#312.1 – “The Gift Is the Best Part”

"Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God…" - John 4:10
We celebrated Grant’s birthday this weekend (he was seven on Saturday). It started with breakfast with my parents on Saturday morning… followed by a ball practice… and then a shopping excursion… and then a spend-the-night friend Saturday night… followed by a lunch on Sunday with Sarah’s parents. When we were having cake and ice cream on Saturday at lunchtime, someone asked him what part he liked the best; they were referring to his preference between the cake, the icing, or the ice cream… but he quickly told us all that his favorite part was the presents.
He’s right, you know? The best part is the Gift.
We who are Christians can celebrate every day the fact that we have been given the greatest Gift of all in the person of Jesus Christ… His salvation… and the relationship we can have with God and Him. What a blessing!
So today – as we begin this new week – I encourage you to have a party in your heart over the love of the Lord for you… and then let the celebration naturally extend outwards to those whom you know who need that same party going on inside their hearts. Share the gift of Jesus with them.

Daniel

#311.4 – “Precariously Perched”

"Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that none may cross over from there to us." - Luke 16:26
Last night, I decided to trim a couple of our trees… one of them in particular was growing awfully close to our house and was threatening to push up under some of our roofing shingles. Well, the only way I could reach those limbs that were too close to the house was to get up on the roof.

I have never been on the roof of our new home. I discovered that it has quite a pitch (angle) to it. Upon my first step off the ladder and onto the roof itself, I felt like I was going to fall off. I decided I would be better off bare foot, so I took my shoes off and climbed back up. I managed to keep my balance as I stepped on the roof, and then I climbed over to the other corner (opposite end of the house from where I was) to begin my trimming.

There, I found myself in a precarious position: I had to lean out in order to trim the places I needed to trim, yet I (obviously) needed to maintain my spot on the corner of the roof, too! I got myself in a pose where I could squat on the corner, carefully lean over, and snip a limb off. That worked fine… for all the limbs closest to me.

But there were still a few branches that were just out of reach that needed to snipped… because if I didn’t, they would grow to the roof by the end of the year or the first of next. So I knew I had to get them somehow. I figured that I could ‘catch’ a limb with my shears… pull that limb in towards me with one end of the shears… hold it with one hand while snipping it with the other… and then toss the limb down below me. I was so grateful for the long arms on those shears; I couldn’t have done it without them.

At some point, all of us find ourselves in a position like that of the precariously perched tree trimmer; we all we come to a realization that we need a relationship with God and yet, it remains out of reach… despite our best efforts at getting to it. We may lean as far as we can… or try to tip-toe… we might even consider jumping, but we soon come to the conclusion that we will never make it.

If that’s where you are today, there’s good news for you: you don’t have to make that jump. God’s already provided a Bridge for the great gap that exists between you and God, and that Bridge is Jesus Christ. All you need to do is realize you can’t make it to God on your own… that you need Jesus to do that for you… trust Him to provide that for you… and simply accept it by faith.

If you are ready to trust His salvation, won’t you tell someone you know who is a Christian today? Feel free to write me and let me know if you want to do that, and I will be glad to pray with you.

If you have already accepted His gift of salvation, but find yourself struggling with forgiveness of your sins since then or in the past, quit climbing back up to the corner of the roof of your life. Trust His forgiveness as adequate and release to Him the frustrated efforts at obedience in your own strength resulting in disobedience. Let Him be God, and let His salvation be sufficient.



Daniel

#311.3 – “Didn’t Even Phase Her”

"But when it came to the ears of Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabians and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites, that the building of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and the broken places were being made good, they were full of wrath; And they made designs, all of them together, to come and make an attack on Jerusalem, causing trouble there. But we made our prayer to God, and had men on watch against them day and night because of them." - Nehemiah 4:7-9
Yesterday, I told you about Anna’s piano practice and how she left off the last phrase of the doxology and how Sarah and I sang the ending for her. Well, one of the funniest things about the whole experience for me was the fact that she didn’t let any of our silliness phase her one bit; she immediately picked up right where she had left off and finished the piece without missing another beat!
How often is it that we get bumfuzzled by the attacks that satan throws our direction? We know that he loves to set traps for us to try and get us mad, or trip us up in our walk with the Lord and hinder our growth. Our response needs to be just exactly like that of Anna’s: we should pick right up where we left off and keep on ‘playing our tune’. We shouldn’t let any such thing even phase us; instead, we should pray about the situation to the Lord, keep a watch out for attacks, and keep on loving and serving Christ and His people and reaching out to the world.

