vida

Posted on April 2, 2009 by Dana

Last week, a friend we visited in Brazil sent an encouraging word. I asked if I could pass on most of her message. I included her ‘smiley faces’ and ‘words’ that might have some Portuguese meaning… or these could be generational differences I’ve not yet grasped… as Renata is 23 years old. ‘Vida’ means ‘life’ – a great word for us all.

Susan and I are to leave for Europe tomorrow so I won’t write for a couple of weeks. Karlyn left this morning for Haiti. Taylor flies to Kansas City next week to represent UGA’s club volleyball team in the annual national tournament. Kinsey is doing well at Harding. Thanks for your prayers!

As I was walking, suddenly, I turned and came across this bright white sand hill that stood out from the top of the semi-evergreen rain forest from the park, and its beauty just made me stop, stand in awe, and hate myself for not having at LEAST my cell phone with me then, to take a snapshot! The sun was setting and its light focused right on top of this, apparently, dry bush. No leaves whatsoever; just short, skinny, dried, brown branches. However, what made me stop and stand in awe was what I saw there living in all its potential form. Fully being, with all its glamorous curves!!! :) This ridiculously, gorgeous flower!! And it spoke to me…. aaahhh :-D

Because it was there, by itself, in what apparently looked like a desert for her; it stood there reigning in life, living the fullness of what it was created to be! :) Now, I saw other dry bushes, with more than one beautiful flower on them, but none of them caught my attention as the one that was by itself. You see, we all know it is so hard to stand when we feel we are in a desert; it is so hard to persevere in the Love of God that is perfected in us through Grace when we feel alone and dry. Although, He looks at us and that is exactly what He sees when we do choose to stand for Him, when we do choose to abide in Him. O what a joy it is to be found in Him! :) So as I stood there in front of that breathtaking scene, the Holy Spirit brought to my mind a verse found in Romans 5:17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. hahaha, uohouu! :) This brings so much Joy to my heart! This is pretty awesome! To reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Wow! aahaha! So, these two were brought to my heart Romans 5 and 2nd Corinthians 3, because of this little flower! hahaha :) I love the Spirit of Jesus!

“To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love, scorned indeed by the too-easily-satisfied religionist but justified in happy experience by the children of the burning heart.” A.W.Tozer

Read Romans 5 on your own. Below is II Cor. 3:2-18 … which gives a little more revelation about Moses and Jesus.

Blessings to all,
Dana

“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

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humility

Posted on March 26, 2009 by Dana

“Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone on the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3) Several have proposed that someone besides Moses wrote this verse since no humble man would ever write such a thing. But there is no conflict between true humility and telling the truth. Moses might have asked, “Are you sure?” but if God said, “Moses, you are the most humble man on earth”, there was no need to argue. God sees perfectly.

While he is an example, I can’t go to Moses for humility. The law God gave him exposed my sin… most of which stemmed from self-centered pride. Even if I’m dressed in ‘humble clothes’ and use ‘humble talk’, God is not fooled.

For true humility I must go to the one Moses predicted would come after him. Jesus also declared himself humble and we know he told the truth. “Come to me all who are weary or burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

But the ‘wise’ did not run to Jesus. Those that thought they could ‘see’ did not go to the fountain of life. Those that thought they were ‘healthy’ did not visit the Great Physician. What’s the difference today? Not a thing. The journey to the source of humility involves humbling one’s self, but ‘self’ makes it hard to see the need. So Jesus hung out with sinners. The poor and the sick sought him out. He taught, “Blessed are the poor in spirit…”, but few had ears to hear.

The world bellows, “Go higher and higher!” The Holy Spirit whispers, “Go lower and lower… follow the Son.” “Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing…” I’ve yet to see the course offered: “Becoming Nothing in Your World.” This is the secret: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

Of course, only God’s grace will bring the humility of Christ. We are to humble ourselves, but God will form the sweet attitude of Jesus in his children. He alone knows us. He knows the self-sufficiency we’ve embraced and our misguided piety. He also knows true humility most reflects who he is… and pride most reflects who he is not. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” I want to pray, “Lord, I can never be humble like Jesus by my own effort. But I can empty myself and stand before you. You are the miracle worker and with you all things are possible. Would you form the humility of Christ in me? And would you give me the grace to trust you completely?”

