The world is my stage

My last blog was September 2011. What has happened since then?  Probably too many things than I have time to mention. God has been at work, no doubt. 

I have no idea why i have not blogged in so long. I guess I would say I didn't have anything to say. That would still probably be wrong. So what has prevented me from doing what I loved for a time. God is the only answer I can come up with. 

I have been pretty frustrated in a certain area of my spiritual life. There have been some possibilities that didn't come through. Some feelings and emotions that are on the verge of being unchecked. 

I really feel that I am a minister without a pulpit. An evangelist without a people. What in the world is God trying to show me in this time? 

I've always liked the stories of John the baptist. A voice of one crying in the wilderness. People were going to him to see what was going on.  Maybe that's how I need to view things, again. It's something I already know but, I guess I need reminded. God is sending people to us all the time. The people around you need God or they need more of Him. I know I need more of Him.

God says He will give us the words to speak. He will direct our steps. He has planned great things for His people to do.

The world is our stage.

The Spiritual Side

I recently had a conversation that started out about football but ended up on God. Basically where we ended up, I was asked if I really thought God cared about football. To which I answered YES I BELIEVE HE DOES!

So how do you get to the spiritual side of everything? How do you know there is spirituality in everything? For me, I look at the beginning,
John 1:3 ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

In 1 Col chp 1, about vs 15, the bible tells us about the supremacy of God. that all things were actually made for Him. And He is the glue that holds everything together. Yes there is a spiritual side to all things.

SO, how do we find that spiritual side? How can I see the spiritual side of a sports event, a tractor pull, or even a wrestling match? 

When I was teaching youth we talked about spiritual gifts and how God has wired us. My main focus was "what are you good at right now?"  For some that was basketball, some video games, some would answer "nothing". We would all say to a child, you're good at something! So that's what I say to you. It's through you that God makes all things spiritual. At your work or play, you carry the spirit of God.

We all might not see the spiritual side in every situation, but that doesn't mean its not there. How do I bring the spiritual side out,

Proverbs 3:5-

 ⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart
   and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him,
   and he will make your paths straight

In all our ways............ Love David.

God only knows....

Over the past few weeks I have seen a lot of things change around me. And I don't "DO" change. But we all must face changes throughout our lives. Why somethings happen the way the do we'll never know, at least til we see God.

If you have ever been around a serious professional cabinet maker they are meticulous. It is almost annoying the level of perfection that they shoot for. An 1/8 of an inch variance is too much. They have a design that is custom built for the specific location, in a specific room, with no tolerance for error. In the process of making the cabinet every thing is thought our, drawn out, measured twice, cut once, laid out, finish sanded, then stained. It is amazing to watch the process from start to finish. Many times the things being cut don't even look like they belong to what they are doing, but they bring it all together.

I am watching friends struggle through circumstances that seem almost cruel. When we serve a God that can take care of any problem, why does this go on? Whether it is the slow, painful loss of watching the aged or the sudden loss of an young army Specialist. Why do these things go on?

Earlier I said, "Many times the things being cut don't even look like they belong to what they are doing, but they bring it all together." We have walked smack dab into the middle of a cabinet being built by the best of the best. There is no error made. But when I look in to the situation I cannot tell the good from the waste nor the top from the bottom. All I can see saws cutting, nail guns being fired. wood being piled up. I don't know whats going on. I can even go look at the plan, but still might not understand it all. Except for, maybe, the picture of the finished product.

Much the same is our limited view of what God is doing here. What he is doing in your life. We have such little understanding and our perception is not always accurate.

I would love to pray for you specfically in what circumstance you find yourself in. Comment or email me. Love in Christ-David. lyonsseeking@gmail.com

Ephesians 2:10¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

1 Corinthians 3:9⁹ For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

GLORIFY

Definition of GLORY

1a : praise, honor, or distinction extended by common consent : renown b : worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving <giving glory to God>

 

 

Definition of GLORIOUS

1a : possessing or deserving glory : illustrious b : entitling one to glory <a glorious victory>

2: marked by great beauty or splendor : magnificent <a glorious sunset>

 

Definition of GLORIFY

1a : to make glorious by bestowing honor, praise, or admiration b : to elevate to celestial glory.

