Connection Interruption

I don’t know if you’ve experienced it before, that helpless, hopelessly frustrating feeling when you receive the message...Internet Connection not found.

We had an Internet issue at the office recently where we could not connect to the Internet or with each other through our office network. It is times like these that we realize how much we depend on our connectivity.

I had no access to online Bibles or research. I couldn’t ‘Google’ anything. Files that I’m used to sharing or having instant access from our office server were unavailable. What could I do? Not much. I might as well go golfing.

That reminds me of how important it is to stay connected to Christ, and to one another. There is great value in the relationships we develop with others in the body of Christ…those who can encourage, challenge, rebuke, comfort and otherwise ‘sharpen’ us. Ultimately, Jesus is the Vine, we are the branches. If we don’t stay connected to Him, every one of us will wither and die.

So, the next time you have a hard time connecting to your ‘facebook’ page or can’t get online to check the weather, remember that it’s crucial to stay connected to Jesus. If that connection is broken, you really can do nothing.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. John 15:5-6

Enjoying the Journey,

David

A Weed Named Goliath

This fall we were cleaning up our yard in preparation to put our house on the market...along with 14 million other people. We’ve done a LOT of work updating the inside and out over the last 5 years. It’s almost an entirely new house. (Anybody want to buy a house?)

Anyway, during the process of cleaning up and sprucing up the outside of the house, I came across a weed. It was toward the side of the yard behind some bushes and out of the normal traffic area in the back yard. Now, obviously I didn’t know this thorny weed was there…for a very long time. It had continued to grow, undisturbed and unchecked for, who-knows-how-long. It was over five feet tall! I named it Goliath…just before I killed it. You might say it’s my own ‘David and Goliath’ story.

In our spiritual lives, we need to be aware of weeds. They can grow up and choke out the spiritual growth and fruitfulness of the Word of God in our lives. Jesus said so in the Parable of the Sower. What about those weeds that might be off the beaten path and out of our normal line of sight?

That might be why the first David prayed,

“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-34 NKJV

I’ve pulled weeds enough in my day to know that you have to pull them up by the root. You can’t just break off the top. If you don’t get to the hidden, underground root system, your garden may look good for awhile, but underneath the weeds are still growing, and sapping the strength out of the plants you want to flourish. Soon, everybody will be able to see the weeds.

Some of these weeds might be bitterness, unforgiveness, prejudice, anger, resentment, laziness and so many more. You’d be surprised how quickly weeds can overtake a garden if you don’t pay attention to them constantly. Ask God to show you your hidden weeds today…and get your spade.

Enjoying the journey,

David

The Long Way Around

I'm sitting in my first of four airports today on my way home from vacation. When you use a frequent flyer ticket, the airlines put you on any airplane with an open seat that will get you…eventually…to your desired location. We started early this morning leaving from Las Vegas headed back home to Milwaukee. Our first stop is Los Angeles. Any 'D' student of geography knows that LA is in the opposite direction that we want to travel. But, there's more than one way to skin a cat. After LA, we'll stop in St. Louis before finally arriving in Milwaukee about 10:00 PM tonight.

This got me thinking about our spiritual journey. Yes, I do that a lot. We know from geometry class that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. But we can't always take that route, nor would it always be the best route for us. For instance, God led the Israelites the long way around when they left Egypt. Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt." ¹⁸ So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. Ex. 13:17-18

God knows what we need, what we fear, and what will cause us to lose faith, or increase our faith. Many times it is the journey itself that strengthens us and prepares us for what is ahead. On their journey, the Israelites went THROUGH the Red Sea and saw the miraculous power of God, yet again, as they passed through the sea on dry land. They saw Him provide manna, water and meat in the wilderness for over a million people. There are also some great lessons of trust as we take our journey, if we have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Moses led the nation well in the desert, because he'd been there before…for 40 years. As I look back on many experiences in my life, I can see how each step and experience has prepared me for what God is doing in my life now. At the time, it seemed like God was taking me the long way around. Some of these were very difficult times, but I learned that God can do awesome things in impossible situations, and going through struggles has made me the man I am today. Maybe that's why James said, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4

If we had known no struggles, no conflict, no hurts we would be overwhelmed by the ones that face us today and in the future. But God has been faithful in the past and I'm confident that He'll bring us through the struggles of both today and tomorrow. And in the process, continue to perfect us and equip us for what is yet to come.

Who knows? The next trip may be Baltimore, Denver, Miami, Boston, San Diego. Remember, it's where you end up that matters.

Enjoying the journey,

David

P.S. We made it home.

