Dan and Deb » Jesus our Savior

Fool’s Gold or Purpose Driven, You Decide. (Part 2)

dananddeb — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 05:33:15 +0000

In Chapter 2 of John MacArthur’s book, “Fool’s Gold?” he states, “‘Seeker Sensitive’ preaching fosters people who are consumed with their own well-being.” (p. 39,40). Pastor MacArthur feels that there are too many simplistic preachers of God’s Word that are more focused on meeting the needs of people rather than meeting the ultimate need for their souls. He says about these “seeker sensitive” preachers, “They lie to people about what they really need, promising them ‘fulfillment’ and earthly well-being when what people really need is an exalted vision of Christ and a true understanding of the splendor of God’s holiness.” (p. 41). It is Pastor MacArthurs conviction that if one is called to preach, then he must “…preach the Word, even though it is currently out of fashion to do so (2 Tim 4:2).” (p. 41).

Pastor Rick Warren, in his book “The Purpose Driven Church: Growth Without Compromising Your Message & Mission” says of preachers, “Because preachers are called to communicate truth, we often mistakenly assume that unbelievers are eager to hear it. But unbelievers aren’t that interested in truth these days…While most unbelievers aren’t looking for truth, they are looking for relief. This gives us the opportunity to interest them in truth.” (p. 226). Pastor Warren teaches that in order to reach the unchurched/unbeliever we must first meet them at their basic (to borrow a phrase from Celebrate Recovery) hurts, hang-ups, and habits. He recommends first meeting the needs of the hurting, then through that opportunity, attempt to interest them in the truth. Pastor Warren shares his beliefs for meeting the needs of the people first in the bylaws of Saddleback Church which state, “This church exists to benefit the residents of the Saddleback Valley by providing for their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs.’” (p. 220).

My personal belief in regards to preaching is based on Paul’s words to Timothy. “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2 NIV). In October 2007, I blogged on this very subject of “self-help” preaching. I wrote, “What is up with today’s preachers on television? As I sit here and watch, I wait for them to preach God’s Word. Instead, what I see is people turning the Bible into a self-help book. God will do this for you, heal this for you, give you money, cars, clothes, and vacations.” Not much has changed in my personal view of this type of preaching. I view the Word of God as a sword, a weapon for both defense and offense. A weapon to “…penetrate even to dividing the soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb 4:12). I continue to feel that “seeker sensitive” preaching is dangerous to the soul of man. Although in Pastor Warren’s book, he shows the many instances in which Jesus met the peoples needs, he fails to point out the times in which Jesus preached the hard-cold truths. There are two paths, one leading to life, and one leading to destruction. If a man is called to preach, then I feel that he must do as Jude instructs and “snatch others from the fire and save them, to others show mercy, mixed with fear – hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” (Jude 23). We do this by preaching the Word.

Fool’s Gold or Purpose Driven, You Decide. (Part 1)

dananddeb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:48:54 +0000

In his book, Fool’s Gold, John MacArthur writes, “…we are reminded of the need to discriminate between truth and falsehood…Discriminate simply means ‘to make a clear distinction.’” (p. 21). Pastor MacArthur is making a call to preach the Word of God. In a world where everything we say or do must be “politically correct” Pastor John MacArthur is rather telling us to be “Biblically Correct.” He reinforces Biblical teaching regarding standing firm on God’s Word, testing and discerning all things to ensure it is of God, shunning evil, and bewaring the wiles of the devil. The title of his book sums up his views in two words, Fool’s Gold. Pastor John MacArthur shouts a warning to today’s church to beware that all that glitters isn’t gold, and encourages us in using the Apostle Paul’s words, “…be like the Bereans who were more noble because they were, ‘examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.’” (p. 34).

In Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Church, it is easy to see that Pastor Warren has a heart for the unchurched. He writes, “Since I felt called to reach unbelievers, I determined to begin with unbelievers, rather than with a core of committed Christians.” (p. 39). He reinforces this statement in membership class saying, “If all you intend to do is attend services, we’d rather save your seat for someone who is an unbeliever. There are plenty of good Bible-teaching churches in this area that we can recommend to you.” (p. 39). Pastor Warren tells the story of how he took a vision, and on faith, moved to Southern California and started one of the largest churches in America today. He teaches that it should be our goal as Christians to step out and reach the unchurched members of society bringing them into the flock of God.

Of these two writers, I definitely am more apt to side with Pastor MacArthur. Having a mentor that sat under Jack MacArthur, John’s father, and spent time with John MacArthur, I would have to say that the majority of my influences have been these three men of God, Jack, John, and Mitch. Having said that, I believe that if we are strict teachers of God’s Word, there is very little that can go wrong in our church. This is not to say that I am ignorant of “church politics” and the many toes that can be stepped on within a body of believers. What I am saying, is that if we are careful in our study of the Scriptures, hold ourselves above reproach, and teach the truth and nothing but the truth, then God Himself will back us up within His very own writings. I am weary of Pastor Warren’s statement, “There are plenty of good Bible-teaching churches in this area…” It insinuates that Saddleback Church is not a “good Bible-teaching” church and this makes me wonder about his discipleship process. Jesus said, “Therefore, go and make disciples…” (Matthew 28:10). Having never attended or listened to Pastor Warren preach, this makes me suspicious of what is being taught. However, since this is simply a review of the first chapters of each book, I will wait until the endings to do as Pastor MacArthur says and “discriminate between truth and falsehood.”

Be Transformed, Not Conformed

dananddeb — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:04:07 +0000

I have often told the story of when I used to work for the Oregon Department of Corrections and the day that I discovered that I had become desensitized to the world around me. It was March 4, 2004. I was standing in the kitchen of my nephews mother’s house, talking with the grandmother of my nephew. She was from Minnesota and she was telling me this tragic story of a young girl that had been raped. She stopped mid-story and asked me, “Why are you smiling?” I’ll admit, it threw me off guard a little bit, but then it hit me. I was listening to this story no different from if I was talking to somebody about the weather. The story of a young girl being raped did not come close to shocking me or making me feel anything else for that matter. I realized, that working for the D.O.C., I was surrounded by people that had done crimes that in my own mind, were far worse. I worked with people that had beaten their parents and lit them on fire. Driven get away cars for robberies in which their codefendant had shot the victim in the head, execution style. Wives that had shot and killed husbands for beating on them for over 25 years. People that had sexually molested babies. The result of working within the walls of a prison? Me, standing in a kitchen, drinking a Pepsi, and smiling while some lady I’d only met moments ago, shared a terrible story of a young girl being raped.

That was almost six years ago to the day as I write this. A lot has changed in my life since then. I’ve since quit working for the Department of Corrections. I’ve been divorced and remarried. I’ve been addicted to methamphetamine, been arrested for theft, forgery, and identity theft, spent thirty days in a hillbilly jail in Mt. Home, Idaho, and most significantly, out of everything in the last six years, I’ve become a Christ follower.

I’ve also told that story often. How I became a Christian. At this time, it’s not about how I was lead to the Lord, but what changes I made in my life when I made that decision. I made decisions that started to change the way I thought. I quit listening to all music that was not “Christian” music. Bands like Alice in Chains, Tool, AC/DC, etc. I quit watching horror movies and violent movies. Even the television shows that I watched were limited to those that did not involve sex, violence, drugs, or other images or actions contrary to the Christian lifestyle. For almost three years, my mind went through a complete “brainwashing.” It was a much needed washing because my mind was dirty. The things I’d done and the things I’d seen with my eyes all contributed to a warped way of thinking. A way of thinking that degraded women. A way of thinking that distorted my view of every situation and every person.

