Let Him Have It

In this passage we find Daniel a slave in a foreign land. A slave not because of his own failures, but the failures of others. There, Daniels new king had a dream that required an interpreter, but the king asked for it to be interpreted without any information. Because no one could answer the kings dream all the wise men, Daniel included, were to be killed. Again, not of Daniels fault but something he must face anyway.

 

and this made me think about how many times things happen in our lives that are totally out of our control. The Failure of our economy, the Fighting of wars against others aggression, and something as simple as the business your working for failing.

 

Yet we try so hard to control uncontrollable situation. God in Daniel chapter 2 shows us how Daniel handled it, and maybe today he can help you as well.

 #1 There was Challenge in Daily Life

Daniel 2:10-11 (ESV)¹⁰ The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on earth who can meet the king’s demand, for no great and powerful king has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean. ¹¹ The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.”

The king was asking the impossible and when the impossible was not possible the unthinkable happened. And there was nothing anyone on EARTH could do about it.

and this happens every day in our lives. Every day we face impossible challenges that cause unthinkable things to occur. We learn we have cancer, we are left by a loved one, we lose a job we worked hard at and can't find another.

and do you know what I do with the Challenges of Daily life? The same as most of us.
I try and handle it in my own power. Emotionally, Physically and even religiously.
But some challenges are bigger than our abilities.

#2 There was a Spiritual Calling

Daniel 2:17-19 (ESV) ¹⁷ Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, ¹⁸ and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. ¹⁹ Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

What did Daniel do when facing an impossible challenge?
He did three things.

             Daniel went to His Friends who had a relationship with God. Vs 17

             Daniel asked them to Seek Mercy from God for him and others like him Vs 18

             Daniel waited for an Answer. vs 19

This is all we can do and all we are expected to do when things are out of our control.

Seek friends who are believers in God and You. Ask them to seek Mercy from God for all involved, and wait for God to Answer.
Anything else we do will be wasted energy and emotion.

#3 There was a Heavenly Solution

Daniel 2:30 (ESV) ³⁰ But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind.

Daniel was not given an answer from God because of his own position with God, but his disposition, but that others may see that only God can make the impossible possible.

So when facing an impossible situation ask yourself these things..........

 

What am I trying to do in my own power?
What has God called me to do?
Whose Glory am I asking it for?

or let me put it this way.
Stop stressing, Start Praying with friends, and Seek Gods Glory and He will show up and save you.

Dust and Bugs

Last week while going on a short ride I felt the need to lower the visor on my helmet. (Usually I ride with it up to feel the wind) Upon lowering it I quickly noticed that I could not see through it. It was covered in dust and bugs. So blinded was I that I almost missed the upcoming corner which would have been bad.

And it made me think.
How many of us go through life covered in dust and bugs.
Just the daily build up of a dirty life. Little sins
Or the occasional bug to the face. Hurts that sting and then stain.
and soon we cannot see what is in front of us leading us to a crash.

What do we need?
A Cleansing

In Daniel chapter 1 we find a King who wants to change men's minds by giving them the best things in life. The most comfortable home, the most wonderful food, and the strongest drink.

But Daniel knew that these things would only blind Him to a greater life.
So to stay clear, this is what Daniel did.

Daniel 1:8 (ESV) But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.

So instead of eating the kings meat Daniel went on a juice fast so that his heart and mind would be clear.
This moved God to bless Daniel in regards to his captors.
Daniel 1:9 (ESV) And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs,

and more than that, the King noticed that there was something different in Daniel.
Daniel 1:20 (ESV) And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.

When Daniel Cleansed himself from the Dust and Bugs he was given Clarity.

This Clarity caused others to give Him Charity. (Love)

 

And it made me wonder today, What does the face shield of your life say?

If you pull it down will you see what we see?
Dust and Bugs or Freedom to fly?

So here's the question
What are the dust and bugs?

How about bitterness towards some one or some loss?
How about the sin of Lust?
How about the sadness of hopelessness?

 

What is it that is blinding your vision of a Great Ride and leading you to miss the corner?