Hope in the Desert

I've been in the desert for the last week...literally. The desert landscape is rough and rugged, mostly rocks, and occasionally a tumbleweed or a cactus. I had a teacher who helped me remember how to spell 'desert' and 'dessert'. You go back for seconds on 'dessert', so there are two s's. You don't want seconds on the desert. People die in the desert. Desert = dry, hot, and dusty.

We end up in the desert for different reasons. Sometimes disobedience leaves us in the desert. God has a beautiful, furtile promised land for us and when we refuse to go in because of fear or lack of faith, we wander in the wilderness...for years. And as a result, people suffer, and die, missing out on God's amazing blessings.

Other times we're in the desert to train. Moses herded sheep in the desert for 40 years before he was giving the assignment to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. It could be that God was preparing Moses for his future as the leader of the Israelites...in the desert for another 40 years.

I came to the desert intentionally, on vacation. I chose to come to the desert because when you add water to the desert climate, you have some of the most beautiful and lush landscapes in the country. (You may have heard of Palm Springs, Las Vegas, and Phoenix) I played golf this week at a beautiful golf course that has been transformed by water, and I was reminded of the words of Jesus, "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38) And the Scripture goes on to explain, "But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive;..."

Whatever your desert is, and wherever the Spirit-filled believer in Jesus is, the answer to the desert is the Spirit of God within, Who flows from your inmost being, bringing life to dry, dead places. Yes, even the desert blooms when you add water.

“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19

Do it again, Lord, in me. Let Your river flow from me and bring life to dry and dead places.

Enjoying the Journey,

David

Back to School

It’s fall again, and time to get back into the routine of life. Vacations are over and we’re back to work, back to church, and back to school. Our fall sermon series, starting Sunday, September 6 is “Back to School”.

As young children, we are sent to learn and expand our understanding. This process continues through Jr. High, High School and College. In one respect, the disciples ‘went to school’ every day. And who better to instruct us than the One they called ‘Teacher.’

We’re all familiar with the school subjects of Home Economics, History, Language and Art, but the Great Teacher has a different perspective than your average high school teacher. What does it mean to be a homemaker in the household of faith? There is much we can learn from the history of patriarchs and disciples who have gone before us. And on the subject of Art, who better to teach lessons of creativity than the Creator? His artwork is amazing!

Join us this September and October for the Back-to-School Series each Sunday at 10:15 AM. The subjects and schedule are as follows:

Sept. 6 - Home Economics
Sept. 13 – History
Sept. 20 - Language
Sept. 27 – Art
Oct. 4 – Class Reunion
Oct. 11 - Geography

May our prayer be that of David who was eager to learn the ways and the truth of God. Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Psalm 86:11

Eye Has Not Seen

Yesterday we went to Disney's Magic Kingdom with our entire family. It was a very hot, humid, long and great day. While we were in line to ride Winnie the Pooh, 2-tr-old Taylor saw a costumed Winnie the Pooh at a distance walking around. She starting crying that she wanted to get out of line and go see Winnie right now! Really crying. This was the most urgent and important thing in her life at that moment.

What she didn't know was that in just a few minutes we would be going on a new adventure on a ride that she'd never experienced, nor had any idea what to expect. Her parents (and grandparents) new what was coming, so we told her that what was coming was far better than shaking the hand of a furry Pooh wannabe.

We do the same thing. We think we know what we want. We focus on only what we can see and what we think is going to be 'good'. But, our Father knows what's coming just around the corner. When He says, 'Just wait,' do we trust that He knows what He's talking about? Do we believe that the journey He's about to take us on is far better than what we think we want to do?

Fortunately, Taylors parents, and our Heavenly Father sometimes tells us, 'no.' What the Father has in store is greater than we can imagine.

The moral of the story:

Quit crying and trust the Father.

Patience. Just a little longer and we're in for a journey that we haven't imagined.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9 NLT

Enjoying the journey,

David

Weeping and Rejoicing

The paragraph header in the NKJV for Romans 12:9-21 reads:

Behave like a Christian

Good advice. Paul evidently felt like he needed to clarify that thought to his readers, and I would agree for readers in our day as well. That's such a broad stroke. Oh, it's very clear to me, . . . and I'm sure to you, but how 'Christian Behavior' is interpreted varies widely today. But that's a subject for another blog.

So there is no confusion, Paul starts a list of things to do, and not to do if you are going to live a Christian life. Down the list a ways is, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." This is the community of Christ, 'Living In' and sharing life together. Sharing joys and sorrows, bearing burdens and celebrating victories together.

