The Hardest Prayer In the Bible

So, here we are in week whatever in this quarantine.  We are slowly getting back to some type of “normal” with businesses starting to open.  We hope to begin meeting together in church again soon.  We have all faced these past weeks in many different ways, but one thing is certain, this has certainly affected everyone.  

Our church has been reading through the Bible this year.  As we go through many of the Psalms, I am seeing so much depth and understanding of God in ways I had not in previous times before.  I’m not sure if it is because of all the stuff we are going through or maybe just me finally “getting it”, but I have been blessed as God continues to reveal Himself to me.  My hope is that God would do the same for you as you read through His word.

This week, rather than have the video devotion, I would like you and your families to read through this Psalm and discuss the implications of these tremendous truths.  I have given some questions and thoughts to consider as you read through.

  

Psalm 139 (ESV) 

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. 

¹O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 

²You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 

³You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 

⁴Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 

⁵You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 

⁶Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. 

Thoughts and questions to consider:

David begins with the understanding that God knows him.  Notice the pronouns he uses in these verses, “you have searched me and known me”, “you know when I sit down and when I rise up”, you discern my thoughts”, etc.  This is not David just saying God knows everything, but rather David realizing in a very personal way that God knows him.  At the thought of such thought, in verse 6, David just acknowledges that it is just too much for him to comprehend.

1)    Does understanding that God knows you in such a personal way bring you comfort or concern?  Why? 

2)    How should God knowing even your thoughts affect the way we think?

3)    What are your thoughts on verse 5, “you hem me in, behind and before”?

4)    Why should God’s knowledge of us lead us to trust Him more and seek to know Him more?

⁷Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 

⁸If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 

⁹If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 

¹⁰even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. 

¹¹If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” 

¹²even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. 

Thoughts and questions to consider:

In this section, David focuses on the presence of God.  In the midst of this quarantine, it is easy to feel isolated and even alone.  This section is a wonderful reminder of the fact that we are never alone.

1)    Is God’s presence unsettling to you in any way?  Why or why not?

2)    What evidences of God’s presence do you see in your day-to-day life?

3)    What difference does trusting in God’s presence make as you try to persevere through difficult times such as this global pandemic we are dealing with now?

4)    In what situations will you rest in God’s presence this week?

¹³For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 

¹⁴I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 

¹⁵My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 

¹⁶Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. 

¹⁷How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 

¹⁸If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. 

Thoughts and questions to consider:

David begins with God knowing him personally then goes to God being with him personally and now moves to the fact that God created him.

Vs 14 - “I am fearfully and wonderfully made”

God does not make junk.  Any time you are having some self esteem issues or someone is trying to tell you that you are not valuable, consider these verses.  What makes us so valuable has nothing to do with us but rather the fact that we are a part of His “wonderful works”.

1)    How does this verse help you in your opinion of yourself?

2)    How could you use this verse to help someone else who has low self-esteem issues or even someone with prideful issues?

Vs 16 – “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”

3)    God already knows every one of your days.  How does this affect our day to day lives?  

4)    How does this give us comfort, especially in light of so much fear and uncertainty in light of this virus? 

  

¹⁹Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me! 

²⁰They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain. 

²¹Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? 

²²I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies. 

Thoughts and questions to consider:

David realizes not everyone will see God as He does.  As he recognizes this reality, his thought is God’s enemies are his enemies.  Hating here refers more to rejecting and not associating with them.

1)    Though this section may seem a bit out of place, what do these verses tell us about how we should deal with those who are against God?

2)    This “hating” and asking God to “slay the wicked” seems a bit harsh.  Does this mean that this is how we should treat unbelievers?

²³Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 

²⁴And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! 

Thoughts and questions to consider:

In light of all these thoughts, David could not help but to cry out to God.  Though these are the same words as the first verse, they are very different to David.  In the first, he acknowledges that God has indeed searched him and He does know him.  In these last, he asks God to search him and gives in to God.  His desire is for God to show him any “grievous way” in him and “lead him in the way everlasting”.

