ministry for us before that time.

All the while, Robin and I are praying earnestly for God's will and direction to be revealed in our lives and in his purpose for us. We want to be who God wants us to be even more that we want to be where he wants us to be.

Emotional? Yes. But we are filled with the knowledge that while we do not know exactly where this road will take us, we know WHO is leading the way!

Preparrrrrrrrrring For Take-Off

2011-10-07T09:41:00.010-04:00

It was my first "date". OK. Not a romantic one, but it was still a "date". I was a strapping young man of 45 pounds, decked out in my blue polyester pants and my blue and white checkerboard jacket. My mom arranged the "date" with a close friend of the family who had recently been divorced. I tried to be the complete gentleman, opening every door and standing to my feet whenever she would leave and return to whatever room we were in. I mustered up all of the charm that a seven year old boy could possibly have.

After dinner at a restaurant, we were off to the entertainment part of our evening. The opening of Disney's The Rescuers. One of my favorite scenes in that movie was when Orrville, the albatross, was trying to take off. Well, here, have a look...

An albatross, even though they can effortlessly fly for days and even weeks on end, has a terribly difficult time taking off. The funny thing about an albatross is that it will wait for hours for the right amount of wind to blow in order to get enough lift to break into flight. If there is little or no wind, these large birds may be land or sea-bound until the right breeze comes along. Walking, for an albatross, is cumbersome and slow - crawling along the ground. I had forgotten about this movie and this scene until last night.

Robin and I have been diligently seeking the Lord about expansion and increase regarding the marriage ministry to which God has called us. The ministry has been in existence since 2004 and, in our minds and from our viewpoint, it has never really left the ground. Much like an albatross without any wind. Sure, we are moving forward, but we are crawling. At least we are crawling after God.

In this scene of the movie, Orrville, basically attempts to run (we can relate to him well)and then throws himself off of the top of a building - the fall providing the speed and lift to achieve flight.

Maybe we have been running, trying to take-off for the last seven years and what we really need to do is throw ourselves off of the proverbial building. Maybe then, the wind of God's Spirit will lift us to fulfil His vision.

No matter what, our hope is in God. He has called us and he will bring about the reality of His vision and purpose.

"Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint."
Isa 40:28-31 NLT

How about you? Have you ever felt like Orrville? Have you been running after a vision that God has given you and it just has not materialized the way that you believed it would? I cannot tell you that you are supposed to jump out of your comfort zone and go "all-in", but that may be what God is waiting for.

There is one thing I take comfort in. Just as an albatross, once it becomes airborne, can fly for days and weeks at a time, God's vision, when we are faithful, will materialize as one that lasts.

It is funny how God has reminded me of this event in my life. Perhaps, even as a seven year-old, God was using me to help bind a broken heart.

The Highest Honor

2011-09-12T11:29:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, our Son, Brandon, sent, via text, a picture of the handle of a plunger. Not just any plunger, mind you, but it's the plunger that is passed down every year to the current resident advisor (RA) for the dorm floor that our Son is living on.

What also lends personal value to this picture, for both Brandon and I, is the name of a close personal friend - a friend that I admire and respect, written on the handle.

So what's the big deal about a plunger, you ask? When we think about a plunger, our mind automatically goes to one of the dirtiest places in a house or building - the toilet. No one wants to do the task that requires the use of a plunger or, at least, one does such task reluctantly.

But the plunger in the possession of the RA on Brandon's floor represents far more. It represents servanthood. Being a servant often requires us to do things that we may not choose to do, given the choice. The menial, the mundane, the unheralded, the inconvenient and, sometimes, the disgusting are all parts of being a servant.

For a true disciple of Christ, being a servant is not an optional thing. Christ said it himself...

"If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."
Mark 9:35 NIV

What part of servanthood are you resisting because of what it requires? That plunger serves as a fitting reminder of what a servant is. According to Christ, it is the highest honor.

Tenacity

2011-09-07T09:30:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, before leaving the office, I was startled to find a man walking down the hallway of the church building. After I extended a friendly greeting, he proceeded to invite me to his church. He gave me his pastor's phone number, directions to the church and another invite. He then asked about our affiliation and my role at the church. Soon after I responded, he encouraged me to come and try his church.

I must admit, I was a bit confused at either his reluctance to understand the situation or his misunderstanding of the same, but I couldn't help but admire his tenacity and his huge smile.

While I don't recommend going into another church to invite people to church, I wonder if, for no other reason than this man's willing effort, God smiled.

Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes

2011-08-31T13:22:00.003-04:00

I shifted the car into drive and pulled away from the parking space. I glanced in the mirror, one more time, catching a glimpse of him as he walked around the corner of a vine-covered residence hall.

It was a moment that we had been both anticipating and dreading at the same time. Our anticipation stemmed from our knowing that this was part of God's plan - a chapter in the story of our son's life.

Actually, the chapter, for us, started last week, when we left to take our son, Brandon to Minneapolis for the start of the fall semester while leaving our son, Justin to begin classes closer to home. Such is a part of life with twins, the scheduled bench-marks of their lives hit simultaneously leaving us feeling like we're wandering somewhere between good parenting and a no-win situation.

Robin and I drove the 800 miles to home feeling that mixed emotion - neither of us knowing how to put into words exactly what we were feeling. We are excited about the lives unfolding before our sons and at what God will do through them in the future.

Most parents who have experienced this time of life, probably would find our newly recognized maladaptation to the start of the empty nest syndrome, humorous. I've even questioned myself, wondering if our connection with the twins is somehow unhealthy. Unhealthy or not, this is a time of adjustment for us.

We are comforted by the words in Psalms 127:3-5

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord,
children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.
Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate."

Robin and I watch as the first two parts of our heritage prepare to impact this world for the God that we have taught them to serve.

What?

2011-08-24T11:47:00.003-04:00

I drove past a church sign yesterday. On it, were these words.

"In order to be loved, one must be lovable."

Immediately, my mind raced, trying to comprehend the meaning of the words and then reconcile those same words with the teachings of Christ.

I thought of a verse in Proverbs. When read in the King James translation, it reads...

"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:

and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."
Prov 18:24 KJV

It's possible that this verse served as the inspiration for the words on the sign. However, substituting the words friends and friendly with the words love and lovable, results in an entirely different meaning. A meaning that is sadly apparent throughout the church.

I look back into my own life. There were many times during which I was un-lovable. But God showed his love for me, not only through Christ's sacrifice, but through his people. They chose to love me, as I was.

Too often we, as the church send a message to the world saying, "We will love you if: you look like us, dress like us, act like us and smell like us." Nowhere is that attitude found in Christ's teaching. We may even feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give money to the poor and "allow" someone of lower status to attend "Our" church. But, do we love them? When you see someone who is lost and in despair, the addict, the homeless, the businessman who is working so hard at the expense of his wife and family or the neighbor next door, does your heart break for them? Are you moved by Christ's love for them?

Consider this...

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Rom 5:8 NIV

We, as humans, would not have been considered, by many, "lovable" when Christ gave his life for us in the greatest act of love ever. Who are we to declare someone as "un-lovable" when Christ, by example, loved them? It's happening in marriages, families, homes, churches , communities and the world. Love is often only being extended to the "lovable". It's easy to love the "lovable". But Christ placed the command on the believer to love.

What if we loved when our spouse, children, family, friends, classmates, co-workers and anyone else we may come in contact with are not acting "lovable"? What difference would we see manifesting in our lives?

Are you choosing to love today?

God's Big "NO's"

2011-03-23T14:51:00.005-04:00

For the past several years, I have been "being schooled" on why God allows some to "have" more than others. I've come to two conclusions...

Sometimes our own laziness, procrastination and lack of discipline keep us from experiencing some of the things that we would like to enjoy and possess. So the question that I ask myself here is, when it comes right down to it and in light of my in-action, do I really want what I think I do?
God in his wisdom provides for our needs but sometimes, well, make that seldom, will he grant all of our desires. Perhaps, this is because he knows me so well.

I have come to a place in my life where I can say with the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:21

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Not because I dislike my life, on the contrary, my wife, our children and my calling bring great joy to my life. However, these are nothing compared to what Christ has been preparing for me and you.

If I had riches, fame and much of what the world teaches us to value, I might not have that viewpoint - indeed, in the past, I didn't.

Today, I'm thankful to God for his "No's" in my life. He is faithful in wisdom, provision and love.

Wanted or Tolerated?

2011-03-18T16:34:00.003-04:00

I recently attended a conference during which one of the speakers made the statement that he had always felt tolerated and not wanted. I winced as I felt the stab of that reality pierce the hearts of many individuals around me - their sentiment escaping in quiet audible groans.

Seriously? In a church-related gathering why should anybody have to feel this way? Perhaps we have become so wrapped up in going to church - a good and necessary activity, that we have failed to be the church - reaching out in authentic relationship.

"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. "

1 Thess 3:12 NIV

The Apostle Paul's ministry was a success because of the relationships he formed with individuals and subsequently churches. Notice the example of his, and his companion's love for the church.

When you shake hands with someone this Sunday, make a connection with them. Go beyond a simple greeting on a single day of the week. Touch someones life - you may be the conduit of love and acceptance that they need. Plus, the life that you may be enriching may be your own.

What We Lack...

2011-02-28T12:34:00.002-05:00

We have just returned home from a 2-day conference on the east coast that was probably one of the most rewarding conferences that we have ever experienced. God did some amazing things in the hearts and marriages of many couples.

It was also the most challenging, I was battling sickness, weakness and a couple of other things. It was the physically demanding conference that we have ever done.

BUT...

What I lacked in physical strength - God made up for with his powerful annointing!

God is good.

Blood On Our Hands

2011-01-22T13:26:00.005-05:00

Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
John 3:6-7 NIV

Tomorrow is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. It is often the day when we reaffirm our views that all life is precious. We may even address the issue of abortion. While most of us believers will agree that abortion is an atrocity, I think that we fall short of the full realization of that fact.

How many of us have been to the altar or knelt alone in our homes and accepted Christ? In that instant, God's Holy Spirit conceived something in our hearts. The scriptures are marked full of references that are analogous to growing as it relates to a child growing from infancy to maturity. Just as a infant is conceived and begins to grow through birth, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and finally maturity, so do we as Christians.

However, how often do we starve, walk away from and outright attempt to kill what the Spirit has conceived in us. How many days has it been since we have been in God's Word, spent time talking to him and in fellowship with other believers? Without those aspects present in our lives, those things conceived by the Spirit within us will begin to die.

While Christ is able to keep us, he desires us to "want to be kept" and therefore does nothing to force us to remain in him. Far too often, if we are honest, our present reality might often sound like Isaiah's...

As a woman with child and about to give birth
writhes and cries out in her pain,
so were we in your presence, O LORD.
We were with child, we writhed in pain,
but we gave birth to wind.
We have not brought salvation to the earth;
we have not given birth to people of the world.
Isa 26:17-18 NIV

Let's believe and guard the Sanctity of all life - physical and spiritual. No more can we abort what the Spirit has conceived in all of our hearts.

