I just got off the phone with my fifteen year old daughter. I had called her to let her know that a present she ordered for a friend had been delivered by the mailman. (I used the word "mailman" on purpose, it was a man who delivered it after all) I informed her of the present, her excitement was palpable and that brought a smile to my face. There is something in a father that gets very happy when his kids are happy.
I then asked her what her plans were for the day, and she listed them off one by one. I am attending a friend's wedding today, and this morning as I was getting ready for work I thought it might be fun to see if my daughter wanted to go with me. I told her that I hadn't been sure what she was doing, and thought if she wasn't doing anything she would like to go to the wedding with me. She said, "Sorry dad, I've got a pretty full day."
When did it change? I mean really, there was a time in my life when if I asked my kids if they wanted to do something with me, they jumped at the chance to go. Now don't get me wrong, I'm very happy that my kids have things to do. It's just now as I see them growing and maturing into young adults I miss the days of my babies being around all the time. Not that I regret anything about the past and my kids growing up. It just seems that one day I realized that I was no longer the center of their universe.
And that's not such a bad thing. I listen to my kids talk to other people now, and it makes me proud. I've got good kids that love God, have great friends and don't let anyone but God sway them in their thinking processes. My wife and I have instilled in them the things they need to be successful in life. And I am thankful to God for that.
I guess now that they are growing up, my bride and I should be gearing up for grand babies. In the future of course, the far, far future that is. Parenthood is the most difficult and yet rewarding thing that I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. Even when my kids can't do things with me...
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Eden...the Original Design
Have you ever felt like maybe there was just something more to be had? A longing for something deep in your soul, something you know you are suppose to have, but when you reach for it you feel it slip through your fingers like a vapor of smoke. It's there, but it's not there...like a lingering thought, a shadow, or memory you think is your's but you're not sure.
I was reading through a passage of John Eldredge's book "Walking with God" this morning when I had that thought about Eden again. The one where I remember for a moment that I was made for Eden. That this world that I'm in right now was not God's origianl design, nor was it what He really had in mind for his creation, us, the ones who were made in His image.
I like to go back to Genesis and read the creation story from time to time. It's an amazing story of love, fellowship and friendship. One thing I remember in the book "Epic", also written by John Eldredge, is where he instructs the reader to stay in the creation story for a while. To not rush ahead to the fall of man, but to stay there in the garden and enjoy the glory of man, and all that entailed.
Adam and Eve lived an incredible story. They ruled over all the garden, tended to it and were able to enjoy all that God had provided for them in a bliss that I dare say none of us have ever known. In the cool of the evening, God would come and talk with them. What an awesome thing to get to do, fellowship with the Creator of all things, as a friend. Not a cringing servant, but a friend with all the benefits that come with that.
The life we live today often is so very far from the original design of God. We know we've fallen, and don't have Eden anymore. It's written on our souls, but there is a longing, a rememberance, that smoke through our fingertips if you will, of what we did have. I think it's there to remind us of what we had, so that we will look for Him and find our way back to that.
Jesus came and showed us the way to live in this world. We are overcomers, more than conquerors through Him that loved us. We can move mountains with our faith, and daily we get to go out and whip something. But for now, in this moment remember the original design. Think about the original glory that we held, and thank God for that.
I was reading through a passage of John Eldredge's book "Walking with God" this morning when I had that thought about Eden again. The one where I remember for a moment that I was made for Eden. That this world that I'm in right now was not God's origianl design, nor was it what He really had in mind for his creation, us, the ones who were made in His image.
I like to go back to Genesis and read the creation story from time to time. It's an amazing story of love, fellowship and friendship. One thing I remember in the book "Epic", also written by John Eldredge, is where he instructs the reader to stay in the creation story for a while. To not rush ahead to the fall of man, but to stay there in the garden and enjoy the glory of man, and all that entailed.
