tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365979552024-03-13T14:09:44.323-04:00Dave's DoodlesJust my thoughts -- mostly about life & GodDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-36810240788628737642010-04-22T01:50:00.002-04:002010-04-22T01:53:16.190-04:00It's been almost a yearWow! I cannot believe it's been almost a year since I posted here. <br /><br />I'm working on a couple of projects with some other folks. As I have more details, I'll pass them on. <br /><br />Just so I know if anyone even sees this how about taking a minute to post a comment if you stopped by. It can be as simple as hello!<br /><br />Thanks! <br />DaveDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-82537017069715024582009-04-29T12:14:00.004-04:002009-04-29T12:33:14.772-04:00We've Lost The "The"I have spent a lot of time thinking about how "church" has changed. When I read about the church in the New Testament it is always described in a "personal" way. It's apparent that God, through the writers, views US as the church and not a location. Over and over again, it's referred to as "THE church". Take a look for yourself.<br /><br />Today, for most, the church is now a location or a name. We say things like:<br /><br />"I go TO ____ church."<br /><br />"We missed you AT church."<br /><br />"Invite your friends TO church."<br /><br />"Where do you ATTEND church?"<br /><br />"I can't wait to get TO church!"<br /><br />But, throughout the New Testament we read things such as:<br /><br />Acts 2:41 - Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to <em><strong>the</strong></em> church that day—about 3,000 in all.<br /><br />Acts 5:11 - Great fear gripped <em><strong>the</strong></em> entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened.<br /><br />Acts 11:22 - When <strong><em>the</em></strong> church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch.<br /><br />Romans 14:19 - So then, let us aim for harmony in <strong><em>the</em></strong> church and try to build each other up.<br /><br />Romans 16:5 - Also give my greetings to <em><strong>the</strong></em> church that meets in their home.<br /><br />1 Corinthians 1:10 - I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in <strong><em>the</em></strong> church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.<br /><br />1 Corinthians 5:4 - ...in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of <em><strong>the</strong></em> church. I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus.<br /><br /><br />I could give you at least 148 examples of this from the New Testament.<br /><br />I believe this is a critical point because when "church" is a location there is no real power in it. But when we recognize that WE are the Church - all the time - wherever we gather. We begin to recognize that we are the Body of Christ everywhere, all the time.<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-9009580064226811572009-02-20T09:32:00.002-05:002009-02-20T09:37:06.082-05:00Time Flies!Wow! Has time really flown by this year. I had been a little concerned about this tax season with all of the economic issues going on. But, so far, it seems the old saying about death and taxes still holds true - and people still want my help getting them done. So, I'm very thankful for that!!<br /><br />In fact, it seems this year has been busier than last year. This also means I've been incredibly slack on updating this blog - SORRY!<br /><br />It looks like it may still be a little while before I have a chance to sit down and put up a real post - but the good Lord willin' - I'll be back!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-91251037987108622512009-01-01T11:46:00.003-05:002009-01-01T11:59:14.598-05:00Happy New Year!Welcome to 2009! I believe this year is going to be a great one. <br /><br />I've typically not been big on New Year's Resolutions (because they are rarely followed through on), but I am a fan of taking a look at our lives from time-to-time and adjust the things we've lost focus on. You know, the truly important things.<br /><br />I also believe that accountability (sharing the things you want to change with friends and family and asking them to encourage you to succeed) is the key to long-term successful life change. So, here are the things I'm working on for 2009:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />> Being there for my family.</span><br /><br />This has been a focus for a long time for me, but I could still do better.<br /><br />Specifically, I'm looking forward to having "Daddy-Daughter Dates" with my girls at least once a month. I know it will be way too soon and they'll be off living their own lives.<br /><br />I also need to spend more time with Jeri. While we see each other a lot - at work and at home - we still need more time just hanging out together - away from working and parenting.<br /><br />I'll share more of the things I want to improve over the next few days / weeks.<br /><br />What about you? Where do you want to improve your relationships?<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-43615943159229158192008-12-29T00:27:00.001-05:002008-12-29T00:28:30.271-05:00Christmas RealityThis Christmas has been bitter-sweet. In my last post I wrote about being in a temporary world on our way to an eternal home. At 6 am on Christmas morning Jeri’s (my wife) Grandma Raine went home to heaven.