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17

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my world

Posted on March 19, 2009 by Dana

A famous person (I can’t remember who) once said, “The news of my death has been greatly exaggerated.” Several have asked about my health lately. The bad numbers have been steadily increasing for about 8 months and seemed to take a bigger-than-usual jump lately. So, my world has involved testing, waiting, meeting with doctors, waiting, more testing, waiting… Perhaps patience is being produced!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.” (II Cor 1:3-7)

We have received much comfort and love through your prayer, kindness, and encouragement. Somehow the difficulties we endure can carry the benefit of helping one another. And if God can use all these things to mold us into the image of his Son, we can truly praise him.

It looks like we are going to add one more drug to the two I have been taking. Your prayers have more effect than any drugs, so Susan and I appreciate your intercession on our behalf. The doctor at Emory is investigating the possibility of another stem cell transplant, but none of us are sure that is the best route. We trust God will give his peace in decision-making. Meanwhile, we are not to worry but live the life God had given us. We decided before Thanksgiving to use all our Sky Miles to purchase airline tickets to some places we’ve never been, so April 3rd, Lord willing, Susan and I will travel to Europe for a week. We will hang out with our school soccer team in London, visit Paris one day, then fly to Geneva for a couple of days before returning home. Karlyn is going with a school mission team to Haiti the same week. She will be serving a needy community and sharing the love of God with children. We appreciate your prayers.

On a lighter note, I got kicked out of a state tournament basketball game last Thursday night. Our #2 ranked boys were playing the #1 ranked Dublin team in Macon and a controversy arose over a silly rule stating that fans had to stay seated most of the game. Our students have been very enthusiastic all basketball season and this ‘new rule’ was unsettling. I really think our kids tried their best to keep seated, but how do you sit while you’re excited? As the rule was being enforced in a close contest, I tried to reason with several policemen… and most agreed with my logic. One officer, however, declared there would be ‘no negotiations’ and I knew he was intent on kicking several of our kids out of the gym. So Gary Schofield, our strength and conditioning coach (a strong dude), and I (not a very strong dude) stood behind our student section hoping the game would end before trouble arrived. With about four minutes to go and our team down ten points, several policemen emerged at our cheering section. Gary and I tried to talk with them but then I saw the ‘non-negotiator’ calling several of our boys out of their seats. I hustled down to ask that he allow the game to conclude without dismissing our fans. He did not like my appeal and grabbed my arm and escorted me up the steps and out of the gym. Gary came to my defense and two officers grabbed his arms and led him out. Soon the hard-fought game was over and things settled down… except for the rumors. I’ve heard all these things (that didn’t take place): I punched an officer; an officer punched me; we were handcuffed; I was tazed; a gun was pulled on me; I was beaten to a ‘bloody pulp.’ I was not mistreated at all… I simply found myself in the midst of another story. I hope you’re not too disappointed…

“If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.” I Peter 4:15

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your world

Posted on March 12, 2009 by Dana

“Have It Your Way.” “Your World – Delivered.” We’ve gone from hamburgers to the whole world… just the way we want it. This is what the commercials tell us anyway. Of course there’s nothing wrong with ordering a hamburger with a pickle and no onions, and there’s nothing wrong with a cell phone, but I sometimes wonder if the enemy uses various ‘propaganda machines’ to his advantage as warring nations often do. Propaganda’s intent is to throw the opponent off track with a mix of truth and lies.

Recently, Lady Volunteer Coach Pat Summit at the University of Tennessee, was interviewed after her record-setting thousandth win. “What is the biggest change you’ve seen in players over your career?” Of all the things a basketball coach might say, she answered something like this: “Today our kids are in their own worlds. When we’re on the road, I don’t see the card playing and interaction I used to see because every player is listening to her own i-pod or working on her own computer or texting someone on her own phone.” Coach Summit was not issuing a criticism (her teams are still quite good); she was simply stating what she has observed.