Do a Daniel and resolve and refuse that which would defile your face shield and clean off the dust and bugs of the past and you will have a brighter future.

A Letter to newLife from PRob

We had a wonderful day yesterday and I just wanted to share a few insights from it for those of you who may have missed the little things.

1. Lloyd became an owner. Lloyd came to us about a year ago when his wife got cancer. They came a few times but as she got sicker they missed a lot, and then she left us. Since the day of the funeral Lloyd has been faithful as he has sought to heal a broken heart. He is finding that healing in the love and affection given to him by you.

Thank you Church for loving a broken man.

2. Gina is excited. After the wonderful wedding of her daughter on Saturday, Gina came to church with such joy. Not that she isn't always happy, yesterday was just noticed more by me and many others

Thank you Church for sharing your happiness.

3. Newton is taking control. If there is one thing I notice as do others, our Parking lot greeters and ushers are getting younger and stronger. This is the sign of a healthy church as we are cared for by the strong. How could you miss Sunny, Nick, James, Luke and so many others.

Thank you Church for making us feel protected and provided for.

This is nothing but the fruit of the Spirit being lived out every Sunday.

Love-Joy-Peace (Galatians 5:22)

I hear from so many Christians talk about services to where they feel the Spirit move but this is the true evidence of it. Not an emotional response to a situation but a personal response to the Spirit of Gods work with fruit more than feeling.

I can't wait for Sunday

BTW - This Sundays Message is the most important message ever preached at newLife.
Bring a Friend

Songs that are moving me Closer to Him

I got this idea from another blogger and thought I would share what Songs are moving me today.

# 5 "Draw the Line" - Disciple (A Song of Decisions)

#4 "Rooftops" - Jesus Culture (I love to hear her joy in Worship)

#3 "Here for You" - Chris Tomlin (Nuff Said)

#2 "Help Me" - Cortt Chavis (Reminds me of why I do what I do and how to do it)

#1 "Amazed" - Kutless (I start Every Day with this one)

Am I missing any? Share with us

Four Legged Chairs VS Five Legged Chairs

When I was working at the paper mill I noticed corporate craziness at its best. One day a crew came in and took all of the chairs away and replaced them with new chairs.
When asked what they were doing they replied that there was a lost time accident in the offices due to a four legged office chair and they were replacing ALL of the chairs with safer five legged chairs.

and it made me wonder.
#1 What kind of an accident can you have in an office chair that warrants total replacement of all four legged chairs?

#2 How funny it must have been to see that person fall back. (I know I'm sick)

#3 Do we do this in our lives?

Something doesn't go our way so we totally replace our way of doing something.
Someone hurts us and so we totally replace those around us.

On Sunday when I suffered that almost life ended or at least life altering injury, I considered replacing myself with someone else, but then I thought.........

If God called me to it, and pain is the result, maybe pain is a part of it?
If God called me to it, why should I cause another person pain by short notice replacement, because of my own Pain? (Chair replacement was not cheap)
If God called me to it, Pain becomes an indicator of my dedication to that call.

Christians will suffer hurt in the work of God. Its inevitable.
But when our pain causes others pain it its wrong and indicates that our dedication is more to our comfort than the work of Christ.

We should'nt need five legged chairs to do our job, when God has supplied four.
We just need to be careful and not lean back on them and if we do, get back up, get back in your chair, and get back to work.

And yes, if you see someone fall back in their chair, pray for them, pick them up, and chuckle later.

Thank you for your concern - I am better today and yes, it was funny

Truth is Heard - What are YOU saying

I was thinking and this came to my mind  (Dangerous I know)

You can really know someone by what and how they say things.

If what comes out of  their mouth is good or positive - that is what they are
If what comes out of their mouth is bad or negative - that is what they are

You really can know someone by what and how they say things.
Let me hit you with some Jesus here

Luke 6:45 (ESV) The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

The good person, because he has good to give, produces good when he/she speaks.
You can know a person has a good heart by the way they speak

The evil person, because he has evil to give, produces evil when he/she speaks.
You can know a person has an evil heart by the way they speak

That which he/she speaks the most of is what they really are

So here is a question for the day.