<br /><br />Obviously, this was a difficult way to begin Christmas day, but something amazing had occurred. For the first time in many years the whole family was gathered in two locations. My father-in-love’s family were all together in Virginia Beach (this included our family). And, his sister’s family were all gathered in Michigan (where they live and were Grandma lived). <br /><br />This provided us the chance to immediately truly be there for each other. It was hard, but we were all together! I praise God for working out these details.<br /><br />Finally, these times are a little weird for me. When the person we “lose” is a believer, I have a tough time really getting overly upset. It absolutely hurts, but at the same time I rejoice because they have truly moved from the temporary life (with all its hurt and struggle) on to their eternal life (with no more tears). If anything, I’m a little jealous. I love life, I pray often that God’s mission for me will keep me hear for a long, long time, but when it’s time for me to go home – I’m ready!!<br /><br />Even writing this is a bit weird because I’m really not in a hurry to get out of here, and you always here stories of people writing or saying something like this and then dying. Yet, it’s the truth, it’s how I feel, when I go home – celebrate for me!! And, I’ll look forward to seeing you there – what a party that will be!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Father, I pray that you will ease the pain we feel in our loss. You are the God of all comfort, and we lean on You in times like this. I thank you that we don’t grieve like those with no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). In Jesus’ name.</span><br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-7397870961178686512008-12-22T11:25:00.004-05:002008-12-22T11:39:47.364-05:00Merry Christmas!Merry Christmas to all of you!!<br /><br />One thing that's comforting to me in this year of so much worldly uncertainty in knowing all of this is just temporary.<br /><br />I know if you've lost your job, seen your financial portfolio tumble, lost a loved one (the list could go on and on) it can be difficult to see these things as "temporary". And, I certainly do not want to make light of the hardships we face in this world.<br /><br />Yet, the truth remains the truth - whether we "feel" it or not. Jesus explained that He is the Truth. He also told us He was the Life - real life. And, in this same statement, He set Himself apart as the Way. The Way to what?<br /><br />The Way to what is real and lasting! That is why I know this world is just temporary. The Apostle Paul also gave us this description - this life and world is only temporary.<br /><br />So, while we are still here in this time of "in between" - living in a temporary world on our way to an eternal home - it's important to keep things in perspective.<br /><br />Love much!! Spend a lot of time with family and friends. Soak in the good things, and give a little less attention to the bad. Make new friends - with no other agenda than just to be a good friend. Re-connect with old friends - it's amazing how quickly those relationships can be rekindled to what they used to be.<br /><br />And, this Christmas, spend some time just pondering why Jesus would choose to leave the place we all long for - heaven - to come and walk a while in our shoes. This wasn't just some random act - there was/is an eternal purpose for His choosing to come.<br /><br />Knowing the reason makes all the difference in the world!<br /><br />Much love to all of you,<br />DaveDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-38302097819200858652008-12-09T19:38:00.001-05:002008-12-09T19:40:52.848-05:00Doing GoodI had a great conversation with a friend today. It was over an hour long, so I obviously can’t hit it all on this post, but let me share one of the things that real struck me. It’s not something I haven’t thought about before, but I’m not sure I’ve thought about it this way (at least not for awhile).<br /><br />It revolves around this idea of “doing good”. I often hear Christians (and others) talk about just doing the right thing – or if their talking in spiritual terms – doing what God wants them to do.<br /><br />Certainly the Bible does say we should do good things. The Book of James says faith without action is dead (James 2:17). Hebrews tells us to “encourage each other towards outbursts of love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). First John teaches, “…let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions” (1 John 3:18). <br /><br />Yet, so many people I talk with seem to be lost when it comes to knowing what they should be doing. Here’s where I think we miss it – it’s NOT about a checklist; it’s about a relationship. Said another way, I don’t think God just wants us to come up with our own list of good things to do and then one-by-one do them and check them off and feel better about ourselves. Granted, that would probably be much easier, but it misses the whole point the Bible makes about being in relationship with God and each other. <br /><br />The kicker is that relationships are more difficult (and they don’t operate on checklists). They’re very dynamic! The same is true in our relationship with God, it’s not just a list of things to do and not do, it’s about spending time with Him and getting to know Him (and the primary ways we do this is through reading the Bible and prayer). <br /><br />I believe the “good things” we do are actually meant to be the <em>by-product </em>of our relationship with God. The closer I get to God, the more godly I become (in my thoughts, words and actions). Said another way, the more like God I become, the more “good things” I will do – naturally, not based on some checklist.