Daniel

#311.2 – “The Great Accompanist”

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be in dread of them: for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6
Anna was practicing piano last night. She seems to be making good progress, but of course, she is still very early in the learning stage. Sometimes she will stop in the middle of a song for a few seconds… and Sarah and I (who are singing along with her without even thinking about it) will find ourselves unaccompanied for a bit. And sometimes, when those unexpected unaccompanied times come along, we take the spotlight offered to us and sing out even louder… with an operatic voice… and a certain amount of star-like flair! And such was the case last night with the doxology. Anna left off at the last phrase, and we finished it out for her! She patiently waited on us as we stepped into the spotlight… and then she even gave us one second more to let all the hypothetical applause to die down from our rousing performance… and, without letting any of that phase her one bit, she picked up right where she had left off and finished it out in echo-like fashion to us!

I want to encourage us all today with a most wonderful truth: God never leaves us unaccompanied. He never forsakes us… never deserts us… never leaves us ‘hanging’. He is the Great Accompanist. He is always there for us… every second of every hour of every day. The constant Presence of His Holy Spirit with us as believers in Christ is something that perhaps we take for granted – like a fabulous accompanist who always plays all the right notes at exactly the right time and never misses a thing. We may have to stop every once in a while for a ‘do over’, but God never misses a beat. All along the way, He is with us – encouraging us with His love.



Daniel

#311.1 – “Couldn’t Make It”

"Thus says God the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it." - Isaiah 42:5
Ruthie had a busy week at school, with several nights out last week. Then she had a later than normal Friday night, with our band concert. We got up early Saturday morning and came up here to help paint upstairs some more. She went swimming that afternoon. After church that morning, she and all the other kids went to Grammie and Grandpa’s for an afternoon of fun. By the time she got back here to church last night, she was complaining of a headache. She just couldn’t make it any longer. We let her stay out in the lobby during the service, and Grammie carried here home afterwards.

As is the case with so many other things, our kids are all different when it comes to sleep. Anna can go the longest without sleep of any of them. Joshua can stay up later and longer when he wants to, but has a hard time getting up. Ruthie and Grant require the most sleep… and if they don’t get enough, it catches up with them pretty quickly. And that is what I think happened this weekend – Ruthie spent too many hours awake and not enough of them asleep, and she couldn’t make it any longer. Needless to say, she went to bed as early as possible last night… and she felt fine this morning.

Have you ever felt like that – where you have given all you can give and just cannot give any more? Where there is no more gas left in the tank? Don’t those times make you appreciate that much more the fact that our God is limitless in power? That His batteries never run out? There is never a time when He cannot ‘make it’. And it is in His power that we find the strength we need to take the next step… the next breath… and it is in Him we find our rest.



Daniel

#310.3 – “Lost Treasure”

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." - Matthew 13:44
I vacuumed out the inside of our van this past Tuesday. As is my custom, I pulled everything out that wasn’t strapped down – floor mats, trash, tool box, etc. It was then that I noticed something under the boys’ seat – a cartridge to one of their video games. It was one that they had been missing for over a month and could not find anywhere. Even Sarah could not find it after looking in the van and in the house extensively (and if Sarah can’t find it, we generally write it off as a loss). I admit that I got excited for them, because I knew how much it would mean to them for me to have found that for them. I placed it up in the front of the van, where I would not lose it or vacuum it up… so that I could get it back to the boys.

I got to be the hero that day. Finding their ‘lost treasure’ reminded me of the verse above, and the truth that we should place greater value on eternal things than the things of the world. Take video games, for instance… that’s one of the boys’ favorite things right now, but if I as a father don’t deliberately teach them that there are greater and more valuable things than them, then I am failing in my God-given responsibilities as a dad. To quote Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “It is from God that parents receive their children, and it is to God that they should lead them.” I should be showing my boys that they need to go after the greatest treasure of all: the relationship with God that can only be found through faith in Jesus Christ.



Daniel

#310.2 – “In Time for a Kiss”

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." - John 10:27
With the kids all in school now, and me at work, I have days where the only time I get to see them is when I am coming in to give them a kiss good night. Like last night – I did see Joshua for about an hour last night, as I sat in with his Missions Friends class… but the others I only saw for a minute as they were coming to their groups. Then they played while we had choir practice. Sarah took them home and I came not far behind them. By the time I got there, they were all getting in bed. I gave them each a big hug and a kiss goodnight, knowing that was the only face to face contact I had with them all day.

