“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”
Romans 7:15
This honest confession from the Apostle Paul is a powerful reminder of our humanity. I remember when I was a kid watching a cartoon where the character was in the process of making a decision. Over one shoulder appeared a small being dressed like an angel who offered sound, responsible advise which would encourage the character to do something good. Over the other shoulder appeared another small being dressed like a devil who enticed the character to do something sinister. As these tiny beings were feeding the character with conflicting advice, the character would be distressed and confused. The reality is that the great temptation is to follow the advice of the "little devil" over your shoulder. However, we know that listening to the little devil may give us temporary satisfaction, but will result in guilt, shame and feelings of failure.
Have you ever felt distressed and confused? Have you ever had that mental and emotional conflict of wanting to do something that you shouldn't do that would satisfy you, but you know that you would hate yourself in the "morning"? Well, just know that you are not alone. I personally have fought this fight many times and have lost. Many times, I have allowed my feelings and desires to get the best of me leaving me in a place where I did something that I should not have done.
However I also know the victory of winning the fight. I know the pressure of resisting the temptations, and the feelings that I was going to go crazy if I didn't "scratch" that "itch". I realized that my Spirit is stronger than my flesh if I just hold on. It helps when I realize that I am not alone in this struggle. Even the great Apostle Paul had this struggle and, though he had his faults (by his own admission) he was a great warrior of the Christian faith. It helps me when I allow the Word of God to strengthen and encourage me when I feel pressure. It further helps me when I take my focus off of the thing that I am trying not to do, and focus on the thing that I want to do. For example, if I am trying to lose weight, I am not going to constantly focus on my weight and what foods to stay away from. Doing this will actually increase my desire to do what is contrary to what I want to do. Instead I am going to focus on exercise and healthy habits.
The same is true with life. Don't focus on what you don't want to do. Focus on what you want to do, who you want to be, and ultimately, the God you want to serve.
Much Love,
Pastor D
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Friday, April 25, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Did You Hear That?
"The LORD said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'"
1Kings 19:11-13
Whenever I read this text, my idea of the sound of God's "voice" is challenged. I always imagine God's voice to have a powerful baritone pitch, with a reverberation that would make the walls shake. I always imagine God's voice being heard through dramatic means like a burning bush or an intense dream. I always imagine the movement of God to be through intense circumstances and startling revelations. However, this passage reminds me that though God can speak through flamboyant means, some of his most powerful communication comes through the gentleness of a whisper. The question is, "What does it take to hear a whisper?"
I can recall my son's first day of kindergarten. All of the parents escorted their children into the wonderfully decorated classroom with their children's names posted throughout. The Moms were holding back tears while the Dads were proudly poised with camcorders in hand. The teacher welcomed everyone to the first day of school. However the excitement and constant side conversations created a challenge to the teacher's attempt to bring order to the room. Then I witnessed a powerful teaching dynamic. The teacher just began to speak. She started speaking just loud enough for everyone to hear her voice. Then she began to speak softer and softer until she was almost whispering. Amazingly, the entire room came to a complete hush.
What does it take to hear a whisper? It takes silence. It takes a period of time without televisions, radios, iPods, cell phones, laptops and any other forms of audio/visual stimulation. It takes a practice of being in a silent environment, with a clear mind actively listening for a "whisper" from God. Did you hear that? God gently whispering, "I love you". Did you hear that? God gently whispering, "You are special to me". Did you hear that? God gently whispering, "I forgive you". Did you hear that? God gently saying, "You can do it...I believe in you". Did you hear that?
Let us challenge ourselves to take time out to dedicate ourselves to moments of silence. Not for the purpose of planning and processing, but for the sole purpose of positioning ourselves to hear a gentle whisper from God. Did you hear that?
Much Love,
Pastor D.
1Kings 19:11-13
Whenever I read this text, my idea of the sound of God's "voice" is challenged. I always imagine God's voice to have a powerful baritone pitch, with a reverberation that would make the walls shake. I always imagine God's voice being heard through dramatic means like a burning bush or an intense dream. I always imagine the movement of God to be through intense circumstances and startling revelations. However, this passage reminds me that though God can speak through flamboyant means, some of his most powerful communication comes through the gentleness of a whisper. The question is, "What does it take to hear a whisper?"
I can recall my son's first day of kindergarten. All of the parents escorted their children into the wonderfully decorated classroom with their children's names posted throughout. The Moms were holding back tears while the Dads were proudly poised with camcorders in hand. The teacher welcomed everyone to the first day of school. However the excitement and constant side conversations created a challenge to the teacher's attempt to bring order to the room. Then I witnessed a powerful teaching dynamic. The teacher just began to speak. She started speaking just loud enough for everyone to hear her voice. Then she began to speak softer and softer until she was almost whispering. Amazingly, the entire room came to a complete hush.