I shared with Debbie the other night that I could call up any image or sexual act that I’ve ever witnessed or been a part of if I so chose. I spent much of my life viewing pornography and then living those fantasies out in the flesh. It’s been proven by medical science that viewing pornography causes physical brain damage. Brain damage that is only now being shown to be able to be reversed. It was through my faith in Christ that my brain damage began to be reversed. My mind began to be transformed by God rather than being conformed to the ways of the world.

Then, something terrible began happening to me. I had spent so much time learning the Christian way and giving up so many things, that it has taken me almost two years to recognize what has happened. I have slipped into a spiritual slump. My attitude has been poor. I fail to read the Word of God. I rarely listen to Christian music and can easily give you many reasons why. The words that come out of my mouth are often reminiscent of my days in the Marine Corps and my life as an alcoholic drug addict. My dreams are often filled with violence and death. My mind has slipped into old patterns and has slowly been conformed to the ways of the world.

There must be an answer why.

I was at a bible study a few nights ago. Normally, I would love to go to bible studies, never being able to learn enough about God’s Word. This night though, I felt like I was on my way to be locked in prison for a life term. I so badly did not want to go. God used that bible study that night to show me the errors of my way. As we were ending, it was time for prayer. I bowed my head, closed my eyes, and as the first person began praying, my mind was filled with images of violence and hatred. I opened my eyes, then closed them. Again, terrible images filled my mind. It was then that God showed me that I had given the enemy a foothold in my life. I had replaced my bible with television.

Shows like Criminal Minds, Law & Order: SVU, CSI, Dexter, NCIS, 48 Hours, Snapped, and the list goes on. Each of these shows portray death, rape, murder, violence, anger, degradation, and the utter depravity of man. Out of curiosity, I searched online and found the ratings for the most recent season. This is what I found; eight of the shows that I watch on a regular basis is in the top 20. What this says to me is that this is what America is watching. Shows that make their money on the stories of rape and murder. We often wonder why America is in the condition that it is in. Could it not be because of what we watch in our living rooms every night of the week? Could it not be because these shows have a very negative effect on our minds and this begins to affect our daily dealings with others? I can’t answer that for every American. I can answer for myself. Yes. Yes. Yes. These shows are affecting how I think, how I act, how I view the outside world. Most importantly, it is dimming the light that is Christ in me. The evil that I view on a daily basis is doing to my mind what cheeseburgers do to my veins. It’s stopping the flow of the Holy Spirit. It’s giving Satan a foothold.

I know, dude, you are taking this a little too far. If you think this, I disagree with you. Casting Crowns wrote a song called “Slow Fade.” Some of the verses go like this:

Be careful little eyes what you see

It’s the second glance that ties your hands

As darkness pulls the strings

Be careful little feet where you go

For it’s the little feet behind you

That are sure to follow

Be careful little ears what you hear

When flattering leads to compromises

The end is always near

Be careful little lips what you say

For empty words and promises

Leave broken hearts astray

The journey from your mind to your hands

Is shorter than you’re thinking

Be careful if you think you stand

You just might be sinking 1

Focus on that last verse, “The journey from your mind to your hands is shorter than you’re thinking, Be careful if you think you stand, You just might be sinking.” That is the truth. Straight from the Word of God. “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”2

Throughout the New Testament, we the church are told this. Be holy. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”3

“If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”4

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.”5

“That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”6

“But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate.”7

“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”8

What does it mean to be holy? It means to be separated. Separated from sin, separated from the world. Set apart for God’s purpose for your life. How can we be holy when we are witnessing the very works of the flesh right in our own living rooms?

I want to be holy as He is holy. This means that I need to start changing things in my life. Music, television, events, people…all of these things need to be filtered. Would I be ashamed to do or watch any of these things if Jesus were in the flesh sitting next to me? If the answer is yes, then I better examine myself to see whether I be in the faith. I will fail during this attempt. I will give into fleshly desires at times. My hope is that as I call out to Christ to make me more like Him, that I will stop being more like me. I want to fill my mind with things of God, not with things of this world. I want to get to a point that when somebody asks me if I saw some episode on some television show, that I will be so far separated that I won’t recognize the name of the show. I have a friend like that. I used to think he was crazy. That he was “extreme.” I bet he doesn’t bow his head and close his eyes to pray and have his mind filled with visions of murder. I bet he envisions great and glorious things of God.