<br /><br />Our focus should not be on coming up with a list of good things to do. Our focus should be on spending more time with God. This allows Him to transform our hearts to be more like His heart. The result – we will do the things God would do – the good things - if He were still here in human form (which, by the way, I think He is still here on earth working through those who choose to follow Him). <br /><br />So, away with the checklist, dive into the relationship. The “good things” to do will follow – naturally and relationally!<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-74860530805691536052008-11-24T22:37:00.001-05:002008-11-24T22:39:42.371-05:00Do you LIKE other people?Here’s something I was thinking about today. In the Christian world we often talk about loving each other (primarily because that’s what Jesus said we should do – “love your neighbor”).<br /><br />But, do we really LIKE each other?<br /><br />I’ve heard a lot of people (including myself) say things like, “Of course I love them – I have to – I’m a Christian. But I don’t have to like them.” I think this misses Jesus’ whole point! He wasn’t teaching us to SAY we love people, He was teaching us to truly love people. And if we truly love people, guess what, we’ll like them, too!<br /><br />So, maybe what we should start asking ourselves is, “How much do I really LIKE other people?” <br /><br />There’s no doubt that we all have those things that will annoy others. I’m not saying all that goes away. What I am saying is that we begin to really see people how God sees them – He loves them – and He likes them, too! Annoying quirks and all.<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-73615204781744839152008-11-15T12:58:00.002-05:002008-11-15T13:01:19.096-05:00How do we do this in real life?<strong>Philippians 2:3-4</strong> – <em>Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.</em><br /><br />I was putting together my thoughts for some ministry work I’m doing with community leaders. This led me to this verse in Philippians (in relationship to part of the Great Commandment where Jesus tells us to love others).<br /><br />The context for my notes was Marketplace Ministry – How does God want to use us in the marketplace? You could really expand this from “in the marketplace” to “in our whole life”.<br /><br />As I pondered this verse, it struck me just how hard this is to really live out. Don’t you want to impress others at work? Isn’t this how we move ahead?<br /><br />I don’t think this is saying to be a slacker – not at all. God calls us to give our best at work (Eph. 6:7). What I believe it is teaching is that we do not “use” people to get ahead. In fact, we go a step beyond and proactively look for ways to help those around us – we look out for their interests, too. And, we do this with a sense of humility – it’s not ploy, it’s who we really are (or are becoming as we allow God to work in our lives).<br /><br />How do you see this verse in your life? <br />How does it challenge you? <br />What questions does it bring up?<br /><br />You can reply through the “Comments” below. If you don’t have a Blogger account, just click on the “Anonymous” button at the bottom of the comments section.<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-9031274939231495722008-11-10T11:29:00.002-05:002008-11-10T11:33:01.356-05:00I Agree with SatanDid that title get your attention? I guess I should explain.<br /><br />I often talk with people who tell me how whenever they feel like maybe they could really step out and be used by God, they “hear” Satan whisper in their ear all the reasons why God could never use them.<br /><br />While it’s not an audible voice, it’s just that reminder of past failures – bad decisions, sinful actions, abusive words, whatever it is that make them feel… well… useless and unworthy.<br /><br />Here’s my advice – agree with Satan. Your “conversation” may go something like this…<br /><br />After Satan mentions something from your past – simply say, “You know what, you’re right! I did do that. No doubt about it that was a really stupid decision.” <br /><br />But, if you’ve made the decision to follow Christ, that’s not the end of the dialogue. Because then you can also point Satan’s attention to the Cross of Jesus Christ and remind him that all those past failures are why you praise God for the Cross! Remember, the Cross is payment in full for those stupid and sinful things we have all done.<br /><br />You should see the look on Satan’s face when you remind him of the rest of the story!!<br /><br />Okay, you can’t really see his face, but it would be great if you could! <br /><br />Never allow Satan to steal the power of the Cross in your life. Because he really can’t steal it, he can only hope you forget about it.