Today I felt as though I had rocks hurled at me, metaphorically speaking.
Although, now that I think about it real rocks may have hurt less.
The first one was not to big, more like a small pebble, the next one was bigger and had some sharp edges. The last one however was big, real big. Not the biggest I've ever been hit with, but big none the less and I did not see it coming. Smash! Crunch! right in the heart.
It hurts real bad and I know it's going to leave a bruise.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
Stuck in the middle
It’s the middle that I seem to spend most of my time fighting for. You know the highs and the lows, the mountaintops and the valleys, the ups and the downs. What about the middle? Are you raising up out or are you on your way down? Can you choose the way? Think about it for a minute.
The first poem I remember learning was “The Grand Old Duke of York”.
“The Grand old Duke of York, he has ten thousand men. He marched them up a very high hill and he marched them down again. And when they were up they were up. And when they were down they were down. And when they were only half way up, they were neither up nor down.”
But is it really the middle? How high do you have to be to be out of the middle? Or how low do you have to fall to be below it? And if so how wide is the middle for the other ends?
At the distant beginning you have a piece of coal, oddly shaped, uncreative and beyond unclean. When handled it will leave behind a visible and most often an unseen presence. All the time making its self-useful if exposed to flame.
Knowing that far away along the line of time you have a diamond that having been exposed to outwardly unbearable pressure and then after being touched by the master’s hand is exquisite and priceless. And being exposed to true sunlight is beauty as it was designed to be.
And then there in the middle over looked and often set-aside, you find a rock. To most it’s not of much use. It won’t burn, has little, if any value and not much to look at.
This is where I seem to find myself much of the time. Not even close to being a diamond and to far along to give off heat, a rock!
Yet wasn’t it a simple rock that brought Goliath down? Didn’t God bring fresh water out of a rock for the children of Israel?
I’m still doing a lot of thinking about this, so I don’t have many answerable thoughts. But I would love to hear yours.
Peace and Blessings, Dave
The first poem I remember learning was “The Grand Old Duke of York”.
“The Grand old Duke of York, he has ten thousand men. He marched them up a very high hill and he marched them down again. And when they were up they were up. And when they were down they were down. And when they were only half way up, they were neither up nor down.”
But is it really the middle? How high do you have to be to be out of the middle? Or how low do you have to fall to be below it? And if so how wide is the middle for the other ends?
At the distant beginning you have a piece of coal, oddly shaped, uncreative and beyond unclean. When handled it will leave behind a visible and most often an unseen presence. All the time making its self-useful if exposed to flame.
Knowing that far away along the line of time you have a diamond that having been exposed to outwardly unbearable pressure and then after being touched by the master’s hand is exquisite and priceless. And being exposed to true sunlight is beauty as it was designed to be.
And then there in the middle over looked and often set-aside, you find a rock. To most it’s not of much use. It won’t burn, has little, if any value and not much to look at.
This is where I seem to find myself much of the time. Not even close to being a diamond and to far along to give off heat, a rock!
Yet wasn’t it a simple rock that brought Goliath down? Didn’t God bring fresh water out of a rock for the children of Israel?
I’m still doing a lot of thinking about this, so I don’t have many answerable thoughts. But I would love to hear yours.
Peace and Blessings, Dave
Monday, August 13, 2007
Discipline vs. Punishment
I’m learning to separate the words discipline and punishment. And I am coming to understand more and more how God disciplines me and also what he allows.
To me discipline is often thought of in very negative concept. I cannot hear the word "discipline" without hearing something negative, so I have learned to use the words "training" or "correction. I know, however, that discipline, in the true sense of the word is positive, encouraging, and even proof of love (…because the Lord disciplines those He loves - Hebrews 12:6).
The root word of discipline is disciple (= a student, a learner). When God disciplines us, He is making disciples of us. When we discipline our children, we are making disciples. Discipline is defined as training that develops self-control.