Praise the Lord for His Mightiness!

1 Casting Crowns “Slow Fade” 

2 1 Corinthians 10:12 KJV

3 Romans 12:1 KJV

4 1 Corinthians 3:17 KJV

5 Ephesians 1:4 KJV

6 Ephesians 5:27 KJV

7 Titus 1:8 KJV 

8 1 Peter 1:16 KJV

Worry not about tomorrow…

dananddeb — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:53:40 +0000

I’ve started Ezekiel. For now, I’m simply reading through it, reading the study notes in my bible. Once I read through it, I’ll then read through it again. Then I will begin to break it down into smaller chunks. Chapter by chapter. Then I’ll get down to verse by verse. I will be in Ezekiel for quite some time. That’s how I prefer to do it though. I prefer to read the Scriptures until I have an understanding. Will I have a full understanding? No. Will I have what God gives me through this study? Yes.

Life is like my bible studies. Its better handled in small portions. In the recovery world, we live by that. You’ll here us say amongst ourselves, “One day at a time.” We go one day at a time because in most cases, it’s too much thinking about our sobriety past that. I’ve been sober now for over four years. It’s because Christ gives me strength to make it through each day. I’ve been clean for over three years because again, Christ gives me strength to make it through each day. This is biblical.

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.“ Matthew 6:34

Christ says that it is a waste of todays time to worry about tomorrow. Now don’t think I’m saying that Jesus doesn’t want us to plan for the future. He is not a God of chaos, He wants us to have order and plans. He is saying, DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW.

It’s so interesting. I started this yesterday morning and as I was putting thoughts together on what I was going to write, I started thinking about our car. Our car was given to us. It’s been a good car and has gotten us many places in the last year. However, the car is old and it’s age is really starting to show. It has a horrendous oil leak and power steering leak. The rear-view mirror fell off when I went over some railroad tracks due to the lack of shocks on the vehicle. There is a part, (I don’t remember the name of it) that costs $350 to replace which will help the gas mileage (currently 11.6 mpg) and help with this lugging at 60 mph. The car is only worth $200 (on a good day). Finally, the other night while driving, the drivers side window came crashing down. It’s now being held up with purple duct tape. The reason I explain all this is because Debbie and I came to the conclusion that we need a new car. So, we went through the process of filling out papers and meeting with a friend that sells cars, but unfortunately due to my stellar (sarcasm) credit, this was a no-go. I say all this to explain that finally, I just gave my car to God. I told Him that I wasn’t going to worry about it any longer. If He kept my car going great, if He gave me a different car great. Not five minutes after telling God this, my friend walked in the door and told me that he and his wife were giving Debbie and I one of their cars. This was to say the least, thrilling news! God used my friend to bless us.

See, God is in control. He holds me in His hand and He knows everything there is to know about me. He knows what I need, what I want. My hopes, my dreams. Most importantly, He knows His will for my life. Why do I need to worry about tomorrow? Today does indeed have enough trouble of its own. It’s through the strength of God that I can overcome each day. If God had not blessed us with a different vehicle, that would be okay too. The point is not that God blesses us. He’s not my ”cosmic banker“ so to speak. He’s my Savior. The point is, that I don’t have to worry about tomorrow because God has it all under control. Even when I struggle with where God is taking me, He knows. All I have to do is trust Him. I need to cast my cares upon Him, because He cares, and worry not about tomorrow, but instead trust Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Surrender…

dananddeb — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:53:36 +0000

So, I’m at work and taking a break. We do get those here. It’s kind of nice.