<br /><br />So, next time Satan attempts to pull you down with your own past – simply agree, point him to the Cross, and step out and allow God to do all He wants to do in your life!<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-73449739174158637582008-11-08T10:40:00.004-05:002008-11-08T11:11:20.595-05:00How do we learn to love?One of the things my cirlce of friends have been talking a lot about lately is how do we get back to the foundational teaching of Jesus - love God, love people? This post encompasses both of these principles.<br /><br />Whether you would consider yourself a Christ follower, Christian, religious or none of the above - most people believe the principles found in the Bible are good.<br /><br />Let’s take some time, to look at the process Peter writes about that leads to loving all people:<br /><br /><strong>2 Peter 1:5-7 ~<br /></strong><em>In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.</em><br /><br />Peter writes, “make every effort”. This is not some ho hum attempt at getting along, this is full blown commitment to grow in this way. And what’s the growth process (which, by the way, often overlap each other)?<br /><br />Supplement your… <br /> <br /> ->Faith (Do I truly trust Jesus?)<br /><br /> -> Moral Excellence (Am I becoming more pure in my thoughts, words and actions?)<br /><br /> -> Knowledge (Am I gaining God’s wisdom to make better decisions?)<br /><br /> -> Self-control (Do I exhibit control over how I interact with others and issues?)<br /><br /> -> Patient Endurance (Am I more patient with people and circumstances?)<br /><br /> -> Godliness (Is my character becoming more like God’s character?)<br /><br /> -> Brotherly Affection (Am I laying my life down for my friends?)<br /><br /> -> Love for everyone (Do I truly love my neighbor?)<br /><br />Here’s how I view this teaching: As I practice <strong>Moral Excellence</strong> by trusting Jesus (in <strong>Faith</strong>), it leads to gaining <strong>Knowledge</strong>. This Knowledge allows me to gain <strong>Moral Wisdom</strong> leading to <strong>Self-control</strong>. By not always just reacting to things around me, I learn to be more <strong>Patient</strong>; it enables me to <strong>Endure</strong> difficult times and people. As I Endure, my character becomes more <strong>Godly</strong> and my reverence/respect for God’s work in my life grows. Since God is Love – my<strong> Love</strong> begins to grow - first, <strong>for other Believers</strong>; then <strong>for all people</strong>. This is the essence of the Great Commandment – to love God and love people. In fact, my love for all people reveals my love for God.<br /><br />The key to all of this is actually found in verse 3 of 2 Peter 1 - <em>By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. <strong>We have received all of this by coming to know him</strong>, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.</em><br /><em><br /></em>We get to know God through reading the Bible, prayer, and interaction with His church – the people of God.<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-73594210366763733552008-10-25T11:12:00.003-04:002008-10-25T11:15:43.520-04:00Back to BloggingI know it's been a while since I blogged here. I've been working on another project (which I'm still working on), but decided I wanted to resume posting my thoughts here.<br /><br />So, welcome back!<br /><br />I'm currently reading a book called <em>The Shack</em> by Wm Paul Young. This book will make you think. If you've read it, send me a comment on what you think about it.<br /><br />Did you like it?<br />Did it confuse you?<br />Did it answer some of your questions about God?<br />Do you think it's an accurate view of God?<br /><br />Whatever your thoughts are, I'd like to read them.<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-22604793634677889552008-10-25T11:10:00.001-04:002008-10-25T11:11:56.352-04:00New Poll QuestionThe New Poll Question is up - How do you view God?<br /><br />Let me know how you see God.<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-57066205473205369062008-10-25T11:08:00.002-04:002008-10-25T11:10:38.636-04:00Last Poll ResultsWhat's your favorite thing about Summer? (It was possible to pick more than one response)<br /><br />20% - Warm / Hot Weather<br />40% - Travel / Vacation<br />40% - No School<br />60% - Lighter Schedule<br />0% - SwimmingDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-34064151160452648002008-07-21T21:58:00.003-04:002008-07-21T22:02:09.697-04:00Church BuildingsOkay, I've decided to get your help with a part of my new project.<br /><br />I’m trying to make a list of the pros and cons of having a church building. What I’d like for you to do is provide a list of the pros and cons you see in having a church building. Tell me your personal views and, if you attend a church, I’d love to hear what success or struggles your church has been through related to buildings. <br /><br />You can reply anonymously through the comment botton below (but if your comfortable using your name, it makes the conversation a bit more personal - your choice).