What does your mouth say about your heart?
And what does it say about what you really value?

and Jesus says.............
Luke 6:46 (ESV) “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?

Grey Hairs shouldn't be Colored

With all of the newer Christians in the church I thought it might be important to share a Five thoughts on what a Mature Christian looks like so that they have something to aspire to and we have something to consider.

1. A Mature Christian Loves Jesus - And EVERY ONE knows it
They know it from your worship, at your work, and the way you carry yourself.

2. A Mature Christian Lives Like Jesus - And EVERY ONE sees it
They see it in your sacrifice and service to others, especially those who are far from God.

3. A Mature Christian Learns About Jesus - And EVERY ONE hears it
They hear it in your conversation. Rather than complaining, they hear you talk about Christ. (Had a GREAT converstation with a young man in the church and he is learning ALOT. By the way, He is a new Christian)

4. A Mature Christian Lets Go Like JEsus - And EVERY ONE feels it
They feel it in the forgiveness on your face and the humility in your heart. Never do they feel bitterness or anger coming from within.  (Luke 6:45)

5. A Mature Christian Lifts Like Jesus - And Every One is Touched by it.
They are touched by the sacrifice of your time, talents and treasures. Your service to the church every week makes a difference in thier lives.

In a world obsessed with looking physically younger, the Church ought to place a HIGH value on those who are Spiritually more mature.

and so the question today is,
"What one thing can I do to mature a little today?"

Why, When, What

It was a good service yesterday but I think that we hit a chord when I started off with God hating people who hate the church. (Prov 16:19) as EVERY thing changed right after that. Heaviness when sin is involved is important as its the Spirit of God working through hard and hurting hearts. But today I want to change directions a little and ask some questions of our church.

Why does it take the Pastor to bring basic truths to our minds i.e. Loving others? (see last weeks posts "today I am hurting")

When will mature Christians stop focusing on themselves?

What does God have to do to accomplish His Mission. (See Revelation chapters 2-3 and pick a church)

How do You and your church want to be viewed from Heaven?

(If your going to comment, please state what YOU are going to do not what WE should do)

How to miss Lonely People...........

Think that our problems are the ONLY problems
Focus ONLY on your little group
Serve ONLY in your area and no other
Arrive at the church ONLY when your Ready
Walk around like your the ONLY one in the room
Think that your the ONLY one who does these things

The ONLY thing missing is the L
and that goes above your head

Oh and an E but that can't mean EVERYONE does this?

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even knows she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away

If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter

And we never even met her

I don't feel any better today

I Am Hurting Today,

This past Sunday I had a conversation with an amazing young lady. She is full of fire! But as a younger person has some struggles.
Home, Heart, Happiness it happens.

But what broke my heart was this statement.......
"I haven't been coming because no one wants me to"

This didn't come from an adult who is whining because no one puts forth effort to chase them. Nor did it come from an adult who knows where we are but refuses to come until someone reaches out. You guys can GROW UP.

It came from a young person who has heard me say over and over and over again that no one who comes into these doors ought to feel alone. (Unless..see above note)
Yet sitting in her group, that is what she feels.

newLife, have we failed?

A Letter to newLife from PRob

We had an amazing Sunday and so I thought that I would share a little bit in case you missed it.

This Sunday One Amazing Person proclaimed the name of Jesus at her Baptism. Thank You Cindy

This Sunday Four Amazing Teachers got a standing ovation for the work that they do. Thank you Church for Honoring the worthy.

This Sunday over 100 Amazing people showed up for a picnic where food, fellowship, and fun were happening.

This Sunday I met two Amazing young men whose fathers I know very well. I played football back in the 80's with both of them.

There are some more amazing Sundays coming up as we take the men on a trip, in a few weeks begin a new series, see more people come to know Jesus, watch as they take that amazing step of Baptism, become a part of our body, grow out to reach others and see more people become free in Jesus.

I am looking forward to fall and can't wait for next Sunday.