Here is my challenge to you.  Make this your prayer.  Don’t take it lightly.  Take time to sincerely ask God to “search you”.  Ask God to “know your thoughts”.  Ask God to show you anything that might be “grievous” to Him in your life.  Lastly, ask God to “lead you”.

I promise this is one of the scariest and yet most fulfilling and rewarding prayers you will ever pray.

Please let me know if you have any questions on this or any other scripture readings.

God Bless,

Pastor D.

By Your Side . . .

Yesterday we had the chance to go out to one of the local creeks in the area.  The weather was great and we had a fantastic time.  

When we first got to the creek we just went for a walk on one of the trails near by.  This led to a bridge that crossed over a larger section of the creek and the scenery was beautiful.  I always enjoy going out with Gabi as I get to look at the world again through the eyes of a seven (she would add here, "almost eight Pappa Dee") year old child.  From the trail and bridge she would notice the smallest details of things that I would just overlook.  She would point out how beautiful a leaf is sitting on one of the rocks below or how awesome some small bug was as it flew by.

Walking over the creek and near the creek was not going to be enough however.  We soon would take our adventure IN the creek.  Now, yes it was COLD. . . and no we did not prepare to be IN the creek by bringing towels or a change of clothes. . . BUT whatever "inconveniences" we had were well worth the experiences we shared.  As we waded through the creek we searched for rocks, bugs, flowers, fish and we even found a small crayfish up here in a Tennessee creek!  We had a great time.

Later that day, as we discussed our days adventures, I learned another important life lesson from my seven (almost eight) year old grand daughter.  As we were discussing the day, Gabi told us what she thought the greatest part of the day was.  She said, "you know what was really great?" . . . "It was that when we walked in the creek, I felt so secure."  So, of course I asked her to explain what she meant.  She said that as she walked she felt so secure because I was there by her side holding her hand.  She said it made her feel safe because when she slipped and almost fell I was there to catch her and help her through the water and the slippery rocks.

This morning as I thought about our day and what Gabi said, I could not help but to think of this in another way.  So many times in this life we face uncertain "waters" and "slippery rocks".  Many times we can't see what lies under the surface of the waters.  The same truth Gabi experienced is a truth we can all experience on a daily basis.  We too can feel "secure" and "safe" as we walk through this world.  Because God is ALWAYS right by our side.  He is ALWAYS there to hold us up and keep us from slipping.  And the great thing is that even when we think we can go out on our own . . . and then we completely fall down . . . He will ALWAYS be right there to pick us up, clean us off and set our feet upon a solid rock!

So, don't be afraid of whatever rough waters lie ahead.  Step out into the creek!  Go out a little further!  Don't ever settle for just walking on the bank side.  The real adventure lies in attempting things greater than you can ever accomplish on your own.  The greatest experiences in life come from getting to a place of total dependence on the creator God.  Whatever "inconveniences" you may face in this "adventure" called life will be well worth the experiences you share with the God who loves you.  Know that you have a God who will never leave you nor forsake you.  He will be by your side helping you each step of the way!

Just my thoughts.
Dee

What does God look like?

If you had to give a description of what God looks like what would that be?

Last night at church we were discussing our weekly Bible readings.  We are currently in the book of Ezekiel and I was discussing the first few chapters when Ezekiel had his vision.  In those chapters, Ezekiel tries to describe something indescribable.  So in his feeble human words he begins to describe this heavenly figure.  He uses the words "something like" over and over again as I would imagine there were no really adequate words to describe what he saw. 