I’ve been thinking a lot about where I am, what I’m doing, where I’m going. I was thinking this morning about the three years that Christ was in ministry. Then, I was reading Galatians, and thought how Paul took off for three years after his Damascus experience. There isn’t much information about this time. John MacArthur suspects that he was under the instruction of the Lord at this time. I suppose it could have been a type of “on the job training”. I think again how it’s been a little over three years since my own conversion. My Damascus Road Experience so to speak. During this time, the Lord lead me to the church that I attend, He lead me to my mentors, He lead me in His Word. He placed me under Godly supervisors at my job. All this in preparation to do His work.

God just reached down, grabbed me by the hand, and said to me, “NO MORE, MY CHILD! YOU WILL NOT AND CANNOT LIVE THIS WAY ANYMORE! IT IS GRIEVING MY HEART AND THIS IS NO LIFE FOR ONE OF MY CREATION! BELIEVE ON THE NAME OF MY SON AND BE SAVED!” So I did. My life has not been the same since.

Now, God is again reaching down to me, grabbing me by my hand, and saying to me, “NO MORE MY CHILD! YOU WILL NOT AND CANNOT LIVE THIS WAY ANYMORE! IT IS GRIEVING MY HEART AND THIS IS NO LIFE FOR ONE OF MY CHILDREN! SURRENDER TO ME AND I WILL CONTINUE TO SAVE YOU!”

God delivered me from the wicked life of alcoholism and drug addiction. I was on fire and I was doing so well. Now, I’ve traded these addictions in for more “socially acceptable” sins. I over eat. Everyday, I over eat. It’s time to surrender. It’s time for me to recognize that this body is His temple and He dwells within. I wouldn’t put methamphetamine inside of my body again, why do I put this abundance of food and fat inside of my body?

Debbie is constantly on me about my food choices. Not because she likes to harp on me. It’s because she loves me. She’d like to see me stick around for awhile. Well, doesn’t it make since that if I love my Lord, and I love my wife, I should maybe listen to them? It makes sense to me.

I think that God is going to use me. I think that He just has a few more things to fine tune. So, I will ask you to pray for me, and I will begin to surrender. Oh to live only for the Lord, this is my desire. Praise the Lord for His Mightiness!

To wait upon the Lord…

dananddeb — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:08:28 +0000

I feel a little bit lost lately. It’s almost like being trapped in the “Twilight Zone”. Everyday is the same. Or, maybe a little closer to the movie Groundhogs Day. There seems to be this continuous cycle of “same ole same ole” with no change in sight. Most of my feelings revolve around not really knowing where God wants me. I suppose that where I am is where He wants me. If that’s the case, I’m not really sure what He wants me to be doing. In my heart, I truly want to live fully and wholly for God. I want to serve Him, love Him, breath Him in every second that I’m able to breath. Living it out is the challenge. I want to be part of the body of Christ.

When we read the gospel accounts, we read that Jesus was always moving. He never seemed to stay in one place very long because there were places to go, people to see, and things to do. He was always out moving. The times that He was still, He was alone and praying. That’s the body I want to be a part of. The body that is moving and doing. A body of action. A body of prayer.

Most people that know me, understand that I’ve only been a follower of Jesus Christ for 3 years and 7 months. We all have our own stories of how we finally came to be His disciple. It seems like I was doing more the first few years than I am doing now. I felt like there was direction in my life. I felt like He was moving me in one direction and if I stayed focus on Him, I would arrive. Now, I’m just not sure.

I know that ultimately, I will be with Him, and the direction He’s moving me in is to follow His path so that I will live with Him in the Heavens. I’m just not sure what that direction on earth is. Before I was busy all of the time. Maybe, He’s just giving me a break. A time to rest. A time to regroup. Maybe, being busy isn’t where it’s at. A friend of mine, Jerry, always says that busy stands for Bound Under Satan’s Yoke. Well, if that’s the case, who wants to be busy?!

Debbie and I are starting a new bible study together. It’s a marriage study. I think, that I’m going to focus on that study, let God continue to work and grow us in our relationship with Him and with each other, and see what He has in store for us. Waiting. Wait upon the Lord. That’s the hardest part isn’t it?