 

I think most of us would say that we want to live a life that Glorifies God.  More over a life that Glorifies Him and also points others to do the same. But what does that mean? What does that look like?

 

Matthew Chp 5 says we are the light of the world, let our light shine, others will see and glorify the Father.  I know I for one look at myself and think, "How can I point others to Glorify the Father?" when I look at what all is wrong with me how can God use me.

 

Really the answer is simpler than one might think. God's is bigger than you are. What can you do that God says, "Now what am I going to do?" Nothing. Read through the Psalms, as you see David a man after God's own heart, crying out to Abba, praising Him, searching for Him. 

 

It wasn't that David was perfect, he apparently had a few issues throughout his life. Same as us, but God saw through all of those faults (which God uses to change us) and built a great Kingdom through David. 

 

God is working through you. Take heart. With your Heart seek Him, seek His Love, seek His mercy and grace.  Remember that this is a constant spiritual battle, and wanting to good evil is right there with us. 

 

Please take a minute, follow this link read Psalm 69.   

 

Finally I leave you with a few scriptures.

Psalm 86:12
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.Psalm 63:3
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.Psalm 34:3
Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.

I want to thank you so much for reading. My prayer from the beginning was that God be glorified. To spread the Love of Christ. To question religion and find Relationship. To challenge others to realize the leadership potential God has built within them. You are here for battle. We might have varying roles in there, but I feel we are at war.

 

Love in Christ- David

 

 

What's a BIG DEAL!?

Who at this point hasn't had some thing happen that was a really big deal? I think everyone has. Let's  look back in time and I mean, lets go way back. How about High school, far enough?

When I was in High School I was ultra self-conscious, at least till I was a Senior. But I can remember some things that happened that were really a big deal. Like not having enough money to go to the movies with friends or having to take my lunch when I was a freshmen, thought that was a big deal. Basically anything that didn't go MY way was a big deal.

But what is a big deal to God?

I have seen loved ones die after years of illness. Is this not a big deal? I have seen friends lose their children before they take their first breath, is this not a big deal? I have seen my own family struggle through difficulties, is this not a big deal?

One thing I have noticed over the years, is that God has changed my perception of what is a BIG DEAL. Most things that are currently a big deal, focus on me. I'm focused on my problems and I am only looking at them through my perspective.

Nothing has happened or will, that God has not known. My life has one main purpose, to be conformed to the image and likeness of His son.  Through that statement, it is a life of gratefulness, thanksgiving, love, and compassion.

I do not know hardship or suffering compared to what others throughout the world do. Nor does it compare to the Love that God himself showed for me. While I was wrapped up in a BIG DEAL, wrapped up in self, wrapped up with the concerns of this world, wrapped in sin, Christ died for me. 

As I look back on those things that were a big deal at the time. I see God provided and delivered and moreover LOVED me through all these things. Furthermore, I couldn't show the kind of compassion and comfort to others I should, had i not endured and been brought through these things. Since I was comforted, I can better show comfort to others. 

I hope the next BIG DEAL that comes along I will have a better handle on it. That I will have less self in it. That I will immediately turn my face toward Abba, our Father in Heaven, and glorify His name. For nothing is out side of His ability, His Love, His Faithfulness.

What's a big deal to God, You, more than your physical well being, it's your spirit, a Big Deal is your eternity.
May the God of Peace wrap you in His unfailing Love- David



AWAKE

I don't know about you but sometimes it seems like I am on a train that keeps making the same trip over and over. I get used to the bumps, the curves, some unexpected stops to let people on and off. I have even gotten used to the noise. This week I heard on a local radio station, this Hip-hop bible verse thing, really loved it. It was called "Streetlights Project".  It is a free download by the way.

But any way, the verse they played on the radio was Eph 5: 1-21. After I downloaded it, I have listened to that one passage many times. There was just something in it that was entangling my mind. Although that might not take much, it was still happening.  Actually one little part, a couple words, from one verse.

vs. 14

“Wake up, sleeper....

There was something in those word that called out to me. They made me want to listen more and read that passage again.  But I am not a sleep am I? I have accepted Christ, is this for me?

But maybe I have been napping or sleep walking. We had a message at our church months ago that said "just because something isn't bothering you, doesn't mean it shouldn't be."

Maybe that is me. I have lost the seriousness of the situation. That all things are either good or bad. There is not a gray area with God. There is Truth or a lie, Light or darkness, Life or death.  