<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-90371064970260230922008-07-21T20:40:00.004-04:002008-07-21T20:44:05.931-04:00Taking Time for a New ProjectHello All! <br /><br />Thanks for all of your support for this blog. I will continue to make personal posts here, and I do hope to continue the "Question Jesus Asked" series. <br /><br />I am spending a great deal of time on another project (which I hope to share more details about with you soon). Because of this, my posts may be sporadic for a while.<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-86975994914588779942008-07-09T13:56:00.002-04:002008-07-09T13:58:23.021-04:00Last Poll Results - New Poll UpWhich of these best describes your life?<br /><br />0% - Too Busy<br /><br />50% - Very Busy<br /><br />40% - Busy<br /><br />10% - Very Calm<br /><br />0% - Too Calm<br /><br />While we seem to be busy, no one thinks they are <em>too</em> busy - hummm. So, are we all getting everything we want to do done?<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-18466164036582980702008-07-07T12:48:00.000-04:002008-07-07T12:49:48.606-04:00Family ReunionsDuring the last week of June, my family and I enjoyed a family reunion at my parent’s house. <br /><br />It was great! <br /><br />Seeing so many of our family members (all of us growing up – well, physically anyway). There’s something about coming together with family. We have different interests, different views on some things, and even different spiritual beliefs, but we are still family – and we enjoy being together!<br /><br />I realize not everyone has an earthly family like this – and that makes me sad. <br /><br />The same can be true for our spiritual families – some get along, others don’t – but we are still family.<br /><br />However, there’s one huge difference when it’s all said and done – when we have our final (and eternal) family reunion with the Father – all that divides us will be no more. That reunion will be incredible! If you can attempt to picture a family reunion with no “under-currents,” no “issues,” just a time of celebration and authentic love, then you’ll begin to see just a glimpse of what heaven will be like.<br /><br />I’ve heard heaven described as sitting around all day on clouds playing harps, and frankly, that really doesn’t interest me at all. But I’ve also heard it described as a place where we are able to enjoy a real life free from all of the sin and hate that occupies our relationships here on earth. <br /><br />Now, that’s exciting!<br /><br />Thankfully, I do enjoy my earthly family reunions, but I can’t wait to be a part of the eternal reunion because of my personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-54599940964327329832008-06-29T11:54:00.001-04:002008-06-29T11:56:34.698-04:00Family ReunionMy family and I just got back from our Family Reunion. We had a great time!<br /><br />Now, my schedule should be returning to "normal" (whatever that is) and I plan to resume more regular postings. Thanks for hanging in there with me through these past couple of months!<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-26765412668466763892008-06-21T12:51:00.001-04:002008-06-21T12:52:41.841-04:00Long ClassHello All,<br /><br />Thanks for hanging in there while I was taking my last class. It really was much tougher than all of my previous classes. I finish up this week and hope to be back on schedule.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-10544398501927973052008-06-03T20:16:00.002-04:002008-06-03T20:18:49.205-04:00Two more weeksI have two more weeks of my current class. This one has really taken a lot of time so my blogging has been nonexistent.<br /><br />I will blog as much as possible in the next couple of weeks, and will certainly return to my two per week schedule at the conclusion of this class.<br /><br />Thanks for hanging on!<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-29294959357629202472008-05-22T12:43:00.001-04:002008-05-22T12:45:36.192-04:00SynthesisI apologize for not posting last week. My current seminar class’ workload is higher than usual, but something I read yesterday struck me and I thought I’d share it with you.<br /><br />There’s a church joke that says, “Don’t make me go Old Testament on you!” The implication is that the God of the Old Testament is a God of wrath. In contrast to this we read in the New Testament that God is a God of love. <br /><br />In fact, I believe we can replace the word “of” in my above description with the word “is” – God is wrath; God is love. Does that statement cause tension for you?<br /><br />Here’s how William Yount describes this truth – “God is love and God is wrath. How can He be both? The answer is found in synthesis. The fire that warms is also the fire that burns. The difference is in our relationship to it. Those who are rightly related to God are warmed by His love. Those who refuse His love, who reject His offer of grace, are left to be burned by His wrath. He is not love or wrath. He is love-wrath, which exists like a two-sided coin.”<br /><br />If this messes with your head a little, it should – synthesis is level 5 thinking (there are 6 levels, but those details aren’t really my point). My point is that there are many things about God that I struggle to understand, but that does not make them untrue.