What does it take to hear a whisper? It takes silence. It takes a period of time without televisions, radios, iPods, cell phones, laptops and any other forms of audio/visual stimulation. It takes a practice of being in a silent environment, with a clear mind actively listening for a "whisper" from God. Did you hear that? God gently whispering, "I love you". Did you hear that? God gently whispering, "You are special to me". Did you hear that? God gently whispering, "I forgive you". Did you hear that? God gently saying, "You can do it...I believe in you". Did you hear that?
Let us challenge ourselves to take time out to dedicate ourselves to moments of silence. Not for the purpose of planning and processing, but for the sole purpose of positioning ourselves to hear a gentle whisper from God. Did you hear that?
Much Love,
Pastor D.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Where and Why Are You Running?
“I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”
Psalm 119:32
There are a many images that can be seen in this one verse. One is that of running on a path. I can recall jogging through my neighborhood. The neighborhood is of average terrain consisting of a typical street with sidewalks. However there is one street that has a straight dirt path that runs through the back of the homes and is almost hidden. The homes cannot be seen due to the large fences and tall, hovering trees on either side of the path. This path is narrow, the dirt is soft, and the large, aged trees provide a ceiling that hides the sky. As I would go on these runs, I would often think and reflect.
As one reads this passage, one could also think and reflect, asking the following questions: “Where am I running?” and “Why am I running?” We have the choice of running on whatever “path” that we choose. We can choose a path of stress. We can choose a path of worry. We can choose a path of chasing materialism and status. But in the end, the most important question is, “Where will that path lead us?” On the other hand, we can choose the path of God’s commands. Interestingly, when we think of the word “command” we think of someone forcefully telling us what to do. However, God’s commands give us direction in how to live so that we can experience victory in our own lives, and show love and respect to others around us.
Why am I running? Because God as set my heart free. “Free from what” you ask? Free from hopelessness. Free from the feeling that my life has no purpose. Free from asking the question, “Why am I here?” Free from the thought that I am defined by people’s opinions and thoughts about me. Free from believing that my struggles and personal issues cannot be overcome. On the contrary, because of Christ, I have freedom, purpose, and power; not just for myself, but for those who need help, hope, and healing. Because of where we are running, and why we are running, we can run this “race of life” with confidence in Christ, and we can increase the number of people who are on the path with us.
Much Love,
Pastor D.
Psalm 119:32
There are a many images that can be seen in this one verse. One is that of running on a path. I can recall jogging through my neighborhood. The neighborhood is of average terrain consisting of a typical street with sidewalks. However there is one street that has a straight dirt path that runs through the back of the homes and is almost hidden. The homes cannot be seen due to the large fences and tall, hovering trees on either side of the path. This path is narrow, the dirt is soft, and the large, aged trees provide a ceiling that hides the sky. As I would go on these runs, I would often think and reflect.
As one reads this passage, one could also think and reflect, asking the following questions: “Where am I running?” and “Why am I running?” We have the choice of running on whatever “path” that we choose. We can choose a path of stress. We can choose a path of worry. We can choose a path of chasing materialism and status. But in the end, the most important question is, “Where will that path lead us?” On the other hand, we can choose the path of God’s commands. Interestingly, when we think of the word “command” we think of someone forcefully telling us what to do. However, God’s commands give us direction in how to live so that we can experience victory in our own lives, and show love and respect to others around us.
Why am I running? Because God as set my heart free. “Free from what” you ask? Free from hopelessness. Free from the feeling that my life has no purpose. Free from asking the question, “Why am I here?” Free from the thought that I am defined by people’s opinions and thoughts about me. Free from believing that my struggles and personal issues cannot be overcome. On the contrary, because of Christ, I have freedom, purpose, and power; not just for myself, but for those who need help, hope, and healing. Because of where we are running, and why we are running, we can run this “race of life” with confidence in Christ, and we can increase the number of people who are on the path with us.
Much Love,
Pastor D.
Friday, July 13, 2007
WHICH PATH WILL YOU CHOOSE?
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” - From Jeremiah 6:16.
Living in a Southern California, as in many other metropolitan areas, people must navigate through busy traffic during rush hour to get to their desired destination. However, experienced travelers will make certain choices. They will either choose to take the freeway, or they will travel through the streets and neighborhoods to avoid freeway traffic. There are certain times, however, that the freeway may seem like it is slower, but it is actually the most direct, and the most efficient way to get to your desired destination.