Adam and Eve lived an incredible story. They ruled over all the garden, tended to it and were able to enjoy all that God had provided for them in a bliss that I dare say none of us have ever known. In the cool of the evening, God would come and talk with them. What an awesome thing to get to do, fellowship with the Creator of all things, as a friend. Not a cringing servant, but a friend with all the benefits that come with that.
The life we live today often is so very far from the original design of God. We know we've fallen, and don't have Eden anymore. It's written on our souls, but there is a longing, a rememberance, that smoke through our fingertips if you will, of what we did have. I think it's there to remind us of what we had, so that we will look for Him and find our way back to that.
Jesus came and showed us the way to live in this world. We are overcomers, more than conquerors through Him that loved us. We can move mountains with our faith, and daily we get to go out and whip something. But for now, in this moment remember the original design. Think about the original glory that we held, and thank God for that.
Friday, October 22, 2010
God Moments Are Awesome!
Yesterday, I was able to actually go into work in the afternoon, so I had a little bit of time at home to spend with God. I like those times where I can just sit down with Him and talk over everything that is going on.
As it was a warmer day than I would prefer, I decided to find some shade in my back yard and sit down to talk with my Father. I looked around, and found that the shed in my back yard was shaded in a perfect way if I opened the doors and sat on the floor, with my feet resting on the ramp that leads up to the inside.
I opened the doors, sat myself down and had the most amazing thought. This must have kind of been how it was with Abraham when God showed up that one day and talked with him. The Bible says in Genesis 18:1 "The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day." That's kind of what it felt like to me, sitting there in the entrance to my shed.
I spent a while there, talking with God, you know getting things lined out, asking Him to forgive me for those things where I'd missed it, and just really enjoying the presence of my Father. It was a great time, that while only lasted minutes seemed to do more for my soul than hours of rest and relaxation could have done. It truly is wonderful to be a child of God.
If you have never experienced that peace of being in the Father's presence, then I would highly recommend it. There is nothing like it, absolutely nothing...of that I can promise you. Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
As it was a warmer day than I would prefer, I decided to find some shade in my back yard and sit down to talk with my Father. I looked around, and found that the shed in my back yard was shaded in a perfect way if I opened the doors and sat on the floor, with my feet resting on the ramp that leads up to the inside.
I opened the doors, sat myself down and had the most amazing thought. This must have kind of been how it was with Abraham when God showed up that one day and talked with him. The Bible says in Genesis 18:1 "The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day." That's kind of what it felt like to me, sitting there in the entrance to my shed.
I spent a while there, talking with God, you know getting things lined out, asking Him to forgive me for those things where I'd missed it, and just really enjoying the presence of my Father. It was a great time, that while only lasted minutes seemed to do more for my soul than hours of rest and relaxation could have done. It truly is wonderful to be a child of God.
If you have never experienced that peace of being in the Father's presence, then I would highly recommend it. There is nothing like it, absolutely nothing...of that I can promise you. Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Writing Is Therapeutic For Me
Writing is something that I have always enjoyed. Truth be told, I can remember way back to the second grade when my teacher, Mrs. Smart, had the class write about something we'd like to be. I told the story of how if I could be anything, I'd be a G.I. Joe. Now not the real life army Joe, but the old twelve inch action figures you know the ones with the "kung fu grip". I wrote of how much fun the little boy that owned me would have, as he drug me through the mud, positioned me to fight off the evil hordes that would destroy the U.S.A. (Something that nowadays would be looked down upon, John Wayne where are you when we need you?) I'm sure that my mother still has that paper somewhere in a box up in her attic. It would be a kick to actually see it once more.
I remember several years later working at a steel mill in Muskogee, where I did a variety of jobs. Anything from hauling out the trash, to running the machines that put the threads on the ends of huge pieces of oil field pipe. It was while running one of the lathes there that I had the idea to tell the story of what happens to a piece of pipe from the moment it enters the plant until it was to leave and go into the ground. I wrote this story from the pipe's perspective, and they published it in the company's newsletter.
