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  • November 30, 1999

Archives For November 30, 1999

Joy? Joy.

August 3, 2010 — 1 Comment

In our Sunday School class this past Sunday, we spent time in the book of Habakkuk.  One of the conversations that took place was on the aspect of being “joyful” in the midst of trials…mainly flowing from Habakkuk’s faith-filled prayer at the end of the short, three-chapter book.

Habakkuk prayed (3:17-18),

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

It was a good conversation – one in which I’m sure many identified…I know I did.

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My “GO TO” Psalm

July 14, 2010 — 1 Comment

Last Sunday, during our adult Sunday School class, Brad was teaching on Jonah and asked us what our “GO TO” Psalm was – you know, the Psalm that you read, claim, or think about when things aren’t going well.  You see, when he was in the big fish, Jonah went to the Psalms as he prayed.

I didn’t share my “GO TO” then, but the one that I would have shared is:

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.  Psalm 91:4

I know there are tons of Psalms that speak of God’s help, faithfulness, and love in times of trouble; but this one has always seemed to remind me that HE is great, mighty, strong, and powerful and I am small, truly powerless, and dependent on Him for everything (protection, etc).

It’s one thing to say He protects – how much more to say He protects and is faithful !  We have so many examples of things or people that  protect, but NONE are completely faithful like God (if we are truly honest).

What’s your “GO TO” Psalm?

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Verses for the Day

July 7, 2010 — Leave a comment

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  -Jeremiah 29:11

We are … perplexed, but not in despair;  …  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  -2 Corinthians 4:8, 18

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Constant Confirmation

May 6, 2010 — Leave a comment

What an amazing day yesterday – I’ll write about it at some point…I’m still processing it all.

One thing is certain:

My amazement never stops at how God constantly confirms
His love, care, direction, …

This song played several times yesterday and, this morning, I read the passage from Romans.

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Hel-lo. My Name Is Den-nis.

April 16, 2010 — Leave a comment

OK.  Please read the post title again in your best robot voice…that will lend to the theme here.

Ever had one of those days – or maybe weeks?  I have – I guess we all do.

The other day, I found myself in robot mode.  You know, where in spite of the junk that’s going on around you, you enter that safe and socially presentable state called: ROBOT MODE.  (just for effect, re-read those two words in your robot voice.)

I was bummed, busy, and had stuff to do and people to work with…so I “engaged” and went through my day as if nothing were wrong – you know: birds singing, rainbows in the sky, whistling aloud, etc.  Believe me, I’m good at it too – I bet I fool most people.

Except one…OK, two.  (OK, maybe more, but I’m only focusing on two here…)

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“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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Washed

January 26, 2010 — Leave a comment

Yesterday, Karen and I were looking out our hotel window and she pointed out that all the footprints that littered the beach were gone – washed away by the surf.

It reminded me of how our sin is washed away as we live out 1 John 1:9 – initially as we receive salvation and then in relationship with God and with one another:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

It also brought to mind lyrics from Brooke Fraser’s Hosanna:

I see His Love and Mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing

Hosanna hosanna
Hosanna in the highest

x

Father,

Thank you for the tangible reminders of your undeserved mercy, grace, and forgiveness.  Thank you for the promise of a clean slate – for second chances – all at no great price paid by me other than acknowledging my sin to You.  Your Son graciously paid the price for me on the cross – may I appreciate His sacrifice all the more as I confess my sin.  Quicken my mind to keep short accounts with you – confessing that which You already know and are so ready to forgive and forget.

amen.

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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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“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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Crutch

December 11, 2009 — Leave a comment

Crutch.

It’s an interesting word. Like many words, when you say it, it sounds kinda funny. Look in the dictionary and it’s even phonetically spelled funny: “kruhch” – I mean, why bother with the”h” in the middle! (OK, it would be “crooch” if you left it out.)

When we see or hear “crutch”, we generally think of someone who is hurt or needs something to assist them or support them as they walk. One definition of crutch is: A staff or support used by the physically injured or disabled as an aid in walking.

Anyway, “CRUTCH” popped in my mind this morning as I was getting ready for work.

You see, there’s some “stuff” going on in my family’s life – the specifics are not germane to this post – and our response to that “stuff” may seem like we are relying on a “crutch.” (BTW, isn’t “germane” another interesting word also?)

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