4 As I looked, behold, a storm wind was coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing forth continually and a bright light around it, and in its midst something like glowing metal in the midst of the fire. 5 Within it there were figures resembling four living beings. And this was their appearance: they had human form. 6 Each of them had four faces and four wings. 7 Their legs were straight and their feet were like a calf’s hoof, and they gleamed like burnished bronze. 8 Under their wings on their four sides were human hands. As for the faces and wings of the four of them, 9 their wings touched one another; their faces did not turn when they moved, each went straight forward. 10 As for the form of their faces, each had the face of a man; all four had the face of a lion on the right and the face of a bull on the left, and all four had the face of an eagle. Ezekiel 1:4–10 (NASB95) 

He continues with this description further, but I think you get the point.  Now, here is what he says at the end of chapter one:

 

28 As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking. Ezekiel 1:28 (NASB95) 

 

What I want you to see is that by the time the Lord began to speak . . . Ezekiel was ready to obey.  After setting the scene with this vision of the glory of God, there was no way Ezekiel could do anything but to do exactly what was asked of him.

 

So, what is my point in all this?  I believe our obedience is directly related to our understanding of God.

Think about it . . . all through the Bible we see people sacrificing everything.  Why would they do such a thing?  Because they saw God in a way that was real and personal and powerful and mighty.  Moses saw Him in a burning bush.  Noah saw Him in a boat and a world wide flood.  Abraham saw Him in a ram that was provided for a sacrifice.  Jacob saw Him in a wrestling match.  Joseph saw Him in a famine.  The Israelites saw Him in manna from heaven, water from a rock, in a cloud and fire to guide them.  Saul saw him as Lord on his way to Damascas and was blinded for three days.

There are many more examples in the Bible, but my question to you is . . . how do you see God? 

I gave the guys at church a little "homework".  Take some time and write your description of God.  Is He some great figure as Ezekiel described?  Perhaps to some He might be a giant pair of hands as you have felt safe and secure in His hands.  Or maybe He might be a large bucket with endless resources as you have experienced His supply in your life.  To others He may look like a giant safety net as you only look to Him in times of emergency and as a "back up" plan.  Still some may see Him as a giant check as they are always asking Him to help with their finances.

However your description . . . I am convinced that it is directly proportioned to your actions.  Moses, Abraham, Ezekiel, Saul and all these others would accomplish incredible things and be willing to suffer whatever was necessary to do these things.  Why?  Because they saw God as a great, mighty, awesome, holy, real and personal.  Knowing God in these ways has to change you.

So, if your description or perception of God is not changing you or giving you the courage to do great and mighty things . . . then maybe you need a little more clarification of your vision of God.  But the great thing is that He is ready to reveal Himself to you as soon as you are ready to see Him.  Look to His Word, look at His creation all around you, look for His majesty in the great and awesome things of this world but don't miss his beauty in the seemingly small everyday provisions He gives.

Imagine your life and what change you could make in this world with the God of Angle armies by your side!

Just a thought!

Bro. Dee 

The Day The World Stood Still

January 7th, 2013 . . . a day like most others.  Rushing around not really accomplishing anything significant.  We went to bed that night with little thought of how our world would change in just a few hours.

Early on the morning of January 8th, we received a call from my youngest daughter, Erin, and from that moment our world just stood still.  All the plans for the day . . . stopped.  All the "important" things that "needed" to get done . . . just did not seem to matter.  It is amazing of how fast our perceptions of things change when facing such challenging circumstances.

That morning my son-n-law had a severe asthma attack that led to respiratory arrest and then to cardiac arrest.  At only 23 years old he now faces severe brain injury with very little expectations from doctors of any change for the better.  Today is day 15 of being in ICU.

A few days ago I watched as Erin, only 20 years old, had to make probably the most difficult decision of her life. . . either to continue with long term care on life support or to remove life support from Chris.  Today, we will be removing the ventilator . . .

Erin has and continues to be an incredible inspiration to me through all this.  She remains strong and hopeful.  As a pastor . . . I know what to say to her.  As a medical professional . . . I know what to expect.  As her dad . . . I just want to fix this for her and make it all better. . . but I cannot.  However, she continues to amaze me as day by day she shows her faith and trust in God even in these crazy unbelievable events.