In most cases in the Bible there is a difference in the meaning of the words discipline and punishment. As parents we are instructed to discipline our children, but they are not often instructed to punish their children (and when we are, such as in Hebrews 12, what is being described is actually discipline rather than punishment). Likewise, as a Christian, then God disciplines us for our own good. He does not punish us
What's the difference? As stated earlier, the root word of discipline is disciple and means learner. The definition of discipline in both the Old Testament and New Testament included instruction and training, as well as correcting. Discipline is to be motivated by love and concern, according to Hebrews 12. In contrast, punishment can imply getting even, retaliation, vengeance, and exacting a penalty.
After a lot of “examination” and some confession, I know that losing part of my finger was not discipline from God. However, God allowed it to happen, for what purpose, maturity, reliance, witness, empathy or maybe all of the above, that I d’not know. I do know this, God is not finished with me yet. Stay tuned, my story has just begun.
Shalom, Dave
To me discipline is often thought of in very negative concept. I cannot hear the word "discipline" without hearing something negative, so I have learned to use the words "training" or "correction. I know, however, that discipline, in the true sense of the word is positive, encouraging, and even proof of love (…because the Lord disciplines those He loves - Hebrews 12:6).
The root word of discipline is disciple (= a student, a learner). When God disciplines us, He is making disciples of us. When we discipline our children, we are making disciples. Discipline is defined as training that develops self-control.
In most cases in the Bible there is a difference in the meaning of the words discipline and punishment. As parents we are instructed to discipline our children, but they are not often instructed to punish their children (and when we are, such as in Hebrews 12, what is being described is actually discipline rather than punishment). Likewise, as a Christian, then God disciplines us for our own good. He does not punish us
What's the difference? As stated earlier, the root word of discipline is disciple and means learner. The definition of discipline in both the Old Testament and New Testament included instruction and training, as well as correcting. Discipline is to be motivated by love and concern, according to Hebrews 12. In contrast, punishment can imply getting even, retaliation, vengeance, and exacting a penalty.
After a lot of “examination” and some confession, I know that losing part of my finger was not discipline from God. However, God allowed it to happen, for what purpose, maturity, reliance, witness, empathy or maybe all of the above, that I d’not know. I do know this, God is not finished with me yet. Stay tuned, my story has just begun.
Shalom, Dave
Can you see in the dark?
Can you see in the dark?
We don't always choose the darkness that comes into our lives. Sometimes the events of our life and those around us seem to extinguish what light we are desperately trying to hang onto. This kind of darkness is not only heavy but constructing and unknown. So how do we move through it? What is our hope? I have found that in seasons of darkness some things can become clearer than they were before. Sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it? That's what I thought at first, however the more I thought about it the more it made sense. I have noticed that the little bit of light that shines in my life during these times can become more focused on the things that need to be seen. And the shadow of the cross covers all the things that would otherwise take my focus away from what really matters. I read a small book sometime back called "The Way of a Worshiper" by Buddy Owens. There is a section in the book that communicates so clearly that a season of darkness is not something to be feared. It's worth reading so don't stop here!
Peace and Blessing, Dave
Here is that section:
I found myself in a dark, confined space. And I feared it. Even in broad daylight, there seemed to be a pall over my life. I felt small and unnecessary.
The Prophet Nahum wrote: His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are
the dust of his feet. (Nahum1:3) There definitely were clouds looming overhead. But I
believed that God was in them, leading the way through the storm. Day after day I surrendered to God's sovereignty, and followed him deeper into it all. I cried out to him in prayer and worship. I didn't want to ask God, "Why are you doing this to me?" Instead, I asked, "What lesson do you want me to learn?" I searched the Scriptures. I searched my heart. I watched. I listened. Heaver was silent. But you kept myself at the foot of the throne. I was determined to get in God's way. Sometimes praise defines reason. But someone once said, "The heart knows reason that reason never knows." Even when it didn't make sense, I knew in my heart that I needed to offer sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to God. So I set my heart in a posture of praise. Weeks passed. The darkness persisted. The anxiety deepened. The heaviness intensified. I didn't know how long I could go on. I prayed. And prayed. "Father, if I stand, may I stand in your strength. If I fall, may I fall into your grace. Do whatever it takes for as long as it takes, Lord. Just don't let me miss the lesson, because I don't want to have to go through this again." What was this darkness? What was this pressure? Why did I feel trapped? Everything seemed so – I don't know how else to describe it – thick.