We need time with our Savior every day… time spent talking with Him and learning from His Word and living out His character. All of that takes time. And if we aren’t careful, we’ll find ourselves keeping busy with other things and letting the most important ‘thing’ slip.

Lord, help me to keep my focus on You as I go throughout my day. And help me, Lord, to do the best I can in showing my children the value of a healthy, active relationship with you by taking time for them as well.



Daniel

#310.1 – “Each Other”

"Let all things be done to build each other up." - 1 Corinthians 14:26
I have noticed when taking the kids to school that the bonds between brothers and sisters are something that all our kids are really enjoying (at least, right now). With both boys going to Brookhill this year, and both girls going to the Intermediate School, I make only two stops on my way to work – the first to drop the boys off, and the second to drop off the girls. I notice that, while on the way to the elementary school, the boys have such a good time - reading a silly story and giggling and tickling each other. Then, after I drop them off, I notice that the girls just talk and talk and talk back there in the back seat, usually giggling periodically in there somewhere. And all of this just makes me appreciate how close our kids are and how God has provided a support for them in each other.

We as the family of God have each other as a support in times of fun, as well as in times of sorrow. We can talk and giggle together just like kids sometimes, but we can also be a real help and an active support when needs in the Body exist. I am thankful for all of you and I hope you are appreciative of this family to which you belong.

Let us all thank God for each other, as it was His intentional design to bring Himself glory by creating all of us to need and give to each other.



Daniel

#309.4 – “60 Minutes”

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win." - 1 Corinthians 9:24
It seems like lately - with Sarah working and the kids in school – that all we have time to do is ‘catch up’ with each other before we all go to bed and repeat the process. Last night, Sarah and I sat up again talking to each other at an almost lightning speed, just dumping information onto each other in a totally random order, with very little time given for feedback or discussion. We simply blitzkrieg each other with our days in 60 minutes or less and then fall asleep – exhausted from the activity of the day.

Sometimes I approach my relationship with God in the same utilitarian kind of fashion. I hurry up and do my Bible study or my prayer time… checking off my list of things to say and to do… and finding myself talking at God a lot without really talking to Him very much. I throw a few items before Him in a stream of what you would hardly call consciousness, and I go onto the next ‘thing’ of my day. Instead of taking time to be renewed and strengthened, I rush through and get it done. And then, after a while of doing that, I find myself spiritually ‘spent’ and in need of some time with my Savior.

Lord, help me to not equate activity with growth, but to realize that rest is also a necessary part of growth as well.



Daniel

#309.3 – “Motivation”

"We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all." - 1 Thessalonians 5:14
This morning, I was getting the kids up for school… or more accurately, I was getting the boys up. The girls are pretty self-sufficient. They get up with their alarm and do what their supposed to do without having to be asked.
The boys are a different story. I go in their room probably more like ten times before I finally get them up and out of there… and even then, I have to coax them to do their morning routine before breakfast and keep after them to make sure we leave on time.
I can be like both sets of kids at times. There are times when I do what I should and don’t have to be nudged at all; and then there are times when I need a little push (or a shove) to get my act together. The great thing about God is that He always knows what I need and gives me just that. He is the perfect motivator. I can only aspire to be like Him with my own children and those whom I have the privilege to influence.
Lord, help me to look to You for my encouragement and motivation… thank You for those who are an encouragement to me… and help me to encourage others in such a way that it is meaningful to them.

Daniel

#309.2 – “The Best Laid Plans”

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD." - Isaiah 55:8
Last night, Sarah had to go to an orientation for her new job at First Baptist preschool, which meant that you know who was responsible for putting kids in bed. I had this great plan of how to get them all tucked in early, since they had been up late the night before and would most likely be up late tonight. But one thing led to another and then another and the next thing I knew, it was approaching their regular bed time and they still weren’t in bed. Oh well… the best laid plans.

Sometimes, my plans don’t work out like I first thought. Sometimes the Lord moves me in a different direction as I seek to follow Him. Sometimes, He totally surprises me with something even better than I had anticipated. Whatever comes about, though, I am reminded that my primary objective is not to have it all figured out, but to rely on Him and listen for His voice as He leads me, trusting Him for the outcome and seeking His glory.