Writing for me has always been therapeutic. I started a few years ago (2007) to write in a leather bound journal. I don't get the opportunity to write every day, and usually I just write about what is going on in my life with me and my family. But, usually once I've finished writing there I am at peace, or I have a little bit more clarity for my life or the situations at hand. This has become a habit for me, one that took time and effort, but also one that is well worth it.
I've always found it a joy to use writing to create stories that entertain, but at the same time have a deeper meaning. After all, I believe that God is who gave us the ability to use words, and by using words we can either create or destroy the world around us. I want to use my words to build up, not to tear down, and so I write...mainly to encourage myself, but also to encourage others and hopefully bring a little light to their lives at the same time.
Shalom, and have a great day!
I remember several years later working at a steel mill in Muskogee, where I did a variety of jobs. Anything from hauling out the trash, to running the machines that put the threads on the ends of huge pieces of oil field pipe. It was while running one of the lathes there that I had the idea to tell the story of what happens to a piece of pipe from the moment it enters the plant until it was to leave and go into the ground. I wrote this story from the pipe's perspective, and they published it in the company's newsletter.
Writing for me has always been therapeutic. I started a few years ago (2007) to write in a leather bound journal. I don't get the opportunity to write every day, and usually I just write about what is going on in my life with me and my family. But, usually once I've finished writing there I am at peace, or I have a little bit more clarity for my life or the situations at hand. This has become a habit for me, one that took time and effort, but also one that is well worth it.
I've always found it a joy to use writing to create stories that entertain, but at the same time have a deeper meaning. After all, I believe that God is who gave us the ability to use words, and by using words we can either create or destroy the world around us. I want to use my words to build up, not to tear down, and so I write...mainly to encourage myself, but also to encourage others and hopefully bring a little light to their lives at the same time.
Shalom, and have a great day!
Monday, October 18, 2010
It's Late, and I Feel Philosophical...
It is late right now, 12:49 am to be exact. That's late for me anymore...must be the fact that I'm almost 47 now. I opened a shoe store in 1992, and there were times that I would be there until 3 or 4 in the morning, go home and crawl into bed, then get back up and have the store opened at 10 am. I'd do that for days on end, whenever I had things that needed to be done but I had been unable to do them during the day while helping customers. Now I find myself wanting to be in bed by 10 pm. I truly have become a wild and crazy guy.
I just finished watching the movie R.E.D. with Bruce Willis. I really enjoyed it too! I found myself kind of identifying a little bit with his character in this movie. I mean he's retired, and is trying to find a way to fit in now...that's kind of how I've been feeling for the last 6 months. Ever since my youngest son, Noah died, I've been trying to find out how I fit in the big scheme of things again.
The things that use to mean so much to me, now have no real lasting meaning at all. Things that I use to give a lot of time and attention to, now just don't have the appeal. It's been a really interesting journey for me to say the least, one that I really hope no one else ever has to travel.
I guess I just wonder if the things that I poured myself into really matter any more, and with that do I matter anymore? Now don't read into this anything other than what it is...the late night ramblings of a man home alone with his thoughts. I find myself becoming more and more philosophical the older I get. What I mean by that, is that I ask myself a lot more questions now than I did before. It's just what I do, and it helps me to get clarity...most days.
I am a good husband, a good father, a good friend...really I am a good man. I don't say this to toot my own horn, I'm just stating a fact, one that tends to get muddied in the day to day grind. It's something that I have to remind myself about daily, because the mud that is slung my way in the form of thoughts, can make me doubt things that I know are true. You might say that by reminding myself of the truth, I clean the window to my soul.
Well it is now 1:01 am, and my eyelids are actually drooping. If I stay at this too much longer I will need to pull out some toothpicks to prop them open. Suffice it to say, this has been much more for me the writer, than you the reader. If you've taken the time to read this, thanks. I hope you weren't too disappointed...Shalom, and goodnight.
