COLORS

April 4, 2020

Colors

Colors are such a sign for the seasons.

Think about… Summer – bright colors white, green, orange, purple.

Fall – earth tones of orange, brown, red, amber.

Winter – deep and dark colors, black, gray, navy blue.

Spring Time – Light colors, pastels of blue, green, yellow, pink, purple, and green!

Colors tell us where we are and what time the season is. But then, we begin to blend in with the settings around us! And in this season of spring, we find ourselves in a “Stay at Home Advisory’, blending in out of necessity for life. We are now having to be intentional about those COLORS we love to see here in New England – the white and grays of winter, to the greens, yellows, oranges, and pastels of spring.

How does this affect us as Christians? We could say that red is a Christians favorite color, because of Calvary. We could say that white is a Christians favorite color, because of Redemption. We could say that blue is a Christians favorite color, because someday we will be caught up in the sky with our savior! All are true, but think about this…

We are called to be a peculiar people! To not blend in! To be different! This week as we begin to celebrate the Easter season, the thought crosses my mind, “What do people see when they look at me, a Christ Follower?” Do they see traditional or contemporary, how about a style of music, a particular political bent? Does my family not just look different, but act different and actually walk the as Jesus walked? I want to encourage, us both, to take an inventory of our hearts and lives. “Match our colors with Christ, not our surroundings!”

Easter is literally 1 week away! Find a friend, neighbor, co-worker, relative, and invite them to church online, over the next several opportunities through Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter! I heard a friend say this week, “Let’s have a virtual cup of coffee together over Zoom or Facetime.” They “go” to church together! We all need to hear the story of the resurrection this season, the testimony of life and togetherness – it is coming back! Even though you may think they will not come, invite them and see what God does!

Let’s get out of our comfort zone to see Jesus change lives! Have a colorful week this week!

Free Agency Has Killed the Game…

December 31, 2019

You may have heard that I am quite the baseball fan…

As I was shoveling the driveway this morning, contemplating the new month of January 2020, this thought – “Free Agency Has Killed the Game” – pummeled my thoughts. Let me explain…

Now, Free Agency started effectively on Nov. 4, 1976 in Major League Baseball, I was just over 3 years old. There was absolutely nothing about getting rid of the reserve clause (keeping players to a team, that could go elsewhere and play, even perhaps for more money) that did anything for me or against me on that day, or even now on this day. The simplest understanding, for the average person, it means nothing to the outcome of our lives.

Free Agency, gave the player the right to go wherever they felt like they could go – to get more playing time and more money. A decision that became all about themselves, not the team, not the dream, not relationship, all about ‘me’…

Ok, now that I have sucked you into this post…it is truly not about baseball…

You know too many of us in Christendom have become free agents. Worried and consumed about how this thing called life is going to treat us as individuals. Not buying into the “team”, the “Creator”, the passion to win – souls. It has taken away the desire to be like the One who paid it all for us.

We so often, can’t get out of our own way, we can’t stop looking at our own mirror, we can’t stop looking at the play of others and how if effects us – instead of looking at our play and how it affects others. Christendom has become a free agent game, about me and mine…

A well known Pastor in Christendom once penned these words as he opened his best selling book, “It’s not about you!” Pastor Rick Warren, got the point, that to live a “Purpose Driven Life”, one must not live for themselves, they have to give up their life and live for someone else…Jesus and those that Jesus wants to save!!!!

Jesus said in the book of Matthew 16:24 (NLT),

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.”

Did you catch it, “…give up your own way…follow me.”?

That means me too! Dan Lewiston, give up your own way and follow Jesus!

You know in Baseball there are these 2 offensive plays…

A Sacrifice Bunt and A Sacrifice Fly

The ball goes different distances…one merely 10 feet from the catcher – maybe…the other in the air way out in the outfield. Both designed to get the runners around the bases, maybe even to score 1 run. Not designed for the hitter, but the base runner. Not designed for me, but for the team.

God, let me hit a Sac Bunt or Sac Fly today – for your team!

No Matter Which Bed You Are In…

August 23, 2019

Today has been a “Bungee Cord” kind of day. I sat in 2 different Hospital Rooms before lunchtime. One was on the Oncology Floor of a friend of mine who has been diagnosed with Stage 3/4 Cancer. The other was with a mom who was holding her 5 weeks premature newborn. Some serious emotions and thoughts entered into my head as I sat with both.