Daniel

#309.1 – “Don’t Sit on My Bear”

"It happened as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up to him, and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister left me to serve alone? Ask her therefore to help me." Jesus answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her." - Luke 10:38-42
Sarah and I were kissing the kids good night last night, telling them all we were excited for them about the new school year. When Sarah got to Joshua, she sat beside him on his bed and was trying to give him a big hug and tell him how proud she was of him and how she had been praying that he would have a good time at school and that she knew he would do well, when - in the middle of her little speech – he stopped her to tell her not to sit on His stuffed animal! Being an innocent bystander, I thought the whole thing was hilarious – that she was trying to give him an appreciation for the big picture and all he cared about was the moment right then and his little bear.
Sometimes I can be like Joshua. God wants to show me the big picture and I can get so focused on the things that are right in front of me that I miss some pretty important stuff. I choose to only see the things that I want to see and not be open to what He wants to show me.
Lord, help me to be available to You, not only for service, but also for listening to Your voice in the midst of my days. Help me to tune in to You.

Daniel

#308.3 – “An Oasis”

"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6
When Sarah and I reached the truck after our six mile bike ride and five mile hike, I remember thinking that it was the greatest sight I had seen all morning. Yes, the trees and the flowers we saw along the trail were beautiful… and yes, the sky was a perfect party cloudy… but it felt much like what I imagine an oasis in a desert must feel like to the wanderer when we got to where we could see the red exterior of that truck, because that meant we had made it on our long trek back. After loading our two bicycles up in the truck, we stopped there in town for a couple of cold drinks. Sitting behind the wheel… with the wind blowing in on my body… and that cold lemonade (had you guessing, didn’t I?) going down my throat in swift chugs… well, it was the best feeling.

That truck represented salvation for two weary stragglers. It provided a haven of rest and a promise of home. Were it not for that truck, we would not have any hope. I can’t tell you how wonderful a feeling it was when I heard it crank. “Ahhh”… I knew we had made it then.

Jesus is an oasis of sorts. He is salvation for the weary… a haven of rest for the tired… and a promise of hope for the lost. Without Him there is not hope of ever making it home. He is the Way… He is the Truth… and He is the Life. And He and His love never fail; they always prove powerful enough to overcome any circumstance and any adversity.

Today, let me encourage you to put your trust in Christ as your Savior if you have never done so. And if you have and are struggling along life’s way, let me encourage you to lift your eyes to the One who called you and saved you and who loves you desperately, and find in Him your all in all.

Lord, thank You for being our oasis. May we seek our comfort and healing and restoration and protection and power in You.



Daniel

#308.2 – “Quality Time”

"Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone." - John 6:15
Sarah and I went bike riding Monday and Tuesday mornings. On Tuesday, we started out at the north end of a five and a half mile trail and rode south. After reaching the end, we stopped and took a break - cooling off and refueling our bodies with a light snack and a drink. We then turned north and headed back to our starting point. Not a half mile into it, Sarah ran over a nail (afterwards I teased her about finding what quite possibly might be the only nail on the entire stretch of the trail) and popped her tire instantly.

So we walked back the last five miles. I offered to go ahead of her and go get the truck and come back and pick her up, but she preferred that we just walk it together (quality time, you understand: sweating… joints tired and aching… feet hot and sore… legs exhausted… quality time). What took only about a half an hour riding now would prove to take us more like about an hour and a half walking. But it really was an hour and a half of ‘quality time’. We talked and laughed and shared and just walked along with each other.

I suspect that God knew we needed a chunk of time where the pace just slowed down for us. We literally did not see anyone else out there the whole morning (no one else was probably crazy enough to get out on such a hot day); it was just the two of us… enjoying time with each other.

Spending time with God is so necessary for the Christian. This world and our lives tend to be so hectic and busy that we need to stop and take time just to be with our Savior… to talk with Him and walk with Him. Jesus modeled that kind of ‘retreating’ for us; He withdrew in order to be with God. We should do the same and just renew our strength in the presence of the Almighty.



Daniel

#308.1 – “Never Enough”

"As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" - Psalms 42:1-2
Sarah and I celebrated our thirteenth anniversary this Monday (well, technically, we celebrated it Monday and Tuesday, but the anniversary was Monday). One of the things I find with any such celebration is that I always wish it could last longer… I always hope that I could take more time with her… I always want to do more things or go more places or just hang out more. Our time together is never enough.

In the same way, I hope and pray that I would be so enthralled with my Savior and so in love with the study of Him and His character that I would never get enough of joining with God’s people and surrendering ourselves in worship of Him and studying His Word and praying together in His precious name and serving Him by helping others. I pray that I would be continually transformed by Him to be more Christ-like and to give myself completely to His will for my life… and that I would never ever get ‘enough’.



Daniel