The good news is that Christ stands ready to forgive, give us a fresh start and restore that which is dying or dead. It is up to us to stay close to Christ and his purposes for us. Doing so helps us keep our account short with God.

Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?

Who may stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.
He will receive blessing from the Lord
and vindication from God his Savior.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
Ps 24:3-6 NIV

Destroying the Enemy Within

2010-12-17T10:56:00.003-05:00

Small ministries do not become big ministries until the leaders become content with being small themselves. GOD keeps his distance from the proud. Psalm 138:6

One simple question...

What do you do to keep pride from rearing it's ugly head in your life and ministry?

What Are You Giving This Christmas?

2010-11-26T12:04:00.002-05:00

From the World's point of view, the Christmas season has begun. Millions of Christmas gifts will be bought today in an effort to show affection toward or please someone.

However, when it comes to gift giving, I think John 3:16 says it best. "For God so LOVED the world that he GAVE..." God gave out of the love that HE IS and can only come from him (1 John 4:7-8).

You will give a lot this Christmas. Are you giving out of that true & godly love, or are you giving from a counterfeit that is based solely on your feelings.

It's not what you give, it's the source from which it's given. The greatest gifts cannot be bought, wrapped, bagged, boxed, checked-out or shipped. The greatest gifts are what you give of yourself in love. God's Love!

A New Season

2010-10-20T11:45:00.002-04:00

"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:"

- Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

Ah, Fall! It's my favorite time of year. In these parts, the air is crisp and clean and just a few moments spent outside is invigorating. However, the Fall season signals change. If we looked at it as part of a circular pattern, it appears to indicate a descent toward an end, the end of the calendar year and the end to the warmth and life brought by Spring and Summer.

So why do I like it? I like Fall because of the changes it brings. No longer do I sweat through several shirts a day. No longer do we have to juggle schedules to ensure that our kids are being cared for and not "home alone" - argggghhhh! (McCauley Kulkin reference). Fall brings change.

Oddly enough, I have always embraced change. I have always experienced my greatest growth as a Christian and as a person through change. Robin and I are sensing a change in our lives. Whether it it be in ministry or some other aspect - God knows. But, whatever it is, we want to embrace it, learn from it, grow in it and celebrate it. Change matures us in Christ and develops the trust and faith required to follow God through the changes of our lives.

There is a time for everything - even change!

Sorry, God

2010-09-14T11:51:00.003-04:00

I know that we all have been there. We've all gone through those times when things just were not going right. The past couple weeks have been that way and I found myself questioning God. I would ask things like, "Why are our finances so tight when we have been faithfully serving you?"
"We can't even afford the gas to go walk around a free street fair, what's the deal with that?"

Last week I heard a sermon by one of my favorite speakers and it hit me. I had allowed a spirit of entitlement into my life. I was acting like all of my efforts in serving God were deposits into the "God Bank" and I wanted some withdrawals.

I don't deserve anything. I don't deserve salvation, but I'm so thankful that Christ bought it for me anyway. I don't deserve discounts because I'm a pastor and my family doesn't deserve free rides to various functions because of the ministry in which God has placed us.

GOD DOES NOT OWE ME ANYTHING

I OWE HIM EVERYTHING

I have decided, to once again, submit to God's sovereignty in my life and leave it in his hands.

Who's with me?

BTTB 8-19-2010 - Thoughts on Today's Devotions

2010-08-19T21:20:00.003-04:00

see intro to 8-17 -2010 post...

8-19-2010

2 Samuel 6:1-23

A) Play by the rules - God killed Uzzah for doing what seemed like a harmless, even protective thing, but God will punish those who break his rules. Uzzah knew the rules and he could of grabbed the poles used to carry the ark, but he touched the ark - the throne of God.

B)David & Michal - God comes first, wanting to be first instead of God gets you in trouble. It's amazing how disrespect and dishonor can hurt a marriage and destroy a lineage.

Psalm 149

Funny how the psalmist is commanding the people to do exactly what David was doing when Michal disrespected him. Are we pleasing God or are we hesitating because we are afraid to offend someone?

Ezekiel 36:1-15

Prophecy of God's righteous judgment against Israel's enemies and his vindication of Israel.

John 2:1-12

Wedding Time - The wine is running or has run out -Gasp (the Horror) Jesus says it is not his time - he is working on God's timetable and is not a miracle worker on demand. His mother, shows submission by telling the servants to do whatever Jesus asks - even if it is nothing... Are we that submissive when we ask something of Christ?

1 Timothy 3:14-16

Order in the church is important because it is by the formality of church that TRUTH is to be taught.

Love God's Word!

BTTB 8-18-2010

2010-08-18T09:42:00.003-04:00

*see intro to 8-17-10 post

8-18-2010

2 Samuel 5:1-25

God rewards faithfulness and obedience. God gave David to be king over Judah then, all of Israel a reign that lasted 40 years. David inquired of God before making decisions and God answered - bringing victory according to David's obedience.

Have I inquired of the Lord today? Have I heard from him before I act?

Psalm 148

All creation praises God. We, too, must praise Him. It is for this purpose that we were created and given our intellect, that we might know God and bring Him praise.

God has raised up a king and anointed one for Israel.

Ezekiel 35:1-15

A warning against those who stand as enemies with Israel. God will pour his righteous judgment on all those who laugh and delight is Israel calamity. In the end Israel will be standing and her enemies will be in ruins. All will know exactly WHO God is!

John 1:35-51

Andrew, Peter and Nathaniel's' introduction to Jesus. They marveled at what he could do and what he knew. Do we believe in and serve Christ just for what he can do and do for us or do we believe in and serve him because he is Lord?

1 Timothy 3:8-13

More on Church Leadership. Deacons (elders, church leaders) must be of good character, not two-faced , they must be honest, sober with wives of the same character. As leaders, we must never act in a way that will discredit Christ's church.

until tomorrow...

BTTB - "Blogging Through the Bible

2010-08-17T14:27:00.005-04:00

This idea came to me yesterday during my devotions. Since, I'm not one for journaling (because I doubt I would ever read what I wrote), I thought I would pound out some short reflections on my daily devotions. Please do not attempt to link the various passages together each day, as I use a 5-lane reading approach in my devotions. That is, I read 5 passages of scripture from various books of the Bible daily. I use - Dr. Leroy Bartels' Necessary Food - available for free download from http://www.gracefellowshipcanton.org/ Click the link on the home page that says, "Necessary Food".

It is said that if one stays current with the reading schedule, that one would read the entire Bible in a year. For me, I strive to gain understanding from each passage and sometimes, repeat them until understanding is achieved. So I am not as concerned with how fast I eat as I am with the nutrition I am taking in at each meal.

Please note that this is not a commentary and is in no way authoritative. It is simply a personal excercise in the spiritual discipline of daily Bible reading.

8-17-10

2 Samuel 3:6-4:12

Wow, what a mess. David is king and some of his high-ranking officials are running amuk and taking matters into their own hands, killing individuals without the kings knowledge or consent. Some even tried to pass it off as service to the king, but David had two of these individuals killed for their wickedness.

Far to often we think we know what is best and act on our initial impulses. We can actually believe we are doing our leadership and our God a service, but the damage caused by such actions far outweigh any benefit.

Psalm 147

It is amazing the amount of care that God lavishes on his creation. Not even the cry of a small raven escapes his ears! He cares about the smallest things, and he cares about us. Are you down? Is your heart broken? God wants to heal you.

Ezekiel 34:25-31

How faithful God is to his people - to Israel. God will provide for Israel, and we can be confident that he will deliver and protect them.

John 1:19-24

John the Baptist knew his place and he knew his purpose. He didn't draw attention to himself, but reflected attention to whom he served. He looked to Jesus as we are to. Jesus is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit - it is he who I need to seek daily.

1 Timothy 3:1-7

Talk about a tough standard. Church leadership are to be people who are gentle, humble, self controlled, accountable, responsible and respectable. The toughest question asked is, how can one lead the church if he cannot lead his home?

Until tomorrow...

Stretching...

2010-08-13T16:01:00.003-04:00

It was like walking down a vaguely familiar hallway, fumbling for a set of keys and then trying to remember which key would unlock the door. I purposely haven't blogged, haven't walked down the writing hallway for quite some time. I had to remember how to access this blog again, fumbling through passwords until I finally got in. Why, you ask?

This past spring, I realized something. I was becoming content to sit at a desk, pounding away on a keyboard - writing about making a difference, rather than actually making a difference. I wanted to touch lives, real flesh and bone people, who needed touched as much or more as I needed God to touch them through me.

Recently, my family and I went with the youth group from our church on a 10-day missions trip. What I learned during the trip is beginning to change my life and my ministry. While I was happy to write a few paragraphs each day, hoping that the words would touch someones life, I now realize even more, that people need to see Christ's love, care and concern for them in felt ways - not just words on a page.

This change required some stretching, no, major stretching, for me. On the trip, I found myself talking with strangers on the street; something that I was never comfortable doing. Can I tell you that it is scary when God shatters our comfortable little bubble that we tend to stay in.

My prayer this summer, has been that God uses me not only to reach people, but continues to give me a genuine love for people. I am adding to that prayer that God will use me both through writing and ministering personally to people. Reaching people takes many approaches, from all of us who bear Christ's name.

Have you been stretched lately?

"Re-Realizing" The Call

2010-07-05T16:43:00.003-04:00

Every now and then, God will use someone to speak life into my spirit. Today, someone reminded me what an honor it is to be called to ministry. The term she used was "re-realize". I think, far too often, pastors and ministry leaders for get that and need to "re-realize" the truth of the fact.

If we are not enjoying the privilege of ministry, something is wrong - most often the problem is our focus. We need to " re-realize" our call, who called us and who we are called to serve.

Lord, help me to "re-realize" your call daily!

Rethinking an Old Addage

2010-06-10T18:32:00.003-04:00

There is a revival, of sorts, of an old phrase going around social media these days. It says, "Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car." At first glance and even with some introspection, I thought, "Yeah, I can agree with that." But then I thought again when I noticed the list of people "liking" the phrase. It seems that church-goers and non church-goers, alike are readily clicking their like button.

Let's look at the two differing viewpoints that seem to be associated with this phrase.

To the churched, this phrase is a challenge. It asks us to examine our hearts and our motives for attending church. Are we there to glorify God, grow in Christ and in love for each other? Or, are we there because it's the thing to do and we can benefit socially?
To the unchurched, this phrase seems to present a justification for not attending church. While church attendance, alone, doesn't provide forgiveness for sin or the love, joy and peace that only a relationship with Christ can bring. This phrase can easily become an excuse for not going to church.

But something is missing from this phrase. Something that most people fail to consider. When a person is in right-standing with God - becoming more Christ-like - experiencing true life change, they WANT to go to church. They want to be around and hang-out with other Christians. That is why church attendance is an excellent gauge of where we are with Christ.

It is true that going to church won't make us a Christian, but, then again, neither will hanging out in our garage.

A Generous Servant

2010-05-21T22:29:00.001-04:00

Edward E. Kidd
September 24, 1929 - May 20, 2010

A Great Read

2010-05-17T10:06:00.003-04:00

I do a fair amount of reading. There are books that I read by assignment and books that I read by choice. The latter, must meet a couple of requirements before I'll open the cover and, subsequently, continue reading.