<br /><br />This morning, I just learned about the death of Steven Curtis Chapman’s five year old daughter. Anytime something like this happens it creates a tension in my soul. I know God is Sovereign, but I cannot help but struggle with the “why questions.” God why would you allow this to happen?<br /><br />Here’s where I land with this right now (and I’d love to hear your thoughts), God wants to have a relationship with us, He does truly love us, AND there are things (and circumstances) I simply cannot fully understand. Am I talking about blind faith? No, blind faith would require no basis whatsoever. I’m talking about faith that is able to understand enough to accept it all. <br /><br />What about you – what do you struggle to understand and how do you choose to deal with your confusion?<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-31884558320636008922008-05-14T10:43:00.001-04:002008-05-14T10:45:00.080-04:00SeminaryHello all!<br /><br />Just a quick note - I have a massive amount to do for seminary this week, so I may not get a new post up. <br /><br />Thanks for your patience!<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-24108161466927860622008-05-08T12:35:00.001-04:002008-05-08T12:37:23.411-04:00If Only...I was watching an incredible talk by Louie Giglio. <a href="http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=152b5103d741aca61093">Click here if you want to watch it, too.</a><br /><br />Louie is one of my favorite speakers and the message he gives is powerful and moving. I can be a bit emotional and I found my eyes watering as I listened to him. (Okay, I’ll admit it, I was outright crying by the end). But, as I listened, another thought struck me…<br /><br />…if only I could communicate like he does…<br /><br />As I captured this thought I was reminded that God has gifted him in this way. More importantly, God has gifted you and I in incredible ways, as well. In fact, I believe that if we are able to discover just how incredibly gifted we are, the things we could do using those gifts would be just as powerful and as moving as a message by Louie. If we have surrendered our hearts and lives to Christ to follow Him, we have the same power within us. The key is finding this incredible gift (or gifts) God has given you and using it how He desires for you to use it.<br /><br />The obvious next question is – How, how do I do this?<br /><br />If you have a relationship with God through Christ the power to discover your gift is already within you. You simply need to ask God to reveal it to you. Here’s what I think. I think many of us already know what God has given us and even how He wants us to use it, but we’re too scared to trust Him and go for it! So, we keep walking around like we’re clueless. Maybe I’m wrong, you can write a comment and tell me what you think, but I know for me there are things I believe God has gifted me to do and I know what He wants me to do – but it’s scary. It requires me to lean into my faith in Him full tilt. <br /><br />How about you?<br /><br />By the way, if you haven’t listened to Louie’s clip yet, go back to the top and click the link – you’ll be glad you did.<br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36597955.post-14008242102411548222008-05-05T09:13:00.002-04:002008-05-05T09:17:02.150-04:00Questions Jesus Asked – Fear (6)Our next question is found in verse 26 of Mathew chapter eight. Jesus asks, “Why are you afraid?” I believe this question gets to the heart of a true relationship with God. If we truly trust God, we really shouldn’t fear anything. <br /><br />The disciples were afraid they were going to die, and if I’m honest, there are lots of things about death that still scare me<br /><br />- The death of another one of my children or my wife<br />- The wellbeing of my family if I were to die<br />- I’m somewhat prepared for losing my parents some day (that’s the order of life), but I still don’t want that to ever happen<br /><br />I’m afraid of all of these things happening - and many more. What about you?<br /><br />So, is it fair for Jesus to ask us why were afraid? Do I hear a resounding “Duh”?<br /><br />I think there are many things we could be scared about, but Jesus’ point is not that there are scary things that can happen to us, but that there is an antidote to this poison called fear. We learn in Jesus' next words that the antidote is faith.<br /><br />Faith is a funny thing – it’s intangible, yet very real. It’s hard to describe, but incredible to experience. The writer of Hebrews tells us faith “is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.” How cool is that!?<br /><br />Where does this confident assurance come from? It comes from a relationship that is based on trusting God. And we learned from the last set of questions that God will provide everything we truly need [read Questions Jesus Asked – Prayer (5)].<br /><br />So, what are you afraid of? Will you learn to trust God with that fear? It probably won’t happen over night – no real relationships are formed that way. But let me encourage you to take another step closer to trusting God each time you feel scared – that’s what I’m doing and it gets a little easier with every step I take. [Great, now I hear a Police song playing in my head].<br /><br /><br />/DDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773789308614790714noreply@blogger.com0