I just finished watching the movie R.E.D. with Bruce Willis. I really enjoyed it too! I found myself kind of identifying a little bit with his character in this movie. I mean he's retired, and is trying to find a way to fit in now...that's kind of how I've been feeling for the last 6 months. Ever since my youngest son, Noah died, I've been trying to find out how I fit in the big scheme of things again.
The things that use to mean so much to me, now have no real lasting meaning at all. Things that I use to give a lot of time and attention to, now just don't have the appeal. It's been a really interesting journey for me to say the least, one that I really hope no one else ever has to travel.
I guess I just wonder if the things that I poured myself into really matter any more, and with that do I matter anymore? Now don't read into this anything other than what it is...the late night ramblings of a man home alone with his thoughts. I find myself becoming more and more philosophical the older I get. What I mean by that, is that I ask myself a lot more questions now than I did before. It's just what I do, and it helps me to get clarity...most days.
I am a good husband, a good father, a good friend...really I am a good man. I don't say this to toot my own horn, I'm just stating a fact, one that tends to get muddied in the day to day grind. It's something that I have to remind myself about daily, because the mud that is slung my way in the form of thoughts, can make me doubt things that I know are true. You might say that by reminding myself of the truth, I clean the window to my soul.
Well it is now 1:01 am, and my eyelids are actually drooping. If I stay at this too much longer I will need to pull out some toothpicks to prop them open. Suffice it to say, this has been much more for me the writer, than you the reader. If you've taken the time to read this, thanks. I hope you weren't too disappointed...Shalom, and goodnight.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Traitor Within
There is something about this idea of there being a traitor hiding within the walls of a stronghold that makes for good story telling. I think of the movie Dune, and Dr. Yueh, the traitor within House Atreides. And what about Cypher in the movie The Matrix? 
There are many traitors both real and make believe, but the one thing that you must know about traitors is that their actions are always self-serving. Dr. Yueh wants to get revenge for the death of his wife, so he allows millions of Atreides men to die, and ends up dying himself. Cypher, just wants to forget and re-enter the matrix. He doesn't even care who dies, and he also is destroyed in the attempt. (And truthfully, do any of you think that Agent Smith would have really re-inserted him back into the matrix?)
One thing that I realized today however, is that sometimes the traitor that is the most dangerous, that one that can do the absolute most damage....is me. Yes you heard me correctly. Me. Now I know that I am a spirit being, and that my spirit is alive unto God. I've been born again according to Scripture Romans 10:9-10, and this is how I know this. Yet I find there is lurking inside of me, this traitor. This one who wants to cause my life to be devoid of the promises of God. Who is this traitor you ask? It is my flesh and my mind.
The Apostle Paul talked about this in Romans 7. What I find interesting is that Paul, the guy who wrote 2/3 of the New Testament, had the same challenges that I have. The answer for him was Jesus, and that is the same answer for me today. Even when my flesh decides to flip the "stupid switch", and goes about doing whatever it wants, I know there is hope for me. Thank You Jesus!
There is a traitor within my friends, one that will never leave us until the return of the Lord. So we must be wary, always being on our guard against this one who would try and sabotage us from within. Strength and honor...Dave
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Denominations...God's Dysfunctional Family
I just returned last week from Kenneth Copeland Ministries 30th Annual Southwest Believers Convention. Now, now before you dismiss me because you perhaps don't like Kenneth Copeland and his ministry, read on and hear what I have to say. It will do you good I promise.
Jesse Duplantis spoke on Wednesday August 4th in the evening service and boy was it a good word for sure. If you'd like to hear the message click here and then find the 8/4/10 message. I promise you it was a good one. He talked about the parable of the prodigal son, and truthfully I've never heard it the way he shared before, it was real good.