First, the topic has to be practical - something that I can apply to my life and ministry, if not today, then tomorrow. I'm not looking for instant gratification, I'm looking for instant application.

Dick Hardy delivers in his book 27 Tough Questions Pastors Ask By keeping his finger on the pulse of what it is to be a pastor, Hardy offers practical advice in six areas that pastors encounter nearly every day. From Leadership to Hospitality and Staffing to Discipleship, Hardy challenges pastors to take an honest look at their ministry as well as themselves and make some important evaluations

As I read, I found myself getting excited as I imagined how best to implement the ideas and suggestions Hardy so graciously gives the reader. "We could do that." "Yeah, I could be better in that area." Those are just a few of my thoughts through the pages of the book. Challenging.

Second, in order for me to keep reading, the author's tone needs to be conversational. Hardy writes as though he is sitting with the reader, having an invested conversation in the reader's ministry. This book was written by a man with a heart for God, people and your ministry.

It isn't often that I endorse a book; however, Hardy's book is a must-read for all pastors. Our ministries, people and, ultimately, God's Kingdom will benefit.

thehardygroup.org

Repeating the Important

2010-05-14T10:13:00.000-04:00

I recently attended a conference that featured a variety of well-known speakers. One of these speakers was the legendary, Zig Ziglar. I was looking forward to hearing him; however, what I didn't know was that he had fallen a few years ago and has suffered short term memory loss. He speaks with the help of his daughter, who does her best to keep him on track.

With his impaired memory, Zig would keep returning to and reiterating one topic, loving and cherishing your spouse. At the time, I could feel the crowds uneasiness as Zig would repeat what he had just said moments earlier. I felt sad, knowing the history of this great orator and then to see him in a diminished capacity.

Over the last 2 days since the conference; however, I have been contemplating a new perspective. While it wasn't Zig's intent to repeat the same thing over and over, it may have been God's intent to drive a message home to the thousands attending that day.

Success isn't measured by wealth, possessions or even talent. It is measured by God and our relationships with our spouse, family and friends. Are you chasing the important? That is a question worth repeating everyday!

2010-05-04T21:28:00.002-04:00

Mind Your List

2010-04-28T13:27:00.003-04:00

Last week, I had the privilege of chaperoning the backstage area of our local High School during a performance of the spring musical. I must admit, I felt like a hall monitor - keeping couples from stealing away into some remote corner of the school, keeping the guys out of the girls changing room and the girls out of the guy's (the latter having the most attempts - crazy girls).

Our oldest sons were involved in the production and, it was interesting to notice that, every time the boys were not on stage, they would stand beside me. In one instance, Brandon was sitting on my knee.

In today's culture, many teens don't want anything to do with their parents. I'm thankful for the strong bond that we have with each one of our kids. Of all the factors that influence the parent-child relationship, none influence it more, than not putting your kids first. Yes, you read that right, NOT putting your kids first.

For any relationship to thrive, the persons involved must have good priorities. a good relational priority list looks something like this:

God
Spouse
Family
Church
Ministry/Work

Any deviation from this order brings danger to our lives. Any weakness in any position on the list will effect the other positions, especially those positions that are beneath the weak area.

Want to be a good spouse? Love God
Want to be a good parent? Love your spouse.
Want to have a fulfilling career? Spend quality time with your family, so you can enjoy what your working for!

What? you don't have a priority list? Can I encourage you to write one today? Once you have it written, make the choice to mind it.

Blessings!

Must Read - From George P Wood

2010-04-21T12:07:00.005-04:00

This challenged me today - I'm staying in the arena - no comfy couches for me!

http://georgepwood.com/2010/04/21/rulers-or-ruined-1-corinthians-48-10/

Inconvienient

2010-04-16T20:54:00.004-04:00

My wife, Robin, is away for about 27 hours this weekend. Yeah, I'm counting down the minutes until her return. I am really praying that she has a great time, that God moves by His Spirit at the convention and that her dog does NOT have her puppies while she is away.

Robin is the one who always helps our dogs deliver their pups - a task that I have not done. Just the thought of the, well, never mind.

I know it's selfish and childish of me to want Robin here to deal with a pregnant dog. Yeah, I can be a little selfish. I don't want the inconvenience of delivering puppies and then making sure that this first-time mother is taking care of them. See? I told you. Selfish, right?

However, many of us do this everyday in the spiritual realm of our lives. We don't want the inconvenience of bringing the tangible gospel to the unbelievers that we encounter everyday. Maybe we begrudge the idea of walking with new believers as the Spirit births them into a new level in Christ.

Interesting how selfishness doesn't enhance life, no matter if we're talking about people or puppies, souls or pets.

It's Coming!

2010-04-08T22:13:00.001-04:00

I know the blog has been quiet as of late. Thinking about something and I will try to get something new on here in the next day or so. Thanks for the patience!

MORE - A "Tail" of Two Squirrels

2010-03-24T11:05:00.003-04:00

"More of you, more of you, I've had it all, but what I need, is more of you. Of things I've had my fill and yet, I hunger still,
Thirsty and dry, Lord hear my cry, for more of you!"

The other day, while I was driving to the office, I noticed a squirrel scampering across the road, it's cheeks bulging with a collection of unknown treasures, no doubt gathered in a nearby yard. I was instantly reminded that God is a God of provision - even for rodent-like creatures with bushy tails! I also considered that, while God's provision was plentiful, that squirrel still had to make an effort and collect that provision. That squirrel was simply doing it's part of the arrangement.

A few miles farther down the road, I noticed a rather slow moving creature, crossing the road in the distance ahead of me. As I came closer, I saw that this creature was another squirrel that was, half carrying and half dragging an entire ear of corn with it's mouth. I could just imagine the delight of this particular squirrel in the treasure it had found. You can imagine it too. I imagined this squirrel thinking, "WOW! Jackpot! Wait till the guys see this!

You and I are a lot like those squirrels in the sense that God provides for our spiritual well being everyday. We have the opportunity to collect that provision, taking it into our lives and our families. However, how many times do we exchange the complete infusion of God into our lives for one spiritual nut? How often do we sit in a church pew and are content with just a slight touch from God when we could have a complete and fresh infilling of his Holy Spirit?

I am not saying that small spiritual truths are insignificant and not beneficial. Indeed, the still small voice of the Holy Spirit is often what we need to hear. I am saying that the more we open ourselves up, the more we seek to collect the riches of God's love, mercies and power, the more God will be in our lives.

So, which squirrel are you? Are you content with a few nuts? Or, do you want the giant ear of corn? The more we want of God, the more we will receive!

Fear or Faith?

2010-03-15T11:42:00.004-04:00

Today, in my devotions, I was reading in the book of Numbers about the twelve scouts from the tribes of Israel sent to explore the promised land. Of the twelve, only two gave a report filled with faith, while the others told tales that filled the people's hearts with fear.

Caleb and Joshua told Moses that that land was good and that the Israelites, with God's help could take it from it's inhabitants. The other 10 scouts, agreed that the land was good, but stated that the inhabitants of the land were too big, too strong and their cities were too fortified. The people were quick to believe the report of the 10 over the report of the two.

True to form, as soon as the people were up against an obstacle, they wanted to back down. They actually wanted to go back to Egypt. They would have rather returned to a life of slavery than to confront an obstacle.

Many of us are still like that. Rather than obtaining victory over the obstacles in our lives through Christ, we would rather stay right where we are, or worse, regress back into the old habits and thought-patterns that once held us captive. We choose to believe the reports that say, we are not good enough, not knowledgeable enough, not strong enough or not worthy enough to achieve victory. Guess what, we aren't! The Israelites were not all of those things. They would have had God on their side, fighting for them, if they only exercised their faith. We serve the same God and he fights for us and shows his strength in our weakness.

I've always imagined that seeing God part the Red Sea would have been a faith-building experience. Yet the Israelites still cowered every time the going got tough. How many Red Sea experiences have we had and yet we are still tempted to cower at the obstacles that lay before us? God did bring the Nation of Israel into the promised land - a generation later. Don't let a lack of faith cause you to miss out on what God has for you.

What is the primary factor that determines your decisions and belief? Is it fear or faith?

Guest Blogger - Darrell Creswell

2010-03-11T11:25:00.001-05:00

A great word on being a servant!

Living It Loud

2010-03-08T09:01:00.002-05:00

"Let us not become weary in doing good , for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:9-10 NIV

It was an interesting weekend. I had the opportunity to spend a couple days with some great guys at a convention. While there, in between sessions on Saturday, I was enjoying a large french vanilla latte - foo foo coffee I know. As I was walking along, browsing the various ministry tables, a guy who I recognized from various district ministry functions came up to me and asked me where I purchased my coffee.
When I answered, he asked if they take debit cards - that was a question I didn't know the answer to, so I said, "If they don't, I'll buy you one." I proceeded to follow him to the cafe' during which time an acquaintance of his joined him. While he was standing in line, I heard him ask his friend if he knew me - He did not. They were both giving me a suspicious eye while I waited several yards to the side of the line, ready to make good on my offer if needed. Once I saw that they did take debit cards, I walked away.

Fast-forward to Sunday morning. Within a half mile of our church building while driving to church, our son noticed an elderly woman frantically waving her arms as she struggled to get out of her car which was off of the road in the yard of a business. Within minutes, we had two men from our church at the scene and pulled her car out of the yard and back onto the road.

I drove her car to her church while this dear saint rode with one of the guys that had helped. Confused and scared, she needed our comfort most of all. Her car, being damaged, would no longer safe to drive, so we waited with her at her church for someone to come and unlock the doors for the morning services.

I was proud of our guys from the church for their willingness to help and their servant's heart. I was also amazed at the surprise and shock that the woman had that we would be willing to help a stranger. To us, not helping was unthinkable. To her, us helping seemed strange.

It doesn't matter if people think you're a crazed psychopath who randomly offers to buy someone a cup of coffee, or a stranger who isn't afraid of a little mud on a Sunday morning. Our faith and our God commands us to be ready to serve, especially those who are knit together with us as Christians.

Live your faith loud - words whisper but ACTIONS SCREAM!

For Whom do I Write?

2010-03-03T12:57:00.003-05:00

I did something today that I should have done a long time ago. I removed the sitemeter from my blogs. It was always fascinating to see where readers were from; however, I feared that it was beginning to feed the beginnings of some narcissistic tendencies in my life.

I do not have a desire to write for any one's entertainment. I truly desire to serve the reader by allowing God to use me to enrich lives through the written word.

So, what does all that mean? Simply this. I will no longer know who is reading this blog or where you are from. I will continue to write my thoughts, convictions, feelings, desires and, most importantly, my devotionals for the readers benefit and God's glory.

So, You Want to Lead - Part 2 "Leadership is Messy"

2010-02-24T10:01:00.005-05:00

Today, as I was reading in Leviticus during my devotional time, I noticed all the sacrifices that the Levite Priests were to assist the people with. The Priests were the religious leaders of that time. In my reading, it seemed that a priest always had his hands in blood and guts. Whether it was cutting the fat off of internal organs or sprinkling blood on the altar sides and horns. Imagine what they would look like after a day of serving at the altar.

