Dana's Christian Journey

musings of a thankful cancer survivor

Author: Dana

  • follow

    —

    Dana

    Jesus tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Bob, why are you resisting me?” I said, “I’m not resisting you!” He said, “You gonna follow me?” I said, “I’ve never thought about that before!” He said, “When you’re not following me, you’re resisting me.”
    – Bob Dylan

    If we believe Jesus is ‘the Way,’ does it not make sense that he tells us to follow him? As King, he has authority to command us, but I think sometimes he beckons us as our Brother.

    “As I followed the Father, so I am inviting you to follow me. Do you think I was foolish to ‘become nothing’ to come to earth as a servant? No, I tell you that such a path led to incredible reward. And self denial will also bring you reward as you trust the Holy Spirit to lead.

    “My apostles did not like to hear me talk of the cross I was destined to carry, but they did not know of the joy that was set before me. They did not know of the victory ahead or the blessings others would receive as I followed my Father. Any cross you bear for my sake will also have purpose. Pick up your cross and follow me and you will understand my joy.”

    “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11

    “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

    “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

    “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34

    Bob Dylan quote from ‘The Shack’ by William P. Young; Windblown Media; Los Angeles, California; ©2007; p. 231

  • believe

    —

    Dana

    “He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become the children of God.” John 1:10-12

    John tells us that the children of God recognize Jesus as King, the Son of the Living God. They receive Him as Lord and Savior, and believe in His Name. But how do the children of God live?

    Andrew Murray wrote: “The life of grace is always and only a life of faith. In the relationship to Jesus the one daily and unceasing duty of the disciple is to believe, because believing is the one channel through which divine grace and strength flow into the heart of man.”

    Jesus was constantly challenging His chosen twelve to believe. “Where is your faith?” He asked as they thought they were going to drown in a raging storm. But before I judge the disciples too harshly, I must admit that I’ve been afraid in life and death situations. Though Jesus had promised He was with me, the doubts and fears placed me in the same boat as the apostles. And Jesus whispered, “Where’s your faith?”

    Our actions (the way we actually live) speak louder than words (claims we make). I say, “I would not have sunk in the lake like Peter did…” But Jesus might reply, “That’s right, Dana, because you would not have gotten out of the boat.”

    Here’s our hope: “Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2) He invites us to take a step and says, “Trust Me.” When we truly believe in Him He reveals more of Himself and we grow in faith. If ever I hesitate and pray, “Lord I believe, help me overcome my unbelief!” He smiles and gladly answers. Jesus is the Master Teacher and the perfect Coach. He knows how to lead, how to mold, and how to help us grow into His own image.

    We cannot believe in Him too much!

    “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Mark 5:36

    “Stop doubting and believe.” John 2:27

    “Then they asked Him, ‘What must we do to do the work God requires?’ Jesus answered, ‘The work God requires is this: to believe in the One He has sent.’” John 6:28-29

    Quote from “Abide in Christ” by Andrew Murray; ©1985 by Barbour and Company, Inc. (italics were Mr. Murray’s)

  • listen

    —

    Dana

    The coach yells, “Listen up!” The teacher says, “Give me your attention.” The parent warns, “I’m not going to tell you again!” Jesus invites, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

    The great desire of Jesus the Son of God is for all to have faith. And “faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” And Jesus is the Word. He offers Himself but not all receive Him. He speaks but not all listen.

    If we could go back in time and choose our status in society, we would not want to be rich or a teacher of the law or a religious leader… these had no advantage. Jesus made it clear that wealth, prestige, and intelligence tended to make it more difficult to ‘hear.’ Wouldn’t we want to be children? Or at least wouldn’t we want to be like children? Has anything changed?

    “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.” Luke 10:21

    Sheep are not the smartest or strongest or most resourceful animal on the earth, yet this is what we are called. We are His, ’the sheep of His pasture.’ We recognize our Good Shepherd’s voice and His words bring us life and guidance. He has told each of us, “I love you with an everlasting love.” And He encourages us, “Now go love others.” May we listen to His voice.

    “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and they know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep who are not of this pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd… My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.” John 10:14-16, 27

  • come

    —

    Dana

    “Come to me” is the simple and beautiful invitation Jesus extends to everyone. We, like the early apostles, tend to make matters more complicated than God intends. When parents brought their children to the Teacher, the disciples raised barriers, convinced that Jesus should not be bothered by the young and ignorant.

    But Jesus would hear none of it. “Don’t stop them; let the children come! These little ones point to the kingdom of God! In fact, everyone who comes to Me must become more like them.”

    Our Savior, with open arms, welcomes all into His presence. “Come young; come old; come healthy; come sick; come rich; come poor; come sinners; come righteous; come if you’re tired; come if you’re worried; come if you’re searching; come if you’re in need!”

    So will I come? Do I hear the invitation? Have I forgotten He is there? Am I too busy? Do I realize I am in need? Or do I resist the idea of being humble like a child?

    Oswald Chambers wrote this:

    The questions that matter in life are remarkably few, and they are all answered by the words – “Come unto Me.” Not – Do this, or don’t to that; but – “Come unto Me.” If I come to Jesus my actual life will be brought into accordance with my real desires; I will actually cease from sin, and actually find the song of the Lord begin.

    Have you ever come to Jesus? Watch the stubbornness of your heart; you will do anything rather than that one simple childlike thing – “Come unto Me.” If you want the actual experience of ceasing from sin, you must come to Jesus.

    Jesus makes Himself the touchstone … Personal contact with Jesus alters everything. Be stupid enough to come and commit yourself to what He says. The attitude of coming is that the will resolutely lets go of everything and deliberately commits all to Him.

    “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

    “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

    (Quote from “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers; ©1935 by Dodd, Mead & Company, Inc.)

  • invitations

    —

    Dana

    189Greetings to everyone from the Davis family. After a wonderful summer, we are once again beginning another school year. Our youngest daughter Karlyn recently returned from Uganda, where she worked with children in need during the months of June and July. She headed back to college this week and we are excited about all God is doing in her life.

    Early in the summer, Susan, John, and I, along with Kinsey, Jordan, Taylor, and Emma, got to visit the Grand Canyon for the first time ever. After witnessing a beautiful sunset at the close of the day, Susan and I left our group to visit the restrooms before driving to our motel.

    219As we reached the top of a hill, a woman got our attention and pointed to a clump of trees not far from us. There stood a huge elk with a great set of antlers feeding on the leaves of a tree.

    Immediately I knew the rest of the family would want to see this marvelous animal, so I started running back toward the canyon. It was getting dark and I couldn’t see plainly, but when I thought I spotted our crew, I yelled, “Elk, elk!”

    The description given by others was quite humorous as we later recounted the story. Kinsey said she saw this old man running down the mountain. Taylor said he knew it was me because I ran like ‘Peepaw,’ my dad. All were a little concerned because they misunderstood my message. Instead of hearing, “Elk, elk!” they thought I was shouting “Help, help!” I was too out of breath to explain, but everyone walked the direction I pointed and eventually witnessed God’s beautiful creature.

    So what is God saying these days? I’m quite confident the One who loves us perfectly is always speaking and sometimes shouting, wanting all to hear and respond. Jesus constantly offered invitations as He walked the earth and the Father wants us to hear these invitations today. “God, help me to listen; help me to understand; and help me to accept.”

    “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” Hebrews 1:1-3

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