I was awakened at 4:00 am on morning with this question in my mind: "When did you learn to fear a hiding place?" I sat straight up in bed and listened to the question again: "When did you learn to fear a hiding place?" I got out of bed and stumbled to the kitchen table. As I waited in listening prayer, I remembered the joy of my childhood game of hide and seek and my love for hiding places. Then I heard these words whispered deep within my heart:
"The darkness is a fold in my cloak. The pressure is my hand holding you close to my side. I am hiding you."
As I sat at the table thanking God for his kindness, my fears began to abate. The heaviness lifted. I was so keenly aware of the presence of God in my life, watching over me, protecting me, hiding me. God knew. He really knew. And he was intimately involved in the struggle.I can't say there was nothing to fear – oh, there was still plenty to fear. My troubled didn't go away right then and there. The darkness didn't suddenly turn to light. But I was no longer afraid. I felt safe. I realized that my sacrifices of praise had met with God's pleasure. He was enthroned on my praises. I had tapped into the untold riches of worship: peace that surpasses understanding, strength to face another day, confidence that My family would be provided for, hope for a future, joy in spite of the crisis – grace upon grace upon grace. Like a hen covering her chicks with her wing, my Father was hiding me in the fold of his cloak. The darkness was no longer a place of fear. It was now a place of rest. I went back to bed and slept in peace.
We don't always choose the darkness that comes into our lives. Sometimes the events of our life and those around us seem to extinguish what light we are desperately trying to hang onto. This kind of darkness is not only heavy but constructing and unknown. So how do we move through it? What is our hope? I have found that in seasons of darkness some things can become clearer than they were before. Sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it? That's what I thought at first, however the more I thought about it the more it made sense. I have noticed that the little bit of light that shines in my life during these times can become more focused on the things that need to be seen. And the shadow of the cross covers all the things that would otherwise take my focus away from what really matters. I read a small book sometime back called "The Way of a Worshiper" by Buddy Owens. There is a section in the book that communicates so clearly that a season of darkness is not something to be feared. It's worth reading so don't stop here!
Peace and Blessing, Dave
Here is that section:
I found myself in a dark, confined space. And I feared it. Even in broad daylight, there seemed to be a pall over my life. I felt small and unnecessary.
The Prophet Nahum wrote: His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are
the dust of his feet. (Nahum1:3) There definitely were clouds looming overhead. But I
believed that God was in them, leading the way through the storm. Day after day I surrendered to God's sovereignty, and followed him deeper into it all. I cried out to him in prayer and worship. I didn't want to ask God, "Why are you doing this to me?" Instead, I asked, "What lesson do you want me to learn?" I searched the Scriptures. I searched my heart. I watched. I listened. Heaver was silent. But you kept myself at the foot of the throne. I was determined to get in God's way. Sometimes praise defines reason. But someone once said, "The heart knows reason that reason never knows." Even when it didn't make sense, I knew in my heart that I needed to offer sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to God. So I set my heart in a posture of praise. Weeks passed. The darkness persisted. The anxiety deepened. The heaviness intensified. I didn't know how long I could go on. I prayed. And prayed. "Father, if I stand, may I stand in your strength. If I fall, may I fall into your grace. Do whatever it takes for as long as it takes, Lord. Just don't let me miss the lesson, because I don't want to have to go through this again." What was this darkness? What was this pressure? Why did I feel trapped? Everything seemed so – I don't know how else to describe it – thick.
I was awakened at 4:00 am on morning with this question in my mind: "When did you learn to fear a hiding place?" I sat straight up in bed and listened to the question again: "When did you learn to fear a hiding place?" I got out of bed and stumbled to the kitchen table. As I waited in listening prayer, I remembered the joy of my childhood game of hide and seek and my love for hiding places. Then I heard these words whispered deep within my heart:
"The darkness is a fold in my cloak. The pressure is my hand holding you close to my side. I am hiding you."