I participated in both sides of this verse today. Two senior saints in our congregation died today...yes, on the same day. They both loved the Lord and I know they are in His presence right now. There was weeping with both families, with both spouses and friends as loved ones were lost from this life. There is a granddaughter who will miss 'grandpa'. Daughters who will miss 'Mom'. And spouses who will be mourning on this earth for the loss of their friend and partner in life.

So, where is the rejoicing in death?

Not long ago Kathy was telling me how excited she was, and that she couldn't wait to see Jesus. That was before she took the fall that ultimately ended her life. She was living with more than the 'hope' of heaven, she was living with that expectation!

Jack had a hard time walking in his last months. No longer. I picture him whole and strong and with a body that will never wear out for eternity. He's been looking forward to seeing Jesus for decades. Today he and Kathy had appointments only a few hours apart.

So while loved ones were weeping, I know Jack and Kathy were rejoicing today as they were welcomed into heaven by Jesus Himself. And I am rejoicing with them! They fought the good fight, they kept the faith, and they finished the race. I'm happy for them, and in a way, a little envious. They have already experienced what I am living for.

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2

Enjoying the journey,

David

You Pick One

Choices.

I hate to make the wrong choice, even on something as trivial as ordering dinner from the menu. My daughter Shawna always seems to get what I wish I would have ordered. I’ve toyed with just ordering what she gets every time, but then, what do I do when she’s not with me? I have to choose.

I saw something I’ve never seen before in the book of Joshua. At the end of the conquest of the Promised Land, Joshua got the pick of any city he wanted.

49 After all the land was divided among the tribes, the Israelites gave a piece of land to Joshua as his allocation. 50 For the Lord had said he could have any town he wanted. He chose Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim. He rebuilt the town and lived there. Joshua 19:49-50 NLT

Where would you pick? Green Bay? LA? Denver or Phoenix? Maybe a small quiet town is your thing, or somewhere tropical like Ft. Lauderdale or San Juan. (It is in a US territory)

I'm not sure what city I’d pick. We’ve been privileged to travel a lot and have either been in or through some very nice cities. I like Dallas a lot, and Nashville. Cindy wants to retire in Loveland, Colorado, provided we can still ski in our old age. But, it would also be hard to beat San Diego.

If I was Joshua, I’d be worried that I’d pick the wrong one. I always pick the wrong line at the grocery store, 100% of the time. Somehow I get the line that has the lady with the unmarked item AND she’s writing a check that needs managerial approval (and the manager is on their break). I’d be afraid of making the wrong choice. What if I picked Dallas, and God said, “I wanted to give you San Diego.” Or, if I chose San Diego, and God said, “Ok, but I was thinking of Honolulu.” So I decided if God ever asks me to pick the city, I’ll ask Him to pick for me. “I want to have the city You want me to have.”

If you remember, a similar situation worked out well for Solomon. God said to Solomon, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” (1 Kings 3:5) Solomon answered and chose wisdom, and God told him He would grant him riches and fame as well.

Of course, it works the other way, too, which proves my point. Israel didn’t do so well at choosing whether to go into the Promised Land or not, or picking their own first king. God wanted to be their King. You can’t beat that. But, they settled for less than His best. That’s what it really comes down to for me. I want His best.

Since I am sure of God’s awesome love for me and His eternal wisdom, if He ever asks me to pick one of anything, here’s my answer,

“God I want to have whatever you want me to have. You pick the city, the friends, the house, and the career. I’ll also let You select the trials, troubles, disappointments and challenges, because I know I don’t always make the right choice, or even know what I really need. So, I’ll trust You, and take whatever You give me.”

"Oh, and thanks a lot…in advance."

Enjoying the Journey,

David

I Know Who

Who? What? When? Where? Why?

Every good reporter knows that these are the basic questions that must be asked and answered in relation to every story. What happened? When and where did it happen? Who was involved or committed the crime? And the biggest question of all, why?

Advertisers know that if people are going to come to an event, you need to communicate these five details to them in some form. I’ve used these five W’s as a quick test when proofing copy for church publications and more than once had to ask the person doing the layout, “When is it?” Or “Where is it?”

We’re conditioned to be ‘in the know’ when it comes to our own lives. Only, how many times have we said, “I don’t know what’s going on!” We never see the full picture. Tomorrow is unknown to all of us. There is more uncertainty in our nation and in our world today than any time I remember in my lifetime. Have you heard any of these statements lately?

“Why is this is happening to me?”

“I wonder when the stock market is going to turn around.” (Don’t we all?)

“What is going to happen next?”

“Where are we going to go if I lose my job?”