So, why do I write all this stuff?  Here are just a few thoughts as we have been going through this:

1) STOP . . . look around you.  Are you investing your life into what is really important?  It is through these horrible events that we realize what is really important.  Don't let it take something like this to make you STOP and appreciate what is really important.  Life is too short to waste on bitterness or hard feelings.  Life is too precious to waste on things that really don't matter.

2) GO . . . right now and tell those in your life that you love and appreciate them.  None of us are promised another moment.  GO . . .make amends with those who have hurt you or to those you have hurt.  GO . . . and do that which you have been putting off until a better time.  NOW is the time we are given.  CARPE DIEM . . . seize the day.

3) LISTEN . . . I cannot imagine facing situations like this without a relationship with God.  I know that the strength and courage Erin has is because of her faith in Jesus Christ.  For in Christ we always have hope.  Apart from Christ . . . there is NO hope.  LISTEN . . . to my plea . . . right now . . . make a decision to give your life to Christ.  Let Him be the one who guides and directs you.  How do I do this?  Simple . . . ask Him to forgive you of your sins. (According to His Word . . . we are all sinners)  Ask Him to be your Lord and Savior (which means you simply acknowledge that he has control . . . and give Him control).  Then you start living your life like He is the most important thing in your life. (seek first His kingdom and His righteousness).  Get into reading His Word on a daily basis.  Get in to a Bible believing / teaching / living church where you can join others in this same journey.

Life is way too short and important to waste another second.

Just my thoughts..
Bro. D

A Nation Divided??

I know it has been a while since I have posted anything, but I have been just a little busy with other things.  However, in light of recent events I thought I would add my "random thoughts" to the mix.

A few days ago we as a nation voted on who would be our president for the next four years.  Now let me say from the beginning . . . this blog is not about politics.  However, regardless of your political views, what makes this nation great is the fact that we have the freedom to have those political views.

What bothers me most in this whole event is NOT the fact of who our president is or to what political party he belongs.  What really bothers me most is to see the great divide over this.  To be clear, I don't have a problem with people having different opinions . . . I don't have a problem with people being passionate about what they believe.  No, this is all part of what makes this nation great.  But, to take those beliefs and passions as a platform to belittle or attack others that do not agree . . . this becomes a problem.

Abraham Lincoln once said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand. . ."  He said this in a speech against slavery.  I believe he may have read of someone else saying this.  Jesus said it this way, "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand."  He actually said this when he was accused of being under the control of Satan. 

Now I wish I could say I first learned of this concept from a great president or even from my intense study of the scriptures.  But, truthfully . . . I learned this from my dad.  I was raised with an understanding of the importance of family and a love of God.  Everything I did growing up revolved around these two things.  My values come not from a political party but from my upbringing.  I saw first hand the benefits of working hard for a living and doing whatever necessary to take care of your family.

As I get older . . . my political views may differ . . . but my values stay the same.  A few weeks ago, my granddaughter broke her femur.  Lisa and I traveled 12 hours through the night to get to the hospital.  Why did we do this?  Was it because of my political beliefs?  No, it was because I value the principle of what I was raised on . . . "family first".  No distance, political beliefs or anything else will ever change my love for my family.

A house divided??  A nation divided??  A people divided??  One simple but very important truth . . . they cannot and will not stand. 

So, what is the answer?  Where do we find the values and principles that will bind us together?

How about this . . .

". . .if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chron 7:14)

or maybe this . . .

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matt 6:33-34)

No, these are not from any political platform . . . but from the Word of God.  Therein lies the answers we seek.  That is where we all find our common bond.  We were all created by God in His image.  Our nation was founded on these Godly beliefs.

So, in these days we have . . . celebrate our differences!  Rejoice over our beliefs!  But let us all come together with one common goal of seeking and honoring God in all we do!

Just my thoughts. . .

Bro.D 



 

Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks

I am absolutely amazed!  As I sit here writing this I cannot believe it happened!  I am not sure exactly when it happened . . . but it has happened!  What am I talking about?  Well, let me first set this up with a little background.