I am not sure that I could butcher a bull, goat, lamb or even a bird and not get messy. I surely could not sling blood around and not get it all over me.

I remember a time when we were raising cattle and I had bought some older calves to feed out until it was time to butcher them. These large calves were bulls and they were starting to display a bullish attitude. To remedy the problem, I rented a confinement chute and scheduled our local vet to come out and give them an "attitude adjustment". As a side job, I also had him remove the large horns they had grown.

Talk about a bloody mess! By the time the procedures were finished, blood was all over me, the vet, the chute and my van (which I neglected to unhook from from the chute - duh). However, these bulls needed this procedure and the change it brought. It calmed their attitude, allowed them to produce a more flavorful meat, and allowed them to grow more quickly. Hmm, sound familar?

How many of us, if we are honest, were bullish in nature at a time in our lives? Did Christ make a difference in you when he began to cut away those things that made you bullish?

Often, there was someone, perhaps a pastor, mentor or teacher, who was there with us during the beginning of the process, that probably got more than a little messy for us. That is an important aspect of leadership that we who lead, or want to lead must grasp. Leadership is MESSY! If you are afraid or unwilling to get messy when it comes to carrying the love and grace of Christ to your church, community and world, then I dare say that leadership is not for you, until you are, indeed, willing.

Are you afraid of getting messy? If you want to lead, getting messy is not optional.

God...

2010-02-17T10:06:00.000-05:00

"Many years later the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned under their slavery and cried out. Their cries for relief from their hard labor ascended to God:

God listened to their groanings.

God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

God saw what was going on with Israel.

God understood" Exodus 2: 23-25 The Message

Imagine how tough a life of slavery would be - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Being in bondage and seeing no way out would be enough to completely break a person. I wonder how many of the Israelites were tempted to give up on their prayers for deliverance? Quite a few, I suppose.

I am reminded about how often we find ourselves in discouraging, fearful and, seemingly, hopeless situations in our lives. But, there is good news! Just as God cared for the children of Israel in their bondage to Egypt, God cares for you and I in the trials and tests of our lives.

Look at what the Bible says about God...

God listened - Just as God heard the cries of his people in bondage, he hears our cries and our prayers today. We can be assured that God has his attention directed toward each one of us at all times.
God remembered - God remembered his covenant with Abraham and did not abandon his people. Neither has Christ abandoned us or his covenant with us - a covenant written with his own blood. Although there are times in our lives when we feel alone, we can stand convinced that Christ will never leave us or abandon us, at any time.
God saw - God was fully aware of his people's situation and, at the proper time, he acted upon what he saw. Isn't it awesome to know that God is looking at us, right now? He knows our needs, our feelings and our desires. He sees us!
God understood - Beyond listening, remembering and seeing, God understands what we are going through no matter how great or how small the circumstance. That's incredible! God is infinitely able to understand, empathize and show compassion to his people. Additionally, when his son, Jesus Christ, became flesh, he also became acquainted with everything we go through on this earth.

We serve a God like that! A real, personal, loving and caring God who is so intimately aware of us, that he longs for a close relationship with us everyday!

I don't know about you, but I think this is stuff to shout about! God is AWESOME!

Obedience is Good! But, to Whom?

2010-02-16T13:29:00.001-05:00

"So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own." Ex 1:20-21 NIV

We've been taught since our childhood to be obedient. That's a good thing, for sure; however, who we are obedient to, is equally important. We live in a day that we tend to follow the status-quo in blind obedience to the social norms. A recent poll showed that over 80% of Americans polled indicated that they personally knew someone who claimed to be a Christian. However, only 15% of those people polled said that they noticed a difference in those who professed Christ. WHAT?

The verse above comes from the account in Exodus in which Pharaoh ordered 2 midwives to kill any newborn, Hebrew males while letting female newborns live. Out of their reverence for God, the midwives refused and God was pleased with them.

How many times in our life do we cave into to the expectations of the world and godless leaders simply because of convenience. "But Dave, You aren't talking about anything nearly as serious as the murder of babies!" I'm not so sure.

As Christians, Christ makes a difference in our lives and that difference should be evident by our actions. Those 2 midwives played a vital part in Israel becoming a great nation. They made a difference. You and I can play a vital role in God's Kingdom growing as well.

Our actions are our responsibility, we can be obedient to God, or, by our carelessness and indifference we can be obedient to the world.

Be obedient to Christ and make a difference!

From Kevin Martineau's Blog

2010-02-12T11:38:00.000-05:00

REPOST: Two things the Church could learn from the Cruise Industry http://bit.ly/5zMB7H

A Driving Lesson for Life

2010-02-10T16:18:00.000-05:00

" No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Cor 10:13 NIV

This afternoon, our son, Brandon and I were on our way to a doctor's appointment and a hospital visitation call. My van was slowly crawling up a grade and just as we made it to the top we noticed that the road ahead of us was covered with cars and trucks in every direction. I dropped the van into low gear and tapped the brakes and eventually came to a sliding stop well behind the mess of vehicles. Looking in my mirror, I noticed that I couldn't see over the top of the hill that was just behind us.

I immediately drove the van into someones driveway to get off of the road. Just as I did, a car came over the hill top and instantly went into an un-controllable spin as the driver tried to get the car stopped. Had I stayed on the road, there would have been a collision.

I used the experience to teach our son about thinking ahead and foreseeing problems in driving. He learned a valuable lesson today. Maybe we both did. How many times do we find ourselves in a threatening situation, be it a temptation, a potential compromising position or some other sin and fail to remove ourselves from the situation? Instead of pulling into a drive and getting off of the road that the threat is on, we often fail to recognize the threat until it has overtaken us, or, at least comes way too close.

Just as that driveway was there for us to escape an accident, God says in his Word that he will provide a way for us to escape the temptations that come our way. Are you on the lookout for your escape route?

From Our 11 Year old Son...

2010-02-07T17:15:00.000-05:00

Our 11 year-old son Alex wrote this today...

"The word testimony means how you became a Christian and how you have changed. It could also mean test my money, because if your not a Christian then you would probably buy a lot of junk, and not focus on God. But if you changed you could stop buying JUNK and focus on God. So...Test My Money!"

WOOT! Bring it Alex!

Keeping It Open - Revisited

2010-02-06T10:13:00.000-05:00

I wrote this post over one year ago and I thought it fitting for today.

1/28/09

Today, in the wake of yet another winter storm, I dug through the snow on my way to our shed. Once there, I got out the snow-blower that my father had given me last year. As I worked my way down the drive, blowing the snow off of a sheet of soft ice, I watched the snow continue to fall.

"Why am I doing this while it is still snowing?" The thought lingered in my mind for a few seconds before the answer hit me. You see, if I keep up with the task, I will not get buried in it. There is a lesson in that moment that can apply to many aspects of our lives.

For me, it was a reminder that if I keep up with my schoolwork, I will not get behind. If I spend the time with my wife and kids, they will never grow distant from me. The ultimate lesson, I believe, came from the Holy Spirit. If I keep my accounts - my heart, mind and soul, clean before God, I will never get buried so far in sin that I will loose out on all that he has for me.

Daily prayer. Daily confession. Daily GRACE. That is keeping it open!

Three Words

2010-02-01T16:12:00.000-05:00

"Those three words are said too much, but not enough." - Snow Patrol

How much weight do the words, "I love you" carry when you speak them? Do they roll off of your tongue easily, as in a polite response? Social media has propogated this - big time! What do you mean when you say, "I love you?"

Just thinking in writing...

So, You Want to Lead?

2010-01-29T15:42:00.000-05:00

Remember Recess? Ah, that short period of time during our elementary school days, spent playing kickball, freeze tag, red rover and various other games. Fun stuff! I remember one game, in particular, in which everyone that wanted to play had to follow the lead of one particular person - doing whatever he/she did, well, to the best of our ability. It was called 'Follow the Leader". It was never as fun as the other games. It wasn't long before someone would get tired of following and declare their desire to be the leader. Typically, this was followed by either a verbal exchange or a fight. The leader wanted to keep his/her position and the followers wanted some say in the course of the game. Kids!

But what if this is more than just a "kid" problem? What then? Has this problem found its way into our homes and churches? Sadly, I believe it has.

I remember, a few years back, an acquaintance of mine named Earl Creps wrote a blog post entitled "Leading From the Middle." I was instantly intrigued. The post went completely against the flow of everything I was seeing, reading and experiencing around me at that time.

You see, leadership is far more than just a title on a card, plaque, sign or letterhead. It involves a great many responsibilities and the first responsibility on the list is being a servant. Jesus himself said it...

"If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."
Mark 9:35 NIV

In our churches, the pastor is a leader. I like how the Bible uses the analogy of a shepherd and sheep to relate to a pastor and the church.

Years ago, I used to deliver feed to farms. One day, I delivered several ton of sheep feed to a particular farm. While unloading the feed I asked the farmer if the sheep knew his voice and followed him. To my amazement he just looked at me and laughed. He went on to explain that to guide sheep one has to walk beside them, tapping them gently with the rod. The only time a farmer will get in front of sheep is when he wants them to go away from him. That lesson has stuck with me.

If a leader wants to lead the people entrusted to him, he/she must walk with them, know them and be a part of them. If a leader is too far out front, he/she will not be in touch with the people who, really do want to learn from and be equipped by him/her.

By positioning oneself within the group of people that one leads, every person in that group has the opportunity to “see the leader's heart". I used the word “see” because most often, leadership isn't verbal. Don't you think the disciples might have been a little incredulous as to the importance of being a servant if Jesus would have merely told them to wash someones feet?

So, you want to lead? Please realize that our leadership ability is vastly determined by our willingness to be, first and foremost, a servant. Knowing that, we realize that our purpose is far greater than our position.

Kamikaze Crappies

2010-01-28T11:44:00.000-05:00

Many moons ago, I used to guide on the local reservoirs - taking clients out fishing for bass, walleye, crappie (pronounced crop-eee) and muskie. On one particular day we were trolling for walleye and doing very well as we had close to the day's limit of 18 to 22-inch walleye on ice in the cooler. My client that day, was thrilled with his catch but he, still, had one desire - to catch a big walleye.

Always being one who would strive to please customers, I changed our technique in order to target larger fish. There is an old adage within the sport of fishing that says, "If you want to catch larger fish, use larger bait."
That's exactly what I did. Within minutes of changing to larger lures, my client was reeling in a fish.

This fish was different; however, as there was no bend in the rod. This fish made no last-ditch effort to head for the lake bottom as it neared the boat. Within a minute the fish was flopping on the floor at the rear of the boat. What kind of fish was it? A crappie, with proportions of about the same size of the lure, had decided to attempt the impossible and attack the lure kamikaze-style. This scenario repeated itself several times before we abandoned the effort and headed to the dock.

Now, years later, I am remembering this and, immediately, I was quickened to write down an analogous lesson from that day.