Here’s what gives me confidence and comfort, I may not know what, where, when or why, . . . but I do know Who! I know Who holds my tomorrow in His hands. I know Who has all power and authority in heaven, on earth and under the earth. I know Who calls me by name and has numbered the hairs on my head. I know Who I can trust to take care of me in every situation, and I call Him, "Father."

Job didn’t know the ‘why’, but he knew Who. “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job. 1:21

Paul suffered for his faith far greater than we ever will, facing tribulation, trials and beatings, yet he wrote to Timothy, For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 2 Tim. 1:12.

Life is a lot easier to face, . . . death is a lot easier to face, when you know Who you have believed. If we trust Him with our eternity, we can trust Him for today, . . . and tomorrow.

Knowing Who, Trusting Him, and Enjoying the Journey,

David

Frozen Cats and Hard Hearts

Let me just start by saying, "Brrrrrrrrrr!!!" I'm sure it was never -28 degrees in the Garden of Eden before the fall. Therefore, sub-zero temperatures must be the result of sin.

When I feel this bone-chilling cold, I'm reminded of my childhood. Raised in Southeast Idaho, I've been in freezing cold weather before...but that doesn't mean I'm used to it, or have to like it. You see, when things freeze, they usually die. There are a few exceptions, such as embryos, but I've seen plants when they're frozen, and they die. People and animals that are frozen, die.

I haven't always known that 'frozen death' is permanent. When I was in the second or third grade some friends and I were playing outside at the park by ourselves, (back when you could safely do that). We found a cat...frozen solid...dead. Being a young man of either great faith, or naivety, I picked up the cat and carried it home. I took it inside and put it by the heater to thaw out, figuring that we'd have a new pet.

Yes, this was a learning experience for me as my parents explained that the cat was going to stay dead, even if we thawed it out. If we warmed up the outside, the heart of the cat had frozen and would not work anymore...he was hardhearted.

If caught out in the cold, we're advised to keep warm, keep moving and not to go to sleep. There are some good spiritual parallels to this line of thinking.

• Don't let your heart get cold. Keep that spiritual fire burning. Keep feeding it with good teaching, sermons, God's Word and worship.


• Don't think you can stop where you are and rest. Once you stop, it's hard to get going again. Keep moving toward deeper relationship with God.


• And don't drift into spiritual slumber. God's Word even says, "Wake up, O sleeper..." (Ephesians 5:14) Our faith should be alive, vibrant and active.

Here's praying that your spiritual life is 'hot' and your heart soft toward God.

Enjoying the Journey,

David

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Change. No one really loves it.

Change is a part of life, from birth to death.

Some folks resist change so much that they still drive the 1967 truck with the 8-track player, have a rotary phone and have never been on the Internet. But they use electricity, which at one point in time was change. So was indoor plumbing, french fries and drums in church.

Everything we know or will know changes. . . except of course for God.

So why are we so resistant to change? The name of the church I pastor is Changing Lives Assembly of God. We should have seen this coming!

Two weeks ago we said (and cried) goodbye to our daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren as they moved back to sunny, warm, California. (It was 86 degrees warmer there today than here, but I'm not bitter.) Of course we're going to miss the frequent visits, game nights, and hearing firsthand the latest new discovery from our 'grandchildren of genius'. I may even miss puppy kisses and 100 decibels of noise in my living room. There's nothing like hearing those darlings run and greet you at the door yelling, "Papa, Papa, Papa!"

But if we are really trusting God and following His leading in our lives, we have to focus not on what we're going to miss, but to ask, "What is God doing through this change?" Whatever it is, it's going to be great, because God works things for our good.

By the way, if you didn't realize it already, God specializes in change, . Do you recognize any of His famous 'change' statements?

“Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. (Gen. 12:1)

Change

Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? (Is. 43:19)

Change

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Cor. 5:17)

Change

“This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." (Luke 22:20)

Change

Every one of those changes turned out to be great, and we can trust God through whatever change comes today or tomorrow. Whatever God's doing in our lives, it's for our good...always. Remember, His ways are higher than our ways.

Though several of the changes in my life have been unpleasant, or downright painful, others have been exciting and a great blessing. Through all of them I've grown and gained wisdom.

I'm glad I'm not the same person in the same place, knowing only the same people I knew 30 years ago. If so, only about four of you would be reading this. (Hi Dad, Mom, Liz and Stephen)Change brought the rest of you into my life and enriched it.

So don't get too attached to the way anything is in this world. . . it's going to change, and in the end be destroyed and replaced by a new heaven and a new earth.

More change.

Get used to it.

Enjoying the Journey,

David