Archives For November 30, 1999

I think sometimes we wrongly think that the only people who make a difference or have “impact” for God are the “professionals.”  You know, the pastors, evangelists, worship leaders, authors, etc.

Sure, as Christ Followers we’d never say that out loud; but we think it and often act and even live like it.  We know the passages in the Bible that talk about every part [or person] of the “body” [or church] being important; but we often equate ourselves as the “pinky toe” – you know…necessary, but usually not seen (except in season).

I read a verse today that reminded me that, in addition to the “professionals”, it’s regular folk that make a difference or have “impact” for God – in some cases even greater than the pros.

Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.

Romans 16:23

Here, at the end of his letter to the churches in Rome, Paul mentions a bunch of specific people to greet and also lists people who send their greetings.  For whatever reason, Erastus’ job is listed instead of simply calling him a fellow worker, friend, or brother.

Honestly, when I first read this, I thought Eratsus was the sewer coordinator for Corinth; but a check of the Greek shows that he was the city treasurer.  At any rate, dude was not a church “professional” as we usually categorize people.

Anyway, Erastus’ job title just struck me and reminded me that we all are important and contributing parts of the body of Christ.

REMEMBER: It’s not just for the “Professionals”

– Dennis…just a regular, old, security [φύλακα] dude.

“He’s Control”

February 26, 2010 — 3 Comments

…or rather, “He is in control.”

My wife and I have been on a journey to adopt children for a while and are trusting that God will lead us to the exact ones He has providentially prepared for us (and us for them!). I’ll admit, the waiting, praying, hopeful phone calls and meetings, dashed hopes, etc. is tough. We both have grown personally and as a couple during this process – and for that we’re grateful…but that doesn’t make the journey any easier. We trust in God’s plan and look with expectation to what He has prepared.

At times, it’s hard to remember, as we search, inquire, pray, trust…, that He is actually in control.

…that He has always been in control.

One of my favorite passages that clearly demonstrates this is in John 19. Jesus has been arrested and, in the eyes of His accusers, close to defeat. As he stands before Pilate we read:
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From a Lenten devotional I recently subscribed to:

“The life God longs to give me in his presence is free of my dependencies.”

[…save Him]

…thought-provoking, insightful, and challenging on many levels.

Read the transcript at Sivers’ blog.

Among the Tweeps I interact with on Twitter, Friday (January 15) was proclaimed 50 Picture day by Joshua White (@joshuawhite).

The images below were taken throughout my day – at home, work, wherever. In most cases, the caption below the image tells the story.  I had fun taking them – hope they give you some semblance of what my January 15, 2009 was like.

If you click this link, you can see the Twitter hashtag traffic for #50pic Friday.  Some of the newer entries have links for compiled, #50pic posts from those who participated.  Check’em out!

BTW, next time this comes around…consider joining.  It’s fun!

Dennis

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Fretters, Get Fettered

January 12, 2010 — Leave a comment

A few days ago, Leonard Sweet posted something to Twitter and Facebook that got me thinking.

He posted:

“Starting in ministry, I fretted we had the meaning but missed the experience. Now I fret that we have the experience but miss the meaning.”

Those two sentences certainly could fill at least a couple of posts in and of themselves, and are are actually two fears that not only people in ministry experience, but those who work in non-ministry jobs.

Quite honestly, when I first read his post, my mind read “fettered” instead of “fretted.”  Immediately, my mind went to the song, Come Thou Fount:

Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.

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New Thru 30

January 11, 2010 — Leave a comment

So I’m starting the New Thru 30 reading program today – reading through the New Testament in 30 days.  If you’d like to join the reading fun – which is really life-changing too – the reading plan can be found here.

In the theme of Matthew 1:1-16, the following is offered…on your mark. Get set. GO!

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“I’ve Got News”

January 5, 2010 — 3 Comments

I appreciate this Andrew Peterson song on so many levels…

I’ve Got News

So you think I’m something special, like I know a thing or two
Like my eyes don’t ever wander, like my aim is always true
So you think I’m not a dirty rotten scoundrel through and through?
Lady, I’ve got news for you.

So you think that you’re the only one to cry yourself to sleep?
That you’re the only one who’s scared they all forget you when you leave?
So you think that you’re the only one whose heart is black and blue?
Listen, I’ve got news for you, for you.
I might as well just tell you that it’s true, so true: listen, I’ve got news for you.

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So I considered not writing one of these posts…but alas, here it goes:

Highs*

  • Celebrated 22 years of being married to my best friend! Each year it gets better and better, and I thank God for blessing me with such a special woman.
  • Of all the books that I read last year (besides the Bible), Francis Chan’s Crazy Love was a highlight [I think I actually ended up reading it 3 times]. It really refined my heart – not that I’m perfect now…  The cool thing was that I had the opportunity to teach through the book during the spring quarter of Sunday School at church.   I pray that my understanding of God’s amazing, extravagant, and crazy love continues to grow and that I respond in a way that brings glory to Him.
  • I started blogging! It’s been a great experience.  In April, I started posting the Sunday service setlist from church and, as a result, I’ve actually connected with some great worship leaders – great for ideas and encouragement.
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“I” Will Overcome

December 21, 2009 — 1 Comment

One day last week, I was deciding what music to listen to on the way home from work and realized that it had been a while since I listened to Charlie Hall.  A few touches on the old iPhone and voila, On the Road to Beautiful was playing!

Track one  – I Will Overcome – always gets me; and that day I hit the repeat button a few times…

The lyrics so reflect my heart lately.  No I’m not a basket case – I’m just someone who realizes that there is absolutely no way I can make it on my own.  I love and so appreciate the support and encouragement of my wife, family, and friends; but that really pales in comparison to the comfort and true strength I enjoy, cherish, and rely on from my amazing Savior and friend: Jesus.  (BTW, that last sentence is not a slight on my wife, family, and friends – they know my heart and the truth of that statement.)

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