Those crappie, like all fish, have to eat to survive. They were just doing what comes natural - eating. But within the pea-sized and rudimentary brains of those particular crappie, was a "Yeah, I can eat that",impulse which never considered the realities of size and proportion. They saw an opportunity and they went for it!

Think about the many opportunities that God gives us in life and, when we see it, our first impulse is, "Oh, I can't do that." Maybe we think the opportunity looks to big, maybe we think it is intimidating or we think that the opportunity is beyond our capability. When a fish sees some food and is hungry, they do not think! Are we thinking to much?

The Apostle Paul writes...

"For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need."
Phil 4:13 NLT

Paul did not say, I think I can, he said, "I can..."

What is God asking you to do, that you have been reluctant to do because of your thinking? Paul said, "I can" because he knew that he could in Christ! His faith enabled a boldness in him by the power of the Holy Spirit.

With faith and action comes risk. Paul payed a high cost, he risked his own life and sometimes ended up on a hook. But, look at the results!

You have to eat in order to grow. In the Spiritual realm one grows by excercising their faith - no matter how small.

What about You? Step out in faith, saying, "In Christ, I can do it!"

Those crappies may have ended up on a hook, but their story ended up in this devotion...

10 + 10 = 3,000

2010-01-27T12:13:00.000-05:00

I was studying for one of my classes today and heard Dr. Larry Hestor mention that in the book of Acts, chapters 1 and 2, there were 10 days between the time of Christ's ascension and the day of Pentecost. I immediately grabbed my Bible and read through these chapters. What were the disciples doing for those 10 days?

They all met together continually for prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. Acts 1:14 NLT (emphasis mine)

Whoa! They were praying for 10 days! Then the Holy Spirit came. So on that 10th day - the day of Pentecost, Peter stands up, being full of the Holy Spirit, and preaches a sermon- it's recorded portion in Acts 2 only lasts about 10 minutes and 3,000 people get saved. In chapter 2, verse 40, Luke writes that Peter used, "many other words", but the whole basis of the sermon was probably over rather quickly.

Flash-forward 2000+ years. How often do we pray for 10 minutes, preach or listen to a 20-30 minute sermon, and expect God's Holy Spirit to move on the hearts of some if not all attending the service? The years have brought a great reversal to the church. Perhaps a new approach should be, pray more, preach less and let the Holy Spirit do his thing.

Prayerfully advancing...

Got It!

2010-01-26T12:23:00.000-05:00

Some of you may know that I have been wanting to write a book for some time. I have various pieces in the works but haven't had any direction on any of them in particular. Yesterday, I was thinking about it and I asked God what he would have me write. One word immediately popped into my mind. A word which brought back a flood of memories.

Now that I have the title and some direction, I can begin, prayerfully, planning and writing. This is exciting...

It Is A God-Thing!

2010-01-22T12:53:00.000-05:00

The other day, my Facebook status said that the day would have to be a "God-Thing". We were only half way through the month and we were. quite honestly, out of money. We had very little gas, no money in the bank account and we were frustrated about having to buy our gas on our debit/credit card in order to get to the church office.
"God, it has to be you now" That is what I prayed that day. I knew I had done all that I could.

Later that day, we were working in the church office when someone came in and presented Robin and I with a card. Written inside of the card was an account of this couples' prayer time earlier in the week. During their individual prayers, God spoke our names to them and prompted them to help us. Also inside the card was two $50.00 bills. That was more than double what we had just charged on our card at the gas station.

When we are faithful, He is always more than faithful!

Yep, It's a God-Thing!

I'm Glad God is God

2010-01-18T20:37:00.000-05:00

I was reading in Genesis today about God's conversations ( how cool is that in itself) with Abram/Abraham. I was fascinated by the patience God showed him and his wife. In the account of Abraham's life, we see him saying and doing much of the same things we would say and do. What? Why? How? When? All of these are either verbalized or inferred in those passages in Genesis.

What if God moved quicker - caved in to Abraham's desires and Abraham's timetable? Wow, what a mess that would be. We read a little of that with the whole Hagar thing. Now that would be a touchy camp - "Awkward"

God is patient for a reason. He can see what we can't. I'm glad for his guidance and when you tend to be impatient like me, I'm thankful for his patience.

COME OUT! Show Your Scars

2010-01-15T14:55:00.000-05:00

"Everyone goes in - everyone gets hurt, everyone enters a time of pain - relational, emotional, physical and spiritual. But not everyone comes out."
-Dave Roever

When you are hurt, how will you come out? What can God do in you and through you as a result of your pain?
We tend to be such a private people. Your scars are a testimony to both a wound and healing. Maybe someone needs to see them.

The Greatestt "I"

2010-01-13T14:53:00.000-05:00

"Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name." Rev 3:12-13 NIV (emphasis mine)

I've written extensively about "I". Usually, it's in a negative connotation - referring to selfishness, being self-centered and ego centrism. However, today, I'm writing to convey something that I'm learning more about everyday. For years I have struggled with feelings of inferiority. I would allow those feelings to dominate my life. I would lay awake at night and think, "If I only could do that." Or, "If I only had that."

In addition, I would tell myself that I wasn't good enough. Because I was calculating my worth based on what I could or could not do. "I can't be a speaker, I have a social phobia." I can't be a marriage counselor, I come from a long history of dysfunction" And, the big one, "I can't be a pastor, I fail everyday."

Everything I believed, everything I thought I knew was wrong. Actually, what I thought was inferiority, was pride. I really thought that I had the ability to change my heart, my habits and my life. Ugh- the arrogance!

This year one of my resolutions was to stop trying so hard. Why? Because I can't make the changes or make the progress I want to make on my own. That is something that God alone has to do. I really feel that the greatest growth occurs in my life when I simply get out of the way.

God says in his Word I will make you into pillars. We simply have to let him. After all he is the great "I" AM!

Declare Your Dependence

2010-01-12T08:02:00.000-05:00

Matt 5:3 NLT
God blesses those who realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.

We are on a journey. I am glad for your company as, together, we learn some things from God’s Word that will strengthen and encourage our marriages and enrich our lives.

Our first stop on the journey towards true happiness is foundational for the miles that lie ahead. Last week, I wrote about how fleeting human happiness can be and the lengths we go to achieve it. We can amass great wealth, great fame and even build a great family and still be relatively void of happiness – true happiness.

True happiness is not momentary, nor is it found in things, or even, our relationships here in this world. True happiness comes from God – more importantly, our need of Him. We get so wrapped up in trying - Trying to be the best husband/wife, trying to be the best father/mother, trying to be a good worker, pastor, teacher or church member. Simply, trying to be a good Christian can become heavy at times.

There is something liberating in saying, “I can’t do this without you, God.” Once that prayer is uttered, something happens. Something within us breaks and there is a joy that fills our hearts.

Suppose you were assigned a task – let’s say you were given the responsibility of, umm… - peeling several hundred pounds of potatoes (hey, I am an X-Navy guy). One could assume that peeling several hundred pounds of potatoes would be a daunting task. However, how would you feel if someone brought you a peeler machine? Sure, you would still have to move the bags of potatoes, load and empty the machine, dispose of the peels and wash the freshly peeled potatoes, but the task would become much less daunting.

It is the same when we acknowledge our need for God. We still have to make an effort but the heavy parts of our lives are now placed on His broad shoulders. He lightens our load.

Are you struggling to find happiness in your life?

“Cast all our anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)

Are you struggling to find happiness in your marriage? Jesus said…

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:29-30 NIV)

Do not let your struggle for happiness rob you of enjoying the source of joy. Declare your dependence, your marriage’s dependence and your family’s dependence on God. God wants you to realize your need of him in every aspect of your life.

The journey continues…

Resolutions Revisited

2010-01-10T16:46:00.001-05:00

I knew better. I caution others never to say this word. I should not have used this word. However, worse than saying it, I wrote it.

Listed in my 2010 resolutions was a statement that, well, stated that I wouldn't go on another all-veggie diet again -"ever". OK. So I'm not really on a diet, but my lead pastor has called as many that are able and willing to another 21-day Daniel Fast. But my "diet" - the foods I can eat are all of the non-animal, non-dairy etc. variety.

It's no secret that God has much left to do in me and through me. Perhaps this fast is to bring me into alignment with what he is already wanting to do with me.

Prayerfully advancing...

2010 Resolutions - cont...

2009-12-30T09:52:00.000-05:00

1. Stop Trying so hard!
2. Appreciate Gods grace more... ( If I do that then the first 3 on the last post will be simple)

New Years Resolutions

2009-12-29T13:31:00.000-05:00

1. Be more Kind
2. Be more Gentle
3. Be more transparent
4. Go on the Adkins Diet (not doing that all vegetable thing again - ever YUK!)
5. Be more involved in kidds school functions.
6. Fix everything wrong with this cheap house of ours :) (That will take all year)

What are your resolutions?

What I'm Currently Thinking/Doing!

2009-12-09T18:16:00.000-05:00

I'm doing schoolwork!
I'm thinking, "All this, just to get a degree that will enable me to be a substitute school teacher..."

My New Favorite Christmas Song!

2009-12-04T14:21:00.000-05:00

Integrity

2009-11-30T19:00:00.000-05:00

Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty. Proverbs 11:3 NLT

Our daughter, Kaitlin, is in her room, crying, as I write this. Saturday evening, she discovered a book in her bookcase, belonging to her 2nd-grade teacher who taught her last year. Apparently, she had forgotten that she had it and didn't take it back.
Kaitlin wants to take it back but she is afraid that she will get a mark against her perfect behavioral record.

As a parent, I would like to tell her, with absolute certainty, that nothing bad will happen by returning a book that she accidentally still has possession of. However, I do not know, with absolute certainty, that there will be no disciplinary action. I really cannot imagine such will be the case but I simply do not know.

Tomorrow morning, on the first day back to school from Thanksgiving break, she will return the book to it's owner. It is a scary lesson to learn but learning to be a person of integrity is a noble pursuit.

Far too often, children hear, or worse, see their parents fail at maintaining a character of integrity. From simply borrowing a few nuts and bolts from work to not wanting the hassle or inconvenience of returning the amount of money that was mistakenly given them in making change; adults display flawed character and the kids are quick to learn it.

So this is a opportunity to teach by example. I will take Kaitlin to school, go through the front office visitor screening, walk with her to the teacher's classroom and be with her as she returns the book. Whatever happens, I want her to know that she did the right thing and that I am proud of her.

As parents, grandparents and adults, please know that children, yours and others, are watching you. They are learning by observation about your true character. Just as I am showing Kaitlin the importance of returning what is not hers, we need to set a consistent example of integrity for this young generation.

The above verse speaks of two types of character. One is honest and the other dishonest. I'm convinced that dishonesty is not learned from a single and large event witnessed in a role model's life, but a lifestyle of numerous and seemingly insignificant incidents of dishonesty.

As parents, grandparents and adults, the question is not if we will be role models, but, what kind of role models we will be. Children learn their future roles by watching us.

Do you, as a role model, model a character of integrity?

I Now Have My Diagnosis!