Drugs Really Do Suck

dananddeb — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 03:17:02 +0000

Drugs really do suck. They consume a person’s mind and body until they eventually run you into the very pit of hell. It’s been an interesting week. I received a phone call on Monday night from a friend. They had a homeless woman in their house and she told them that she wanted to kick heroin. My friend called me. My wife called some treatment places. I called my friend. They decided to house her at their home until a bed opened up at the local detox and rehab center. We went over and prayed with the woman and encouraged her. The men in the house had recruited some women they knew to help take care of the person. It was a rough go for them. They stayed up most the night with her. Her body was going through the wicked withdrawals from heroin. Tuesday: she caved. She threatened to give up and leave if they didn’t allow her to take some methadone. What choice did they really have? They walked her down the street where she could get her synthetic fix and she was fine, for a little while. The detox called. They had a bed. Praise the Lord. The boys did the deed and took her to rehab and she willingly checked in. Wednesday: she caved. She’s gone. Debbie and I went to visit her. They couldn’t deny or confirm that she was there. You know, confidentiality. I say, you don’t understand, we brought her here yesterday. “I can’t confirm or deny that she is here.” Yadda, Yadda, Yadda. She wasn’t there.

My wife and I were shocked when our friend called and confirmed that for us. She was doing so well. We’d all been praying for her. We gave her a support system. How could this have happened? This why the recovery ministry is so hard. People still have the choice to continue on a path of righteousness or a path of destruction. WE STILL HAVE THE CHOICE TO SIN.

I’m writing simply to vent and to give a shout out to the “RECON” team. They didn’t have a clue what to do, but they did what the bible says. They provided food, clothing, comfort, love, and they prayed. That’s all we can do. They also wore the clothes of righteousness and that girl saw Jesus Christ for the two days she spent with them. She saw His Grace, His Mercy, His Unconditional Love for her. The seed that was planted in her youth, had some water poured on it. The bible tells us that when we plant and water, the Holy Spirit will do the growing. I believe that she had some growth in her life. I believe that an impact was made. I believe that one day, she will make the decision to stop sinning through drug abuse, and the Lord will deliver her from this addiction.

If you are reading this, you can help. You can pray. Pray for Debbie and I, pray for “RECON”, pray for the girl (God knows who she is even if you do not), pray that we can reach just one person today with the Gospel message. With the message of hope and freedom. Pray for everybody that devotes so much time and energy to so many different recovery ministries. It’s a battle. Not against flesh and blood, that would be easy. We are in a battle that has already been won. However, the enemy wants to try to squash our hope and wants to take our eyes off of our Savior. Pray for us. Drugs really do suck.

As iron sharpens iron…

dananddeb — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:01:57 +0000

Proverbs 27:17

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

“Sticks and stones, may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!” You’ve heard it before, maybe as a young child on the playground. Possibly, you’ve even spoken these words to others when they have used negative words against you. Whether we have heard it or have spoken it, it doesn’t change the fact that the statement itself is a falsity. Words most definitely can and will hurt me, and you! On the other side of that coin, words also have the ability to build you and I up.

King Solomon, the son of King David, and the author of the above proverb, was most definitely a wise man. In I Kings chapter 4 starting at verse 29, we read that God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore. Further on we read that he was wiser than all men. This man, wiser than all men, wrote that as iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. What he is saying is that through moral support and positive, intelligent conversation, one can make keen the intellect of his brother, building each other up, and making each other stronger. As the striking of iron upon iron, we can hone each other into stronger and more productive servants of God.