I have always been one who believed in equal rights for all people . . . even . . . and especially . . . women.  I was raised with, of course, a mom and a sister.  God would later bless me with a lovely wife and three wonderful daughters (and a great son . . . but that is for another story).  Now, I have three more granddaughters.  So, to say the least . . .my life has been surrounded with females.  As you can imagine, there have been some things I have had to get used to with all these girls around the house . . . hair in the sink and tub, "beauty products" all over the bathroom, and on and on.  But, for all the young 45 years of my life their has been one thing that I have always stood by and never gave in.  I have had discussions and even disagreements about this one thing.  I mean after all there is just so much you can ask a man to do . . . right?!!  So, as any good self respecting stubborn man would do . . . I took my stand!  This will not change!  That was until now...

What was this thing?  What was my stand?  The age old argument about the toilet seat.  That's right. . . the toilet seat.  Up . . . Down. . . that was the question and of course my stand was UP!  Equal rights . . . right?  Why can't the ladies put it up when done?  Why should we have to give in? . . .

But, as the title of this blog suggests . . . you can teach an old dog (that would be me in this case) new tricks (that would be putting the seat down).  How, you ask?  How does such an old dog change on such an important issue?  Well, it was through the "wisdom" of my 5 year old granddaughter.  I don't know if it was the sound of her crying out as her back side almost slipped into the toilet or just her continual fussing from the bathroom, "Pappa Dee, you need to remember to put the seat down!".  I don't know exactly when, but I found myself . . . without even thinking about it . . . putting the seat down!  Now, I do this at work or anywhere else I am . . . even in the men's room of restaurants!  So, I give in . . . I still don't exactly know how . . . but I guess I have been trained once again.

Now, I know you are wondering . . . how am I going to put a "spiritual" meaning on this one.

Well, the new year is upon us.  And we will all be making resolutions and setting goals.  How about all of us "old dogs" and even you "think you are young" dogs make a resolution to seek something more this next year.  No, not just more money or a better job or more stuff.  But something more than ourselves.  What if we really sought out God and asked Him to allow each of us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.  Now, this would be different for each of us . . . but no matter where you find yourself there can be so much more.  Imagine . . . if you really put forth your very best effort and gave everything you had to give . . . what would your greatest accomplishment be for this next year?  OK, now stretch that 10 fold and ask God to step in and make it bigger . . . to make it better.  Not for yourself . . . but for His glory.  Imagine you a part of something so big that unless God steps in . . . you will completely fail.

Check out what Jesus said:

"I (Jesus) tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12)

Wow!, can you imagine?  Even greater things that Jesus?  How's that for something bigger than yourself?


So, if you are up for the challenge here are a few places to start:

1) Read the Bible - if you already do . . . read some more.  If you don't have a Bible and need one, let me know and I will give you one.

2) Get involved in church - if you need a good one . . . FBC Raceland is available but there are many others if you are not in this area.  If you are already involved . . . do more!

3) Pray and Expect God to do Great Things!


4) Be willing to step out of your comfort zone.


5) Be amazed!


Don't be satisfied with the status quo. . . let this year be the best year of your life!


Just a thought.

Bro. D

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE JESUS CAME

Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house

Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.

Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care

In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,

Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.

And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap

Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,

I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear

But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.

With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray

I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head

It was Jesus returning just like He said

And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,

I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in his hand,

Was written the name of every saved man.

He spoke not a word as he searched for my name;

When He said, “It’s not here” my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love,

He gathered to take to His Father above.

With those who were ready He rose out of sight;

Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;

The coming of Jesus is drawing near.

There’s only one life and when comes the last call,

We’ll find that the Bible was true after all!

This is of course not an original from me . . . but really makes you think.  Now, we celebrate his coming as a babe in a manger . . . next time he comes it will be for judgement!  We might just want to be ready....

Just a thought!

Bro. D