God this week, I need your help. Eph 5:1-2 - Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Help me to follow your example, help me to be an imitator of your love, compassion, and grace. Give me your thoughts, your insight, let your Spirit flow through me, through all of us.  And God, thanks for the Wake Up call.

Love- David.

YOUR IMPACT: HIGH

One of the things that I sometimes struggle with is where I am in life. I was really bad about this but have slowly been changed over time. I used to say God if I had this Job, this House, this Money, this and that. It was beyond being content. I was happy I just wanted more of God and determined I knew the way to grow that relationship. That my usefulness to God some how related to the circumstances I find my self in.

So in this growth the scripture that God led me to is in Corinthians. Paul is addressing marriage, circumcision, and slavery but it seems to apply.

1 Corinthians 7:24

²⁴ Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

So now I know it is not where I'm at nor is it what I'm doing. Another verse tells us do everything as unto the Lord. I think God wants people everywhere, almost like we are infiltrating the world. You might think your job is a low position in society. Or maybe that your just a new christian and don't know anything, so God can't use you. As far as I can see, you need to know this. God loves you and everyone else. Jesus died for all of us, and God raised Him from the dead; and acceptance of that is the only way to heaven. Love God and love others. TA DA. Let God do the rest.

That's not to say there won't be other changes in your life, but God is the potter we are the clay. Our church has a thing they call the code, this is one of them.



We will do anything short of sin to reach people who don’t know Christ. To reach people no one is reaching, we’ll have to do things no one is doing.

So today my family, an extension or as ambassadors of God, we are going to a car show.  We'll be handing out "church" invites but more than that we will be showing God's love for all the people of the world.

Good luck and God Speed- David.

Imaginary Friends

My oldest  son asked me this week if I had an imaginary friend.  I of course said yes! Then I said well the older I get the more I seem to talk to myself anyways. I think I scared him a little. But that's good parenting right there!

As I thought about the question he asked I began to recall many people that have crossed my path. Friends seem to change over a life time. Some just because you drift apart, your thinking changes, time restraints, there are many things that move friends around.

I've always thought there were three things that test all your friendships.
1. Get married. 2. Get divorced. 3. Get Jesus.
But as life moves, so do friends. Friends have been there through good times and bad. They've "caused" the good times and the bad. But they have not been imaginary.

I also developed (of course) a different view of what these people are in my life.

Whether Friend or Foe, they are instruments of God. You see in scripture God used non-believers, like Pharaoh, to advance the Gospel through adversity. God also used the death of a best friend and the sorrow of a family to show His power, when Lazarus was raised from the dead. The prophets of God generally didn't show up and just say how awesome people were. They told people where they could improve and where they were doing well.  Consider the new testament Paul where in Ephesians he commends them for their faith, but tells them no unwholesome talk would come from you.

I love my friends past, present, and future. I view them differently because God has placed them close to me. In nearly constant contact with some of them. Some I speak with only on-line, others I see occasionally, and yet some we are intentionally connected friends. God has given us time to see each other every week, to share our struggles and successes. To live life together, our church calls it a Life Group. It is my inner circle, which is a model that Jesus shows. God placed them there, not by accident, but with purpose.

All of you, everyone I would call friend, know you are an extension of God. You are being used to change my life. To those of you God will use through adversity, well your probably not reading this anyways.................but God loves you and I am able to love you through my trust in Him. There it is I'm a hippie, Love for everybody.

A change in perspective

In my short little life I've seen some things. People left for dead, the birth of a child, a space shuttle disaster, the tearing down for the Berlin wall. But the closest thing to me is what God has done in me.

I believe that in our lives there will be some scriptures or events that God will use to drastically alter your make-up or cause a change in your perspective.  There have been some things that have had that affect on me but one scripture in particular I have tried to keep in the forefront of my mind.

James 1:19 (New International Version 1984)Listening and Doing

¹⁹My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

I try to keep this in practice but indeed I struggle.

But recently another scripture has come up that I'm pondering. It's short, probably read right over, and I've never heard it talked about. The one after it I've heard numerous times. So here it is.....