The same is true with the paths that we choose in life. There are many paths that will reach the goals, the success, and the desired outcomes that we imagine. However, some paths, though they may seem slower, are more efficient than others. Sometimes, the most straight, direct and efficient path requires the most sweat, sacrifice, and strain. Like the experienced traveler seeing the busy expressway and choosing to take, what appears to be, an easier path, there is a temptation to look for the easier route in life. The irony of life is that most of the time, short-cuts to your destination will eventually lead you back to where you started.
The above passage from Jeremiah says to walk in the good way and you will find rest for your souls. I will submit to you that the “good” way is the “God” way. God’s path, though at times, may be unpopular, may be stressful, and may feel unfruitful, is always the most direct and efficient way to get to your ultimate destination. As you go through the day, remember to stay on the God path, to go in the God direction, to experience the God things. This path will lead you to the true success that your heart desires.
Much Love,
Pastor D
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” - From Jeremiah 6:16.
Living in a Southern California, as in many other metropolitan areas, people must navigate through busy traffic during rush hour to get to their desired destination. However, experienced travelers will make certain choices. They will either choose to take the freeway, or they will travel through the streets and neighborhoods to avoid freeway traffic. There are certain times, however, that the freeway may seem like it is slower, but it is actually the most direct, and the most efficient way to get to your desired destination.
The same is true with the paths that we choose in life. There are many paths that will reach the goals, the success, and the desired outcomes that we imagine. However, some paths, though they may seem slower, are more efficient than others. Sometimes, the most straight, direct and efficient path requires the most sweat, sacrifice, and strain. Like the experienced traveler seeing the busy expressway and choosing to take, what appears to be, an easier path, there is a temptation to look for the easier route in life. The irony of life is that most of the time, short-cuts to your destination will eventually lead you back to where you started.
The above passage from Jeremiah says to walk in the good way and you will find rest for your souls. I will submit to you that the “good” way is the “God” way. God’s path, though at times, may be unpopular, may be stressful, and may feel unfruitful, is always the most direct and efficient way to get to your ultimate destination. As you go through the day, remember to stay on the God path, to go in the God direction, to experience the God things. This path will lead you to the true success that your heart desires.
Much Love,
Pastor D
Friday, April 20, 2007
"Called Alongside"
As life is filled with many trials, there are many places that I find encouragement. One of those is the Holy Spirit. In trying times, I find encouragement in "his" name. "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth" (John 14:15-17; NIV).
This name "Counselor" comes from the Greek word pronounced, "para-klay-tawn". This is where we get the word, "paraclete" which literally means, "called alongside". This means that the Holy Spirit was "called" to walk "alongside" us. It means that as the Christian travels on the journey of life, through blessings and challenges, through aboundance and drought, through happiness and sorrow, he or she is not alone. Even in times when we feel isolated, when it seems that no one understands, and it feels like we are walking alone, the Holy Spirit has been "called alongside" us to guide us in truth, to comfort us in sorrow and to lead us into our destiny.
I am encouraged daily, that God has not just sent to us a "counselor" as is defined by the American English definition, but He has ordained and commissioned the Holy Spirit himself to be by our side forever. This is the source of my help, my strength, my move, my press, my step, and my stride. The Holy Spirit is the source of my get-up when I fall, my flee when I am tempted, my try-again when I fail, my love-my-neighbor when my neighbor doesn't love me, my feeding-the-poor when I can barely feed myself, and my carrying-my-cross when I feel like giving up.
It is the one who has been "called alongside" who allows us to experience the Father, who promised to never leave us or forsake us, and the Son, Emmanuel, who is God with us. This is the experience of the Trinity.
Much Love,
Pastor D.
This name "Counselor" comes from the Greek word pronounced, "para-klay-tawn". This is where we get the word, "paraclete" which literally means, "called alongside". This means that the Holy Spirit was "called" to walk "alongside" us. It means that as the Christian travels on the journey of life, through blessings and challenges, through aboundance and drought, through happiness and sorrow, he or she is not alone. Even in times when we feel isolated, when it seems that no one understands, and it feels like we are walking alone, the Holy Spirit has been "called alongside" us to guide us in truth, to comfort us in sorrow and to lead us into our destiny.
I am encouraged daily, that God has not just sent to us a "counselor" as is defined by the American English definition, but He has ordained and commissioned the Holy Spirit himself to be by our side forever. This is the source of my help, my strength, my move, my press, my step, and my stride. The Holy Spirit is the source of my get-up when I fall, my flee when I am tempted, my try-again when I fail, my love-my-neighbor when my neighbor doesn't love me, my feeding-the-poor when I can barely feed myself, and my carrying-my-cross when I feel like giving up.
It is the one who has been "called alongside" who allows us to experience the Father, who promised to never leave us or forsake us, and the Son, Emmanuel, who is God with us. This is the experience of the Trinity.
Much Love,
Pastor D.
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