2009-11-19T21:03:00.000-05:00

click here - www.ichilly.com/?p=3691

Present Day Priests or Posers - Which Are You? - Part 1

2009-11-16T11:44:00.000-05:00

2 Timothy 3:1-5 The Message
"Don't be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They'll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they're animals. Stay clear of these people."

I sat up in bed and rubbed my eyes. While swinging my feet to the floor, I reached for the ringing phone. "Hello", I said with a "first-sound-of-the-morning voice". What I heard in response was shocking. It wasn't simply the words, but the tone and pace at which the person was speaking. Apparently, there had been a misunderstanding of some instructions and procedures which put this person in a precarious position.

What shocked me was the attitude displayed in the individual's voice. I had known this person for some time and had always respected this person's faith and spiritual maturity. However, when squeezed by circumstance, attitude and words betraying a Christ-like character were chosen over love, peace and forgiveness.

Needless to say, the miscommunication was corrected, however, in remembering that incident, I have been thinking about how shallow our relationship with Christ often is. One small bump in the road and we testify, with the world as our audience, that there really isn't anything to this Jesus thing. Sure, we know the words, we know the motions and we may even know the verses (and where they are found), but when it comes to the one aspect of Christianity that can make a difference, we don't seem to get it.

In my youth, I could quote the longest passage of scripture and say the nicest prayer whenever I was asked. The sad thing is, one doesn't typically have that request made of them at a wild party or a rock concert. I could say and do all the right things when called upon, but my life wasn't changed!

Look at the list in the above verses. Scroll up and read those verses again. (I'll wait) Can any one of us read through that list without feeling the rod of conviction at our hearts? In the time when Christ was on the earth, the priests were known for "putting on a show". Jesus was always calling them on it!

But we are also called priests. Our work is of a priestly nature.

1 Peter 2:9-10 The Message
"But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted."

An acquaintance of mine sent me a email reply in which we were discussing spiritual maturity and life change. He said that "we have sown to dysfunction".

To often, as present-day priests, we can only tell of the mostly cloudy day to somewhat cloudy day difference that we have allowed Christ to make in our lives. Sure, we can still look the part, but here is the real danger in that.

If we are not careful, we can become like the priests that Christ dealt with and adopt an attitude and lifestyle which says - As long as I look good, I don't really have to be good.

Priest or Poser - Which are you?

More on this huge can of worms to come...

Why Wait?

2009-11-13T09:41:00.000-05:00

I received a call yesterday from someone who had a heart for God. An individual who had divorced out of their family is in his final days in a long battle with cancer. The caller expressed their concern for this mans soul and asked if I would go see him.

When I arrived, I found that the weariness from the battle and the heavy doses of pain medication would not even allow the man to open his eyes or respond. I leaned close to his ear and prayed a prayer that detailed the plan of salvation.

I wish I could write that he opened his eyes or responded in some way. He did not. My prayer is that he heard my words and that his spirit spoke them to God.

We are a stubborn and procrastinating people. We seek medical attention just before we fall over dead, we seek relational help just before we are about to slam into a proverbial cliff and we seek God when we have exhausted all of man's (ourselves included) efforts and abilities.

Jesus said to come to him to find rest. Rest for our soul and spirit. Why wait until the last minute? Why not make things right in our relationship with God and each other now, so that our lives can be filled with love, peace and joy instead of loneliness, turmoil and grief.

Why wait?

Thank You

2009-11-11T11:21:00.000-05:00

I've attended two veteran day services in the last 25 hours. I used to take our veterans for granted. I never even thought my own service was anything significant. However, as my father and I develop a closer relationship, I am learning the importance of honoring our veterans.

May we always be willing to give this small portion of our time to honor those who have given much.

Less Me - More Wii

2009-11-05T21:21:00.000-05:00

For the past several nights, Alex and Kaitlin, our two youngest kids, have challenged their Dad to competitions of bowling, tennis and golf. I'm not a real gamer, I've never had "game", but spending time with the kids really rocks! It's great to let the cell go to voicemail and remind Alex and Kaitlin, by my actions, that they are my 3rd priority following God and my hazel-eyed and blond-haired beauty-Robin. Of course, I love spending time with the twins as well, but they have discovered more interesting pursuits... ;)

I love this husband/father thing!

Oh yeah, Wii boxing is quite a workout! I may even trade in my "Round IS a shape" mantra for something sleeker!

Infinitely More - A Divine Set-Up

2009-11-04T14:04:00.000-05:00

Eph 3:20-21 NLT

Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen. (Emphasis mine)

I've been doing some more praying and more dreaming during these last few weeks. I'm purposely trying to allow God to expand my vision beyond what I can see with my eyes. The view, what little of it I can see, is incredible! I am really getting excited about what God is doing and has in store for us. I can see how he has been moving, shaping and designing the pieces of his plan so that they easily fall into place.

We're being set-up - by God for something amazing! It's great to be a part of a united family, dreaming the same dreams, sharing a common vision and working together towards the same goal! God's vision is far bigger than I have ever dreamed!

Trunk-N-Treat - Touching Lives

2009-11-02T14:23:00.000-05:00

Saturday, Grace Fellowship had our first ever Trunk-N-Treat Harvest Celebration. I was amazed at the creativity that people displayed in the decoration of their car trunks. We saw a lot of new faces and met many new families from the community.

What struck me, was the sense of unity that we all felt while showing Christ's love for the community. We watched as one of our youth group member's dance troupe performed -that was amazing. It was even more exciting to see a few of those new faces in our services yesterday!

Events like that, give us the opportunity to touch lives - not just lives in the community but the lives within our own church family as well.

Jesus spent his entire earthly ministry touching lives. Can we do any less?

God- The Father and fathers

2009-11-02T10:33:00.000-05:00

"but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15b TNIV)

Yesterday, I observed something that really made me think. A new family attended one of our services and sat engaged in the message. Upon the conclusion of the message, when the invitation was given, I saw every member of the family shift forward in their seat and look down the pew to thehusband/ father for approval. The father didn't budge, so the entire family settled back into the pew. I asked myself, what would have happened if that father had lead by example? We could have witnessed the start of a revival as a whole family accepted Christ!

As a father, I know the importance of being an example. I also know that I haven't always been the best example. However, knowing that, prompts me to strive towards living what I believe in words and actions.

If the Holy Spirit was tugging on Robin's or one of our children's heart - drawing them towards a deeper relationship with Christ, I would want to be their strongest encourager. I would race Robin or the kids to the altar. Men, as husbands and fathers, we need to set the spiritual tone for our families. Statistics prove that over 90% of family members will follow suit when their husband/father steps it up with Christ and lives that commitment in his daily life.

Part of setting the spiritual tone involves observing the spiritual climate within our spouse and children and seizing opportunities for growth. Spiritual growth does not take place by accident, it is intentional and we must be prayerfully aware of when and where its happening.

I believe that the family that sat in the service yesterday was ripe for God-The Father, to do something amazing in their lives. I also prayerfully believe that God will speak to that father's heart and he will set an example for his entire family.

God wants a relationship with every person on the earth. The Father wants to show his love to every family and person. I believe that fathers can be the key agents of that love and relationship, if they choose to do so.

For Marriages and Families

Dave

Door Shopping

2009-10-28T11:20:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I know, our humble little house does need a few doors replaced; however, I promise that this post isn't going to be about some excursion to Home Depot or Lowes.

OK, so if I'm not writing about physical doors that you can touch, install or paint, what am I writing about? For most of my life and especially in ministry, God has directed Robin and I by the closing of doors. Some slowly creaked shut on their hinges while others busted our noses as they slammed closed.

Two weeks ago another door closed for us as I experienced a lay-off from my secular employment. Just so you know, this isn't a first, it's not even a second or a third for me. However, we're not panicked, we know this territory and, more importantly, we know who owns this territory!

That owner is God and as Robin and I have been seeking him, he has given us a general direction towards a door in which to walk. The door's name is ministry. When? Where? How? Why? No clue! Why don't we have the answers? Because those answers are found on the other side of that door!

So, aside from the comments made by those that I choose to believe are genuinely concerned for our well-being, Robin and I truly believe that our obedient response to this situation is to press on in ministry wherever and whenever God leads. I believe that frustration in ministry as well as in life often occurs when we stick our foot in the way of a door that God wants to close or when we refuse to walk through a door that he is opening for us.

So, please pray with us that God would give us keen spiritual ears to hear the sound of door hinges - the sound of doors closing and doors opening. Robin and I don't want to miss either!

Until God's Holy Spirit shows us which door of ministry he has for us, we will keep walking the path he last showed us and...

Keep Door Shopping!

What's That Smell?

2009-10-27T18:28:00.000-04:00

A few months ago, I wrote a blog post stating that I felt as if God was bringing a change into some area of my life. As insane as it sounds, being downsized from my part-time pressman's position has created some excitement for me.

God's Spirit has assured me that He has a plan and purpose in all of this and every time I take a deep breath of His Spirit, I can smell the building aroma of change... It's exhilarating!

True, it may sound insane, but sanity is so boring...

What Are You Putting in Their Hand? - Relevant Ministry

2009-10-26T11:39:00.000-04:00

Recently, I attended a seminar that focused on teamwork in regards to church and church leaders.
One of the most striking statements that I took away from this event was this...

(paraphrase) Individuals will not return or continue to return to a event, service or ministry unless we have placed something of value into their hands. I have thought about that statement and realized how true it is. Every book I read and every speaker I listen to, I have one priority question. How can I use this right now?

Even with my limited experience, I have identified three things that people need from our ministries.

People need applicable ideas that are:

Profound - Ideas that are apart from individual norms. Change comes from ideas that are either different from what we have already been doing or comes from increasing or eliminating that which we already do.
Proven - Quite simply - Does this idea work? What is this idea or concept based on?
Practical - The idea has to be something that everyone can apply to their lives. I once heard a speaker at a marriage conference say that everyone should treat their spouse to a 7 day cruise to Mexico. Great idea, except over 90% of those couples in attendance could not afford such a grand excursion.

Whatever the ministry, from Childrens' ministry to Seniors' ministry, we should make every effort to provide an opportunity for everyone in attendance to take away something that meets these three criteria.

We should ask ourselves, what do people need today? That is always relevant!

My Worst Enemy

2009-10-22T12:15:00.000-04:00

Instead of asking, "Why do today what I can do tomorrow?" I should be asking. "Why am I not doing this today so I won't have to do it along with what I have to do tomorrow?"

This is a killer for me! God has been really dealing with me in the area of discipline. There are things that I need to do, that I tend to push back in favor of the things I tend to do.

For instance:

I need to spend at least 1/2 hour in prayer. - I tend to hit the snooze button.
I need to be in God's Word. - I tend to browse social media - Ouch!
I need to be connecting relationally with my wife. - I tend to watch reality shows on the TV.
I need to use the treadmill. - I tend to eat more ice cream.
I need to spend quality time with each of my kids. - I tend to squander the time I have.
I need to focus on course-work. - I tend to want to take a nap.

I want to do the things that I need to do. I know that I should do the things that I need to do. I often do the things I need to do, but I know that I can do those things far more often.

The things I need to do would be a lot easier if "I" would get out of the way. "I" am my own worst enemy.