2 Corinthians 5:16 (New International Version 1984)

 ¹⁶ So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer

Specifically the first sentence of this verse. I want to point out a couple things. First when Paul addressed the Corinthians he would have said "you" or if he were to address other Christians he probably would have indicated that with a phrase like, brothers and sisters or fellow believers, something of that nature.  Here he says "no one" which seems all inclusive to me.

Maybe the verse could have read "So from now on we regard everyone from a Christ like point of view"  or "...from a spiritual point of view"

SO how is this going to play out for me in life? One thing I consider is that we can see in scripture where God is able to work with all people. God hardened Pharoh's heart to work for the good of all people. In that same situation God used Moses has his spokesman. God was at work in the big picture.  To me this is going to mean a change in the way we view our day to day walk. Consider the big picture and that everyone that crosses your path may indeed be God at work. That you may indeed be encountering a drastic situation, maybe a situation that seems unbearable.  God is not far from you or your situation.  God has a different perspective, he wants us to come along side that same way.

It's not a What Would Jesus Do thing, more like, a lets not do anything for a second and take a look at the big picture. How is God seeing this situation. While we think this over, I want to leave with one...

Psalm 31:23-24  ²³ Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. ²⁴ Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

With Love, from out in left field- David

What the heck we're you thinking!?!

I live what must be a pretty sheltered life. I go to work, Church, home, Life Group. Occasional date night, or trip to the local Wal-mart. But that is about it.  This observation was brought to the forefront of my mind this last week.

I just wanted cool whip, got way more than I bargained for.
While I was at home my lovely bride apparently experienced a Cool Whip emergency which required an immediate response from me, the CWEC ( cool whip emergency coordinator) So I drove up to the convienence store knowing I was about to pay 200 X the price of the grocery store.

Upon my arrival, I find someone having a seizure but already had people around them. I asked if they needed help and was told "No were OK" So I thought well if this person has seizures regularly there family is usually used to it as well as the patient themselves. So I go in the store.

Desperately and throughly seraching the cases, scaning Hi and low and talking to the clerk no, Cool-whip. Outside the store nothing has changed since entering. Now I'm more concerned. The two gentlemen, were still just talking like this was normal. After brief questioning, neither wanted to take any responsibility for the person. First name is all I could get.So I called an ambulance, which took them lights and sirens away into the night.

SO what the heck were they thinking? Where in all of human existence did people loose there compassion. Now I'm not the most compassionate person on the planet. But this was insane. By my own investigatory ability I'm sure drugs were involved.

The only thing I can say is people need Jesus, they need God's Love. They need someone to care and take action. This was the scripture that came to my mind..



Romans 5:6-8 (New International Version, ©2011)

 ⁶ You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

We need to do this, it takes good people, not perfect, but good people to step in for those who need Jesus. We are that extension. Someone will need you and it maybe an ugly situation. In this instance the only thing that was needed was anyone, who didn't want to see somone else DIE in a gas station parking lot!! not rocket science! Be in constant contact with God, do what you can do. Help the ones you can, like God sent you there at that time, that specific place. God sent you to touch their life. Love in Christ- David.

More of a Question than a Blog.........

Currently reading 1 Corinthians, now in chapter 4 and I'm not quite getting it yet.  Maybe you can help.

Paul refers the people to imitate or follow him a couple of times throughout scripture one of those times is in Chapter 4 so I want to understand it. I think Paul is talking about the church being comfortable. Things are good, comfortable even, but is that where we are supposed to be? Maybe it was the same group of people coming in every week. The same service, little has changed from week to week. They give their time and tithe to God and all is right in the world. Is Paul trying to spur them on from this comfortable Christianity?

So one of the verses that stood out to me right off the bat.....

1 Corinthians 4:3-4 (New International Version, ©2011)

³ I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. ⁴ My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.

If you truly believe you are doing all you can do, that maybe be better defined as, you know God is flowing through you. Maybe people are judging you, your church, maybe your actions. Your weird, constantly misunderstood, few true friends.  Maybe Paul got to the point he just had enough, "Judge all you want, you're not the judge your playing the Judge"

I think the rest of chapter 4 is basically sarcasm, and you? Still another verse that caught my attention is vs 6. in it "do not go beyond what is written" . Maybe this church had created a bunch of traditions and rules that needed adhering to. Maybe similar to some of modern churches? vs 7 For who makes you different from anyone else? 