Anyway, after hearing his message a couple of times, (I've downloaded the mp3 and listened to it several times) it started me thinking about denominations and how they really aren't God's idea. In Scripture there is found in Ephesians 4:7-16 Paul describing to us how there are various gifts in the body of Christ, ie. the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. And that they are given to help us (the body of Christ - the ones who believe in Jesus) to help grow us up.
Paul uses a phrase here, "unity in the the faith". Interestingly enough, Paul does not say into the "unity of doctrine". Now if you've read anything at all in the Bible you know that God is a God of faith. Actually it says that it is impossible to please Him unless we have faith. Again, He didn't say it's impossible to please Him unless we have the same doctrine.
As Jesse said in his message, there are a lot of good sons and daughters of God in the body of Christ, but not a lot of good brothers and sisters. I mean, when was the last time you did something to bless another church in your city? I mean, if you are Baptist, when was the last time you went and blessed the Pentecostal church when they were doing something? Or for those Pentecostals, when was the last time you went and blessed a Methodist church by showing up for something they were doing?
If we all believe in Jesus, and that is the one thing that most all Christians agree on. Then why can't we fellowship with other believers, even if they don't belong to your denomination? Maybe because we're acting like bad brothers and sisters? And for those of you (like me) who are part of the "non-denominational church" and say we're not like denominations, well you can forget that, because non-denominational churches have become a denomination.
I think that we should all try and find some way to get along with those who may or may not believe doctrinally some of the same things. As long as we all believe in Jesus, we're brothers and sisters in Christ, and eventually if we all go by the way of the grave, we're going to see each other in Heaven. Don't you think we should get to know each other now instead of waiting for the marriage supper of the Lamb?
Thanks Jesse, for inspiring me to reach out to others who believe in Jesus, but may not believe doctrinally like me...fighting the fight until I see His face,
Dave, son of God...brother to ALL Christians
Jesse Duplantis spoke on Wednesday August 4th in the evening service and boy was it a good word for sure. If you'd like to hear the message click here and then find the 8/4/10 message. I promise you it was a good one. He talked about the parable of the prodigal son, and truthfully I've never heard it the way he shared before, it was real good.
Anyway, after hearing his message a couple of times, (I've downloaded the mp3 and listened to it several times) it started me thinking about denominations and how they really aren't God's idea. In Scripture there is found in Ephesians 4:7-16 Paul describing to us how there are various gifts in the body of Christ, ie. the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. And that they are given to help us (the body of Christ - the ones who believe in Jesus) to help grow us up.
Paul uses a phrase here, "unity in the the faith". Interestingly enough, Paul does not say into the "unity of doctrine". Now if you've read anything at all in the Bible you know that God is a God of faith. Actually it says that it is impossible to please Him unless we have faith. Again, He didn't say it's impossible to please Him unless we have the same doctrine.
As Jesse said in his message, there are a lot of good sons and daughters of God in the body of Christ, but not a lot of good brothers and sisters. I mean, when was the last time you did something to bless another church in your city? I mean, if you are Baptist, when was the last time you went and blessed the Pentecostal church when they were doing something? Or for those Pentecostals, when was the last time you went and blessed a Methodist church by showing up for something they were doing?
If we all believe in Jesus, and that is the one thing that most all Christians agree on. Then why can't we fellowship with other believers, even if they don't belong to your denomination? Maybe because we're acting like bad brothers and sisters? And for those of you (like me) who are part of the "non-denominational church" and say we're not like denominations, well you can forget that, because non-denominational churches have become a denomination.
I think that we should all try and find some way to get along with those who may or may not believe doctrinally some of the same things. As long as we all believe in Jesus, we're brothers and sisters in Christ, and eventually if we all go by the way of the grave, we're going to see each other in Heaven. Don't you think we should get to know each other now instead of waiting for the marriage supper of the Lamb?
Thanks Jesse, for inspiring me to reach out to others who believe in Jesus, but may not believe doctrinally like me...fighting the fight until I see His face,
Dave, son of God...brother to ALL Christians
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)