There was a time in my life when I was not a Christian. In fact, that time in my life was not very long ago and is still fresh in my mind. As I ponder this idea of iron sharpening iron and how the concept of intelligent and encouraging conversation can build one another up, it causes me to think how unintelligent and discouraging conversation can tear one another down. I used to be a man that used filthy and unclean words as a part of my regular everyday conversation. I thought nothing of it at the time. I had always used this type of language and after high school upon joining the military, it was simply the “norm.” I used these words mostly as adjectives and verbs and occasionally even as a noun. When the Lord reached down to me while I sat in a jail cell and saved me, I quit using these words in my everyday conversation. What I realized at that time wasn’t so much that this was no way for a Christian to talk, but rather, as I listened to others talk in this manner, God showed me how utterly unintelligent they sounded. These words had no purpose other than to tear down. These words hurt me, and they hurt others.

Conversation with one another, whether it be intelligent or unintelligent conversation is contagious. When we immerse ourselves with people of like mind, we tend to be more like these people. When I was in the criminal world, I talked and acted like a criminal. Now, after being saved by the Lord and being in the Kingdom of God, I talk more and act more like a child of God. Don’t get me wrong! There are times when that old man comes out and in the words of my mentor, I “flesh out.” The difference today is that I realize the mistake I have made and I am immediately convicted of my fleshly moment and I commence to repent and ask God for the strength to continue on His path and to stay off of the worldly path. As Christians, it is important that we separate being in the world from being of the world. When in conversation with a fellow believer or albeit a non-believer, we must always be aware that we are living in the Kingdom of God, and our conversation should reflect that status. As much as the temptation may be to fall into wicked conversation while at work, or school, or among others that do not follow The Way, we must keep our focus on the Lord Jesus and remember that as iron sharpens iron, we have the power through God to sharpen the countenance of our friend, or classmate, or co-worker.

When given the opportunity to sit and have an intelligent conversation with a friend or watch a mindless television program, I believe that God would have us choose the intelligent conversation. When given the opportunity for intelligent conversation or reading a magazine with the most recent Hollywood gossip, I believe God would have us choose the intelligent conversation. It is through the study of God’s Word and intelligent conversation that we grow and learn and our minds become sharper. When our minds are sharp, we are more alert, and sober-minded and more able to defend the faith that has been delivered once unto the saints. Like the honing of the edge of a sword, we become stronger and sharper, prepared for battle in this world that we live in. As Christians, we must never forget the fact that we are in a war. We cannot allow our minds to become dull, so I urge you, brothers and sisters in Christ, to take these words that King Solomon wrote, and be as iron upon iron, and sharpen one another’s minds through intelligent conversation and in doing so, spark that fire inside of you that will cause you to fulfill the Great Commission as Jesus commanded and to do as Paul told Timothy to do, “Preach the Word.”

Praise the Lord for His Mightiness!

DESTINATIONS…

dananddeb — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:27:37 +0000

Sitting…In a car…At a light…

Looking…To the left…To the right…To the front…To the rear…

Cars…Some with one person…Some with more than one person…

All going somewhere…

Maybe to the bank. Maybe to the doctor. A funeral. A wedding. The store. School. To see mom. To see a brother…or a sister. Maybe, like me, they are going to work. So many people. So many destinations. Is there really though? I mean, that many…destinations?

“Go in through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there are who go in through it. Because narrow is the gate and constricted is the way which leads to life, and there are few that find it.” Jesus.

This seems more like it. In the grand picture, ultimately there are only two destinations. One, leading to death. One, leading to life. One, wide and broad. The other, narrow and constricted. As I look at the world population clock at this very moment (8:28pm PST), there are approximately 6,782,722,116 people on the planet earth. Six billion, seven hundred eighty-two million, seven hundred twenty-two thousand, one hundred sixteen people. That number changes by the second. I cannot wrap my head around that number.