He goes on to compare the hardships of the disciples to the "blessings" on the Church of Corinth. In then in vs 16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me.  That statement makes me re-read this chapter over and over.

Lastly

1 Corinthians 4:20 (New International Version, ©2011)

²⁰ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

God is all powerful and we have read about miracles that were tremendous manna from heaven, the burning bush, cloud by day fire by night. But I think there are more examples of power by which God works through his people. Acting in crazy, misunderstood, life altering ways. All in obedience to God, allowing His power and love to flow through you.

You are a connector to the conduit of the power of God- Steven Furtick.

Thanks for reading!! Feel free to comment or email. David

Things You Can't Forget...

So a little more about my life. I have been around Fire, Police, and Emergency Medicine most of my life. My Grandpa was employed by Civil Defense and later our local sheriffs department. My dad was a firemen in South Dakota and Louisiana. I myself am employed at our local airport where we are responsible for fire and rescue, along with operational duties of the airfield.

I have seen how amazingly tough the human body is and how fragile it is almost simultaneously. The most interesting thing is the mind.  Or the will to live, memories, the ability to forget.  The human mind is very interesting and different for everyone.

The reason I bring all this up is I had to attend some medical training over the past 4 weeks. One of the topics we have to address is stress and stress management for medical responders. There are things that I had swore I had forgotten until we brought up this topic. So I was wondering where my ability to forget had gone. I longed for that ability.

But God has designed us, each one a certain way. And our mind, as you know, is not like God's.  Is 38:17 and Ps 103:12 both talk about removing our sins, putting them behind us or throwing them away. Their gone. Is 43:25 says God remembers your sins know more. God is not a human, he really can forget. Num 23:19

I was right out of EMT school, first on scene single vehicle rollover, one ejection, one walking wounded. Truck rolled several times down a fence row, apparently drunk driver ejected, sober passenger actually the one that lived. But i remember the feeling. It was a huge mess. I remember thinking "I should do something" Sheriff's deputy gets on scene I told him " I'm all by my self"  I felt totally helpless. Medics right behind him, pronounced her dead on the scene.

That helpless feeling is also how I felt about some of the things I have done in my life. Knowing something is wrong inside and not knowing what to do. Or maybe we know but the scene is overwhelming. It's too catastrophic to handle on our own. But thankfully we don't have to go it alone. God will take on some of your burdens for you. He has made provision for us to give Him these things we can't handle. (although you can handle more than you think)  He will take it on Him because He loves you. So whatever that one thing is that you are holding on to. I think it's time to even let that one go. Put it in God's hands.

My EMT instructor gave us a great tid-bit our very first night. "Were going to train you to do your best, teach you all we can. Sometimes you will do all you can do and it's still not enough". It's not up to us, give it to God.

Much, very much Love in Christ- David.

Your Honorable Mention

Just a fact about me. When I read the Bible, If I come across a scripture that makes me stop and wonder I won't go on until I "feel" ready to move on. That time maybe a minute, maybe a week  And indeed it takes me forever to read any part of the Bible. But none the less, that's how I roll. This week would be know different.

Acts 18:6-8 (New International Version, ©2011)

⁶ But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

 ⁷ Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. ⁸ Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.

This was Paul's final attempt at Corinth, to reason with the Jews. Did you see the one that got me?

                     ⁷ Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of              Titius Justus, a worshiper of God.

From what I could find on http://www.biblegateway.com/ and the great and powerful Google , this is the only time Titius Justus is mentioned. One time. Is this some sort of an honorable mention, maybe a participant ribbon? I mean how did one get their name in the Bible?  To be mentioned by God for all of man to read and hear about for thousands of years!

Everyone I see in the Bible was really good, really bad, hated God, or desperately Loved Him. There are no ordinary people in the Bible. This guy, Titius, was no exception.  If nothing else the guy seems to have hosted Paul in his home for about one year. Paul would use this mans circle of friends and his influence in the community, to reach out to others.  Was this the first Lifegroup , I think so. No, I'm sure others were meeting in homes as well but what made this man standout?



An open heart, an open mind, and an open door. He loved God, he worshiped Him. His house was said to even have a common wall with the synagogue. HA!  As we pray for God to open our hearts and minds; open doors for us to minister. Keep in mind, that door, may even be your own.

Let God in, Let God out. It's like breathing, only better. Love- David.