As I sat at the table thanking God for his kindness, my fears began to abate. The heaviness lifted. I was so keenly aware of the presence of God in my life, watching over me, protecting me, hiding me. God knew. He really knew. And he was intimately involved in the struggle.I can't say there was nothing to fear – oh, there was still plenty to fear. My troubled didn't go away right then and there. The darkness didn't suddenly turn to light. But I was no longer afraid. I felt safe. I realized that my sacrifices of praise had met with God's pleasure. He was enthroned on my praises. I had tapped into the untold riches of worship: peace that surpasses understanding, strength to face another day, confidence that My family would be provided for, hope for a future, joy in spite of the crisis – grace upon grace upon grace. Like a hen covering her chicks with her wing, my Father was hiding me in the fold of his cloak. The darkness was no longer a place of fear. It was now a place of rest. I went back to bed and slept in peace.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
When too much is just enough
When too much is just enough:
I meet with a couple of men this week who are going thorough some very difficult times right not and I
heard it said, “God is not going to give me more than I can handle, right?”. And then out comes
“ But, this is more than I can stand, I can’t take any more”.
So which is it? Does God allow more into our lives than we can handle? I believe the answer is most definitely yes. Look at what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth:
1 Corinthians 1:8-10 – We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.
Think for a minute about a time when you felt so overwhelmed that you cried out and begged God to remove you from it or at least help you through it, got it? Now try to imagine how things might have been different if God said, “oh you can handle it, you don’t need me”.
Many times in my own life I have faced trials and consequences far beyond what I was able to handle. If God had said that he would not give us more, troubles, trials or difficulties than we can handle, then why would we need him? If we are so self-sufficient and can handle anything then why do we fail so often? We need God and he wants us to need him. When I started to BELIEVE God and not just “believe in” God, then things really started to make sense.
God wants to use our hurts, mistakes and failures, transforming them into alters of worship. We must believe that God is not only bigger than our hurts but that He is also bigger than our mistakes and unbelief – even those things we have brought on ourselves.
In spite of what we feel or what our circumstances say, we choose to believe the truth of God’s word and what He says about us. We allow it to transform our situation and heal us. This isn’t denying the reality of our circumstance but, rather, denying their right to remain in control of our lives.
Look again at what Paul says, this time in 1 Corinthians 4:8-9 – We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. Paul got it (most of the time) but he, like us, was just a man, or woman. But he believed God and what God told him in 1 Corinthians 12:9 – My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
We are told in 1 Corinthians 10:13- 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.” Temptations, not trials, but that is for a different time.
For me, I have found that “too much” is just enough. So what about you? Are you ready to go from just believing in God to BELIEVE God? Just a thought!
Peace to you, Dave
I meet with a couple of men this week who are going thorough some very difficult times right not and I
heard it said, “God is not going to give me more than I can handle, right?”. And then out comes
“ But, this is more than I can stand, I can’t take any more”.
So which is it? Does God allow more into our lives than we can handle? I believe the answer is most definitely yes. Look at what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth:
1 Corinthians 1:8-10 – We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.
Think for a minute about a time when you felt so overwhelmed that you cried out and begged God to remove you from it or at least help you through it, got it? Now try to imagine how things might have been different if God said, “oh you can handle it, you don’t need me”.
Many times in my own life I have faced trials and consequences far beyond what I was able to handle. If God had said that he would not give us more, troubles, trials or difficulties than we can handle, then why would we need him? If we are so self-sufficient and can handle anything then why do we fail so often? We need God and he wants us to need him. When I started to BELIEVE God and not just “believe in” God, then things really started to make sense.
God wants to use our hurts, mistakes and failures, transforming them into alters of worship. We must believe that God is not only bigger than our hurts but that He is also bigger than our mistakes and unbelief – even those things we have brought on ourselves.
In spite of what we feel or what our circumstances say, we choose to believe the truth of God’s word and what He says about us. We allow it to transform our situation and heal us. This isn’t denying the reality of our circumstance but, rather, denying their right to remain in control of our lives.
Look again at what Paul says, this time in 1 Corinthians 4:8-9 – We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. Paul got it (most of the time) but he, like us, was just a man, or woman. But he believed God and what God told him in 1 Corinthians 12:9 – My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
We are told in 1 Corinthians 10:13- 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.” Temptations, not trials, but that is for a different time.
For me, I have found that “too much” is just enough. So what about you? Are you ready to go from just believing in God to BELIEVE God? Just a thought!
Peace to you, Dave
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