I know some people do not believe the way that I do. They believe that there is another life here on earth after death. That they are going to come back as some animal, or maybe be born again in order to pay for their sins in this life in the next. Some people believe that when you die, that’s it. The book is closed and you cease to exist. There are a myriad of other beliefs out there. Some that are the exact opposite of my own beliefs and some that are so close to my beliefs that many people are deceived into thinking they are Christians when in reality they are taught to worship a Jesus that is different than the Jesus of Scripture. Well, I’m not here to argue about theology or world religions. I’m a follower of Jesus Christ, so therefore, I’m writing from a Christian perspective. The thing is, tonight as I write this, 6 billion plus people are living some kind of life. Some are living the way Christ has commanded, and some are not. Those who have surrendered and are bondservants to Christ Jesus will have everlasting life with Him. Those who fail to do so will have everlasting life apart from Him.

What’s my point? My point is, share Christ. Every second of every day, people are dying and there spirit is either being carried away into the arms of Jesus by heavenly angels, or, they are being dragged down into hell by demonic angels. It makes my heart grieve. Share Christ. Does it really matter what somebody is going to think of you? I think not. Share Christ. Tell them the things the Lord has done for you. How His suffering and His death has redeemed you from the pit. Be bold. Be loving. In all things boast only in the cross of Christ. Be these things, but in no way, should you be compromising. Speak the Word of God and do not falter. Stand firm in His strength and do not cave in to worldviews. Remember that the world is of the devil. Do not be concerned with political correctness. Do not fear of retaliation or harassment. Believe on the Lord and He will protect and provide. Obey the laws of man, but only as they line up with God’s Word. People are dying every day. This is not the time for fear. Share the gospel. Share your Jesus. In love do all things. Remember this…

Sitting…In a car…At a light…

Looking…To the left…To the right…To the front…To the rear…

Cars…Some with one person…Some with more than one person…

All going somewhere…

This seems more like it. In the grand picture, ultimately there are only two destinations. One, leading to death. One, leading to life. One, wide and broad. The other, narrow and constricted.

SHARE CHRIST.

dananddeb — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:25:09 +0000

Hello. It has been a little bit of time since I have written anything. That doesn’t mean that I have any less to say. Anybody that chooses to engage me in conversation can vouch for that! I was told the other day that I have put a spotlight on myself openly declaring my decision for Jesus Christ. That’s not a direct quote, but you get the gist. It made me think, am I doing something wrong? Should I not be so open about my discipleship? Am I putting a big sign on my back that says “Kick Me”? There is a song by DC Talk, “What if I Stumble?” The chorus says,

“What if I stumble, what if I fall?
What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all?
Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl?
What if I stumble, and what if I fall?

We put ourselves out there when we openly live for Christ don’t we? I don’t know about you, but in my life it’s not so much the “What if’s”, but more like the, “When’s”. As much as I want to live my life fully for God, I simply fall very short of the target. And as Christians that declare the truth, our shortcomings are often magnified so that every little misstep we take, oftentimes, makes fools of us all. So, when I fall, what kind of damage does that do to my witness? I mean, I know that my Father has forgiven me for the sin that I will commit tomorrow. I know that I’m held safely in His hand and that He will never leave me. I know that I have eternal life. But when I slip and I stumble, my witness is damaged, regardless of how quickly I stand up and get back in the race. Our witness has enormous effects on others. Our witness, in all actuality, can be a stumbling block to others. As much as I want to say, “Look at Christ, Look at Christ, Look at Christ!” I have to face the facts. People are looking at me. And if you are a disciple of the Lord Jesus, they are looking at you too! I simply want to live for Christ. That though, is fantasy. There is no simplicity in this Christian life. There is no “easy road”. The road is narrow and straight, and few find it. My prayer is that my life as a Christian does not stop an unbeliever from coming to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and that to the believer, I do not become a stumbling block. In the twelfth chapter of Romans, Paul tells us how to live the Christian life. Read it, learn it, love it, and LIVE IT.

Romans 12

¹ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

³ For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. ⁴ For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, ⁵ so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. ⁶ Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; ⁷ or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; ⁸ he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

⁹ Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; ¹¹ not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; ¹² rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; ¹³ distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
¹⁷ Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. ¹⁹ Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”^[a] says the Lord. ²⁰ Therefore,

“ If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”^[b] ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.