MORE OF HIM - less of me

An Awesome Message

2009-10-21T12:14:00.000-04:00

This Message was delivered this past Sunday by one of my former pastors and friends.

http://evangelchapel.org/new/showvideos.aspx

"That Had Better Be The Start of a Prayer"

2009-10-14T12:29:00.000-04:00

Ex 20:7 NLT

"Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name."

We've all heard it. Most of us have probably said it. However, I believe we are beginning to hear it and, more often, read it far too often.

When I worked as a counselor at the group home, the residents soon learned that the quickest way to get a demerit on their charts from me was to utter those three little Words. "Oh, my God". At first, whenever I heard it, I would stop, bow my head and wait for them to continue praying - only to look up and catch their puzzled stare. After that initial time, My response would always be, "That had better be the start of a prayer." A few ornery boys would quickly turn it into a impromptu and feeble attempt.

What concerns me most is when many Christians, those who bear that same name and call upon that name as our Father, still do this without a thought. The Bible contains the phrase - "the name of the Lord" 99 times. This is the same name that brought everything into existence, brought fire from heaven and gave us a complete - once and for all- sacrifice so that we can have eternal life. There is power in that name! Yet it is carelessly used in everyday conversation.

Today, in social media we see the abbreviated version of the vain use of God's name - "omg". It shows up in the online posts daily. An old Mennonite farmer heard me say, "oh my gosh" one time and immediately corrected me. "Young man, the intent of your heart is still the same, you just changed the word to soothe your conscious." I have never forgot that.

I think Jesus said it best as he taught his disciples and, subsequently, us to pray...

Matt 6:9 NLT
"Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored. "

God's name is so much more than a word or expression. Let's honor it!

Ice Cream and God's Word

2009-10-09T13:00:00.000-04:00

I love ice cream! Always have, always will. I love to eat it, look at it, blog about it and I probably even dream about it! (If you ever want to get me something that you'll know I'll like - think ICE CREAM) After lunch today, I was putting some things back into the fridge and happened to open the freezer. Wanting a sweet treat, I began digging through the various choices. "Nah, had that yesterday." "Nope, had that 3 times this week." Then I saw it!

Shafts of light were beaming out of it and an angelic choir was singing as I reached in to take hold of this treasure! Ok. Not really. However, there in my freezer was a half-gallon of Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream! How long had it been in there? Why hadn't I noticed it?

Perhaps it was because that, until then, I hadn't been looking for it. God's Word is a lot like that. It is only when we begin to search it that we can experience its treasures. So many times we sift through the boring, mundane and familiar stuff in the freezer of our lives, wanting something new and fresh. We say, "life is boring." Or. "I'm bored" Let me ask you. Where is your Bible today, have you searched it's treasures? There is nothing boring about being met by God in his Word. Dig through the busyness of your life and spend time with God, I promise that you'll find a treasure!

One bummer - My bowl of ice cream didn't last as long as it took me to write this - ha!

Goals - Dream Big!

2009-10-09T09:36:00.000-04:00

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Prov 16:9 NIV

I have often been told that I have done a lot of things in my life. True, I have experienced a great deal of diversity in the workplace, my interests and, yes, the things I've been thrown into.

However, for most of my life, there has always been one directional intent. Serving God by helping people.

As I reflect on my life, I can remember the times when I seemed to be way off course. It's amazing how your perspective changes after you have been through or experienced something. Everything I have experienced has molded me and prepared me for the goal that God has intended for my life.

I love what I am doing in life. I love being a staff pastor. I love watching Christ work in people's lives. However, I have become somewhat content in this aspect of my life. I have planned my course, but have completely fallen in love with one of the God-ordained steps in that course.

Am I going to cease being a staff pastor? Not in the foreseeable future. However, for accountability, I am revealing a goal to keep myself moving through the steps God has for me.

I want to complete a D. Min degree in pastoral counseling by the time I turn 50. I have 7 - 1/2 years to complete this goal. A social media acquaintance of mine, Chilly Chilton, said this, "A goal is a dream with a deadline." If I want my dream to come true, it needs a deadline. So, May 28, 2017 is my deadline.

Robin and I also have a dream. We dream of a retreat center to which hurting couples can come and be ministered to, regardless of financial status. It's a dream and somehow and in some way, God will enable us to make it a goal.

What are you dreaming about? How can adding a deadline turn your dream into a goal? Make your plans and be prepared for the steps that God will determine for you.

Mr. Cellophane

2009-10-01T14:41:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I returned home from a minister's conference and business meeting held near Columbus, Ohio. While there, I heard from and learned from great speakers while building friendships with a number of fellow ministers.

During the two days a running joke developed between a few friends of mine and I. On Monday, a fellow pastor, who I have met several times, re-introduced himself to me while I was standing with a few others. We talked for several minutes and went our separate ways. A few hours later the same pastor walked up to me and stated that he didn't think we had met and introduced himself again. OK. By then I was looking for a camera, thinking that this had to be some sort of joke. No camera, no joke. The only joke, between my friends and I, was that I was invisible and subsequently could not be remembered.

After the next evening's service, I was standing in the back of the room praying in my usual fashion- pacing back and forth. Two pastors approached me and one of them proceeded to run into me. I stepped aside and continued my prayer-walk. Within a minute someone else bumped into me. I began to question, (cue the little pity party)"What am I made of, cellophane? I prayed, "God, it's like no one even sees me." God's response was immediate to my heart, "Good, then they will only see My Son!" Wham! Isn't that what people are supposed to see when they look our way? Am I there yet? NO-WAY!

For the rest of the conference, I made it a point to seek out, speak to, visit with and pray for anyone seeming to be alone. WOW! It was amazing how the presence of the Holy Spirit would move in each situation.

What are you made of? When people look at you, do they see Jesus?

Let GOd

2009-09-25T11:02:00.000-04:00

Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Rev 3:12 NIV

I'm currently reading a book for school called Living the Spirit Formed Life by Jack Hayford. In it, Hayford writes about how God will take everything that we are and shape it into what we can be and what he wants us to be. God will also create in us whatever we lack and is needed.

Is it really that simple? If we keep trying, God will make us into a pillar? I'm one to try too hard. Especially when it comes to my spiritual growth. Trying is good and needed, but when I fail, I'm very hard on myself, as if growth won't happen because I failed.

My part is to keep trying and let God do the rest. Guess what? He will!

Are you trying to hard - Let GOd

Throwing Spaghetti - A Lesson in Humility

2009-09-18T12:57:00.000-04:00

Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you'll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you're content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty. (Matthew 23:11-12 The Message)

Someone once told me that you have to throw a lot of spaghetti against a wall before some of it will begin to stick. I've found that statement to be extremely accurate.

Part of the ministry to marriages that I'm blessed to be involved in includes a weekly e-letter/devotional on marriage and family topics. That statement prompted me to set a goal to get that e-letter into as many homes, ministering to as many marriages, as possible. I have pursued this goal for over two years and have recently switched to a distributor as my personal e-mail provider would no longer allow for the weekly volume. I was excited. I thought, just maybe, I was accomplishing that goal.

However, I'm still human and with that excitement, I fear, came a little bit of pride. Yeah, I was a little "puffed up". God has a funny way of bringing me back down whenever that happens.

Among the many features and benefits of using a e-mail distributor comes a tracking tool that tells me who opens and reads the e-letter that week. Let's just say, I was humbled when I realized that over 80% of the spaghetti that I've been throwing is not sticking to the wall. 80% of the e-letters are never opened or read. (Cue the sound of a balloon deflating)

So, I've been examining my heart and, more importantly, asking God to examine it. Is gaining a large following of readers the true purpose for my writing ministry? Or, does my reason for writing stem from obedience to the one who called me to write?

New Paradigm

I'm still going to keep throwing spaghetti. The change I am choosing to make is to allow God to determine where it lands and, ultimately, where it sticks.

Are you more concerned with where the spaghetti you're throwing sticks or that you're simply obedient and keep throwing it?

Getting It!

2009-09-14T13:19:00.000-04:00

"The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, 'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding ; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'

(Mark 4:11-12 NIV)

I love this cat character named Roger from the movie, Open Season 2. As I was watching this scene - again and again on youtube, I began thinking about how much this scene reminds me of the times when I dreaded speaking something into the life of someone who just seems to never get it. If you have ever felt that way, guess what? Jesus felt that same frustration - he even asked his disciples one time, "Are you still so dull?" But the key is, he then went on to explain something yet again to them.

"Let us not become weary in doing good , for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Gal 6:9 NIV) Ours is a message that is too important to quit on. We have to keep living it, speaking it and even writing it until people do "get it". It's important because IT will change their lives.

Who do you need to speak life into? Who is within your sphere of influence that hasn't gotten it yet? Or. What is it that God is using someone to speak to you about? We're either a Stanley or a Roger. we need to both speak and listen to really "Get It."

OUCH!

2009-09-11T12:18:00.000-04:00

I was watching "The Forum" Leadership Conference today while Craig Groeschel was speaking. He made several statements that were excellent but this one hit me the hardest.

He said at one time in his ministry, the Holy Spirit spoke to his heart and told him that he had become, "a Full-time pastor and a part-time follower of Christ."

Wow. I pray that I will always guard against that being a reality in my life and ministry. Examining myself, I can see signs of that starting from time to time. I believe it is a matter of focus. If my focus isn't on Christ then I am in danger of becoming a "Part-time follower"

Wow!

Public Persona Vs Private Life

2009-09-09T13:55:00.000-04:00

I've been listening to an online leadership conference today and just heard a very strong point.
"To be a great leader or even a great Christian, our public persona must match our private life. " - Dave Swanson

Wow. Talk about being authentic. One thing about leadership conferences, I always realize how small I am and how far I need to go in Christ.

Touch

2009-09-04T09:01:00.000-04:00

REF: (Matthew Chapters 8-10)

We live in a touch society. Computer screens, MP3 players, cell phones and many other gadgets respond to a simple touch. However, when it comes to people, too often we display a "do not touch" attitude. "I'm too busy, I don't know them", or worse, "I don't care" - are all responses that are indicative of our social society.

Guess what? As Christians, we need to make time, get to know "them" and we better care! The world needs Jesus and we are all God has to work with.

Jesus wasn't afraid to touch the sick or to let the sick touch Him. Who are we touching for Christ? Who are we allowing to touch us for Christ? Just as the entire World needs to know the reality of a loving Savior, we need to be touched by Godly mentors to sharpen us spiritually.

I'm grateful that there were Christians who made the time, got to know me and cared about me enough to touch my life for Christ!

Touch someones life today!

Success

2009-09-03T10:00:00.001-04:00

The success of my ministry for Christ depends largely on how low I will bow - before God in prayer and before His people in service.

Bloom in the Desert

2009-09-01T09:41:00.000-04:00

I was reading in the Book of Matthew this morning about how John the Baptist and Jesus both went through their times in the desert. John, apparently lived there and Jesus battled satan in a desert.

For some reason, the thought occurred to me that they both bloomed in the desert!

I spend a good deal of time in spiritual/emotional deserts - family tradition. I've learned that for something to grow in the desert, that something has to have a strong will, a drive to thrive and much perseverance.