Our culture may be different from other cultures in history, but Satan’s strategies are the same. If he makes ‘me’ the center of thinking, he claims victory. “You are most important.” “Please yourself first.” “Look out for number one.” “Do as thou wilt” was the promoted philosophy of nineteenth century Satanist, Aleister Crowley, who was admired by many of the ‘rock and roll heroes’ of my generation. The Christian must recognize this anthem of the world opposes the message of the Cross.

Jesus’ teaching goes the opposite direction: “Take no thought for your life.” “Seek God’s Kingdom first.” “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” The Master asks the most logical question: “How do you profit if you gain the whole world and lose your own soul?” The Holy Spirit helps us see properly as we humbly seek righteousness. “Your Father in Heaven knows what you need before you even ask, so don’t worry like those around you.” “Instead of being consumed with your own interests, look out for the interests of others.” “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” “Love one another deeply from the heart.”

No one needs to tell us this world is unstable. The hamburger I order may not always taste good. My new phone can’t solve my problems. The network of hundreds of people that follow me around don’t have the answers. But God will not fail those who trust him. The only message that brings hope is the word of truth that points to the One who has the whole world in his hands. “Turn from anything that is wrong.” “Look to the One who died for you!” “Put your full faith in Jesus!” “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves…” II Timothy 3:1-2

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Satan’s world

Posted on March 5, 2009 by Dana

“The devil led him to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, ‘I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me it will be all yours.’” Jesus didn’t deny Satan’s claim of ownership but he did resist the temptation. “The prince of the world is coming,” Jesus said on another occasion, “but he has no hold on me.”

Satan constantly invites us to venture into his world. There, like those who have walked before us, we succumb to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. Sin tangles us up and prevents us from running a good race. “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” We can’t run in Jesus’ world with compromised affection for Satan’s world. He’s a master at getting the child of God to split allegiance. “You don’t need just one true love. It is OK to love God and love the world. You can be a Christian and be like everyone else.” The enemy likes us to be double-minded.

Two strategies the devil has used throughout the ages are quite apparent today. One is to produce fear. Someone once told me (I have not counted to confirm) that there are 365 occasions in the Bible where we are told not to fear – one for each day of the year. Why so many reminders? God knows the devil uses fear to draw us into his world of worry, inactivity, and chaos. Jesus is in the boat with me; a storm comes up; it looks like I am going to sink; Jesus sleeps; what do I do? I’m not sure how to keep the heart from thumping a little harder as the wind howls and the waves splash, but Jesus clearly says, “Don’t be afraid.” That’s the voice I want to heed. I know too well the other voices: “He’s left you. You can’t really trust him. What’s going to happen to your family? His promises weren’t really for you. He won’t blame you if you abandon ship and look elsewhere for answers.” Fear causes us to lose our bearings. We react to circumstances rather than keep our feet fixed on the Rock. I don’t want to give in to fear.

The other strategy the devil loves is confusion. Notice in the Gospels how many times Jesus was accused of being demon possessed. Demon possession is not uncommon in one of the towns we visited in Brazil this past December. Three members of my family saw things that shocked them. They prayed for a woman who had given herself to the devil through the witchcraft that is very prevalent in the region. They saw and sensed evil and were greatly disturbed. So why was the Son of God accused of being inhabited by Beelzebub? “You are demon possessed!” The devil’s tactic is confusion. “No one can deny this Teacher’s power. No one can hide the healings taking place. So let’s just get people discussing his source. If the seed is planted that makes them think a demon is at work then perhaps people will discount his words.” “How preposterous!” we argue. But confusion is effective in Satan’s world.

A spirit of darkness will pose as an angel of light… and the angel of light will be accused of being a spirit of darkness. The false prophet will pretend to be a spokesman for God… and the true spokesman for God will be accused of being a false prophet. A bad thing will carry the name ‘good’ in our society… and something really good will be labeled ‘bad.’ Partial truths, white lies, planned deception… the ‘father of lies’ knows how to confuse and there’s not one of us smart enough to figure it all out. But there is One smart enough – Jesus calls Satan’s hand every time and he offers us instruction, grace, and wisdom. May we walk closely with the Master and far away from Satan’s world.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” James 1:5-8

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