Deserts have their purpose, in them we don't find luxuries. Instead, we develop characteristics that make us stronger.

If we allow God to strengthen and instruct us in the desert places of our lives, think about how much stronger we will be and how the greater potential for his power to work through our lives.

Are you blooming?

God's Got This!

2009-08-29T15:56:00.000-04:00

Really enjoyed the week off, spending time with family and checking out the sights at D.C. Our vacation was unexpectedly extended one more day as my van's alternator decided to get to the business of dying about 20 minutes out of D.C. Having replaced it before, we knew it was a costly repair. I decided that we were going to get as far away from the city as we could. Robin and I were praying that we would make it somewhere safe, were we could get it repaired.

Enter God

As we neared Hagerstown, MD, the alternator gave up and the van quickly began sputtering as the battery voltage dropped too low to run the fuel pump properly. At this point, our prayer efforts went into overdrive.

We were using a borrowed GPS unit that was doing a great job at turn-by-turn directions. It was programed to guide us home. As the van began to sputter, the GPS unit told me to take the next exit. After exiting, the GPS directed me to turn right in 800 yards and, upon achieving that distance, directed me into the parking lot of a Hampton Inn, where the van completely died.

Looking around, I noticed a sign that said Byrd's Auto repair on a building right next to the Motel. Being a Sunday evening, it was closed. Long story short, we stayed the night at The Hampton Inn, swam in the pool, ate pizza and enjoyed a complimentary hot breakfast. The repair shop replaced the alternator for $150.00 less than expected and we were again on our way.

When I arrived back at the church office, there was a envelope in my mailbox which contained a check. Someone on Sunday morning, before we had even left D.C., felt led to give me and my family a love gift which covered most of the repair bill.

God is always in control! Looking back, when asked about what she liked most about our vacation, our daughter Kaitlin answered, "Staying at the Hampton Inn".

God's Got This!

D-OUT

2009-08-18T17:03:00.000-04:00

Hey checking out for a few days. Can you say VACATION?

What's Your Motive?

2009-08-13T12:26:00.000-04:00

This Saturday Grace Fellowship is hosting it's second annual Summer Blast! It's a free community event that gives us the OPPORTUNITY to share God's love with Perry Township.

Some may view the event as a church growth tool. While that may be a by-product of the event (hasn't proven to be at this point), I believe that simply caring for the community enough to give them the chance to have some free fun goes farther for God's Kingdom than inviting someone to "a church".

My motive is this,

"It has nothing to do with us (GF) but it has everything to do with them (the community).

Pain

2009-08-07T14:55:00.000-04:00

Quote of the week:

"Until the pain of change hurts less than the pain of staying the same, people will not change," Dr. Richard Dobbins

We can''t help people if they are not ready to change. Choosing to stay the same has to be a result of some sort of pay-off. We have to be getting something from our behavior, harmful or not.

What's the pay-off for you that is keeping you from changing for the better?

New Experience

2009-07-31T16:50:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow morning, I, Dave Kidd, will try something new. I will attempt to play paintball with Brandon and Alex along with GF's new YP and his son. In the immortal words of Larry the Cucumber's therapist. "Well, this should be interesting."

Leading Your Heart - Beyond Feelings

2009-07-27T14:17:00.000-04:00

"The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I know! I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve."
Jeremiah 17:9-10 NLT

Feelings! We hear about them often. How many sentences do we begin with, "I feel" or "I don't feel"? There is some cause for concern when relationships, especially marriages are based on feelings.

One of my favorite lines from the movie Fireproof, says that, "you have to lead your heart." Wow, that is powerful. The heart is the wellspring of our affective lives- our feelings. Our hearts will deceive us. Because the heart-our self, will try to focus our minds on "what I want" and miss important and even obvious aspects. The heart will see a beautiful gold ring but fail to see the green skin of the finger that the fake ring is on. That is the danger on living and loving by feelings. But, a mind fixed on serving Christ and others will lead our hearts to pure love, pure joy and ultimate fulfillment. Think about this! What does it mean to surrender our heart to Christ? It is laying down our self, saying life isn't about me and my feelings.

Perhaps we need to rethink some things. Maybe loving God and our spouse with our hearts isn't near enough. Consider this...

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31NIV (emphasis mine)

Love involves far more than our heart. It includes everything we are. Lead your heart by deciding to love your spouse unconditionally like God loves us. God is watching.

Are You In?

2009-07-21T16:24:00.000-04:00

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing , but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 NIV

As iron sharpens iron ,so one man sharpens another. Prov 27:177 NIV

Across the road from our house is a corn field. I've been watching it grow and have noticed that the outside row of corn is only about one-half as tall as the rows in the field.

There is a simple explanation for this. The outside row of corn doesn't get pollinated like the rows that are in the field. The rows of corn that are surrounded by corn, grow best. Not only do those stalks grow best, but they bear fruit - corn!

That got me thinking, maybe that corn field is kind of like the body of Christ - the church. Could it be that we grow best when we are surrounded by other Christians? I think so. Being in a community of believers establishes a level of support, accountability and resources that pollinates our lives as Christians.

So, where are you in the church? Are you surrounded or are you standing on the edges? Are you growing like you should? Are you bearing fruit?

Are you in?

Sunday's Coming!

2009-07-10T18:46:00.000-04:00

Grace Fellowship launches it's new service times, a second (contemporary) service and a new children's ministry this Sunday. We've been busy praying and prepping. We're doing our part and God will always do His. GF will impact Perry Township!

9:00AM - Traditional (Southern Gospel) Service
10:10AM - Discipleship Classes
11:00AM - Contemporary Service
6:00PM - Evening Service/Strive Youth

Lovin' The Ride!

True Freedom

2009-07-04T09:39:00.000-04:00

‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me
- Francesca Battistelli

"Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ. Do that and you'll kill two birds with one stone: pleasing the God above you and proving your worth to the people around you. " (Romans 14:18 - The Message)

If I do everything in service to Christ, I am completely free.

Everything Has Changed, But Nothing Has Changed

2009-06-30T20:28:00.000-04:00

Have you ever heard the saying that attitude is everything? Well, I want to suggest that perspective is everything. Recently, my perspective has changed even while all the external and environmental factors have remained the same.

Taking My Own Advice

I tell every one of my counselees, that you can only change yourself. One of the things we can change is our perspective. In God's Kingdom, I am like a single grain of sand that has it's place in God's grand design. Sometimes we attempt great things when we are only supposed to be faithful in small things. The grain of sand is supposed to do it's part in making a desert.

It has been proven that the air displacement from the wing-beat of a butterfly can be measured hundreds of miles away. How insignificant is the wing-beat of a butterfly? My part in God's kingdom should be hidden and seem insignificant to those around me. But it should be measurable in the Kingdom.

What's your perspective of your life? Is it measurable in the Kingdom?

Stay Focused!

2009-06-26T12:22:00.000-04:00

Don't get caught up in WHERE you minister.

Don't get entangled with WHO you minister to.

Don't ever forget HIM who ministers through You.

Stay Focused!

Are Your Fields Prepared?

2009-06-25T09:14:00.000-04:00

What are you praying for? What prayers are you asking God to answer? What are you doing to prepare for God's answer?

There is a scene in the movie, Facing The Giants, that tells the story of two farmers who were praying for rain and whose fields desperately needed some rain. One farmer; however, went out and prepared his fields to receive the rain. The character telling the story asks the question, "Which farmer displayed more faith?"

During those times when we are waiting on God, what could we be doing to prepare ourselves for his answer in his timing?

Just a thought for your day!

I'm Awake!

2009-06-23T17:44:00.000-04:00

Like waking up from the longest dream.

How real it seemed.

Until Your love broke through.

And I was lost in a fantasy

That blinded me

Until your love broke through. (Randy Stonehill and Keith Green)

For the past month and a half, I have not felt like my normal self. A friend of mine quoted a poet and told me that I was going through a "dark night of the soul". I felt asleep, numb and out of touch.

Until Friday!

I was sitting in a tent at a Christian Music Festival, listening to a band when the Spirit of God fell over that place. I felt something tug at my heart. Later,at the David Crowder concert, I felt a complete release. The black skies parted and the SON began to shine! From that moment on, it became a party. I just started dancing and praising with the crowd of believers!

Saturday, I heard Phil Keaggy and Randy Stonehill do "Until Your Love Broke Through" The words described everything I had been experiencing. It really was like I was walking around asleep. Now I'm praising God that I'm finally awake.

Raising Contenders

2009-06-15T21:21:00.000-04:00

Ps 127:3-5 NIV
Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

Have you ever had one of those months when everything seemed to be going wrong and even when people rallied in support, you still felt alone, vulnerable and weak. My mothers death, one month ago, ushered in such a time in my life. Often, in these times, one feels distracted and is unable to concentrate. Even things that one typically enjoys doing have less appeal. Subsequently, ant-hills become mountains as the most simple problem appears to be unsolvable.

I have used the above passage before; however, I want to focus on the last line. With Father's Day approaching I want to emphasize that children raised to love and honor God will not be put to shame when they face their enemies. As Christians we have a common enemy and he always seeks to steal, kill and destroy every person and every family.

This week, I received a private message from one of my sons that simply stated that he loves me and is praying for me. With all that I have faced and am continuing to face, it is exciting to watch as one of my "arrows" is flying straight at the heart of the enemy on my behalf.

I cannot think of a better Father's Day gift.

Uncertainty and Steps of Faith

2009-06-12T13:19:00.000-04:00

Heb 11:1 NIV

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Robin and I have learned a lot about faith in our lives. We live it. It's mandatory. Without it we wouldn't be able to get out of bed in the morning. Not having faith leaves room for nothing but fear. Understand; however, that a human being having faith doesn't eliminate uncertainty. We often call our actions steps of faith. Although we are confident and sure that God will provide, we have that human element of doubt in us.

I think it was Mark Batterson, in his book, In a Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day", who wrote that if you are waiting until you are 75% or more sure of your decisions before making them, then you are missing opportunities. I cringe when people tell me that they are taking a step of faith by doing something that has already been provided or allotted for. It's like writing a check for $100.00 when you have $5,000.00 in your account. That's a non-step of Faith.

Non-Steps of Faith (in Practical Terms)

Ever felt God leading you to support a missionary, but you waited until you had the monthly amount in your checking account regularly?

How about hanging on to that secure job when God's vision for your life is burning in your heart.

Faith is a muscle, the more we use it the stronger it grows. In 1 Peter chapter One, Peter talks about 2 powers; the power of God and the power of one's faith in God. So if we lack faith, it's often because we let our "measure of faith" atrophy by the lack of use.

Facing uncertaint? Join the club! With uncertainty comes opportunity and the distinct possibility of the miraculous.

Uncertainty - gotta love the ride!

God's Wonderful People

2009-06-07T15:34:00.001-04:00

Last week, a family blessed us with Sunday Dinner - Beef Stew in a crock-pot and bread. Today, my entire family was taken to lunch. And to top it off someone just showed up at my office and announced that he had brought his ice cream makers and wanted to bless us with ice cream.

God is always good! And his people are a blessing!