On the Oncology Floor – My friend is bound and determined to beat cancer! He has high spirits and giving his everything to do whatever necessary to “Kick Cancer in Nodes” (His saying, as the cancer is in his lymph nodes). I walked out in wonder…How would I be in that bed? Would I have the peace to face this the way he is? Would I have the confidence in FAITH and MEDICINE that he has? For I would not like to choose the bed he is lying in right now.

 

In the NICU – I sat with a precious little one and her mom, the peace and serenity that both of them had. Newborn sleeping against her mother, mother nestling this little life in the opening gates of this world. As I listened to the unfolding events of the prior 72 hours of intense medical procedures to guarantee this little one a fighting chance, not to mention helping the mother to stay alive. How would I be,watching my sons, my daughter, my wife lying in that bed? Would I have had the same peace, in the same situation? Would I have maintained the same trust in FAITH and MEDICINE? I would not have chosen this bed for the start of my own 3 children.

Back to the morning of this day – I started my drive to the hospital(s) this morning listening to a sermon by Pastor Michael Todd, (Click Peace Under Pressure to view)… Guess what his inspiration was all about… Peace and the Holy Spirit!

As he shared, and I have read and preached about countless times along the way…

John 16:31-33 (MSG)

Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” 

John 16:31-33

Well, the message for me was loud and clear… “Dan, be at PEACE! I got this!” – Jesus

I am not sure what bed you are lying in right now. Frankly, the beds we find ourselves lying in tend be overwhleming. I want to encourage you to lift yourself up and ask the “Comforter” (AKA…Greg – listen to the sermon above, Paraclete, Holy Spirit) to walk with you and lift what you cannot lift!

Guess what – He Will!

What If…

June 10, 2019

The below piece is written from a Son to himself with questions in his heart and soul. And our Heavenly Father’s reply…

What If…

Son: What if I never sinned? Father: What if you walked in your forgiveness?

Son: What if I always listen to you? Father: What if you become just like My Son?

Son: What if I had never lied? Father: What if your dreams come true, in spite?

Son: What if I never cried? Father: What if your tears brought a day anew, just like the fresh morning dew?

Son: What if I just go ahead and die? Father: What if you are called to live an abundant life, one filled with joy, passion, and lack of strife.

Son: What if I was smart? Father: What if you knew of your own brilliance?

Son: What if I was tall, and strong, and fast? Father: What if you had walked in My Image and looked and lived like Me?

Son: What if I had never seen those images? Father: What if your mind was transfomred by the way you think, and made new?

Son: What if I was the perfect son? Father: What if you knew how amazing you really are, created just the way I like want you?

Son: What if I looked to You, maybe I wouldn’t be addicted? Father: What if you kept your eyes on me, and not the pain that keeps you so afflicted?

Son: What if I fought back more than not? Father: What if you knew your life had reason, then your life wouldn’t feel as though it is filled with treason.

Son: What if I gave up? Father: What if you keep on swinging, and never gave up?

Father: What if as you round 3rd, headed for home – you hear Me say, “Well Done!”

Remember the words found in Isaiah 43:4…
“…you are precious to Me. You are honored, and I Love You.”

…ATTITUDE…

June 7, 2019

If you are alive on this earth, you have heard the world attitude. You have had to adjust your attitude. You have been on the recieving end of a person that needed to have an attitude adjustment, and if you are like me, you may have felt inspired to the “instrument” that God was going to use to make that adjustment (We have to “SLOW OUT ROLE” when that happens). Attitudes are in everybody, every day, every where, and in every circumstance!

16 years ago, I came across an addage that I had forgotten until recently. Here it is…

What makes life 100%? If

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then,

K N O W L E D G E – 11 14 15 23 12 5 4 7 5 = 96%

H A R D W O R K – 8 1 18 4 23 15 18 11 = 98%

But,

A T T I T U D E – 1 20 20 9 20 21 4 5 = 100%

Now that is pretty powerful wouldn’t you say! I believe that Jesus lived His life in this principle. The Apostle Paul, saw this through his encounters with Jesus and developed this “thesis” the more and more he wrote about Jesus. Look at Paul’s thoughts on this in the book of Phillipians…

Philippians 2 (NLT) – Have the Attitude of Christ

1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I know right now in my own personal life, the more I shift my eyes off of myself; then shift them to Jesus and to other people, I notice something…

MY ATTITUDE AUTOMATICALLY  ADJUSTS FOR THE BETTER!

As a matter of fact,  John C. Maxwell said this about attitudes… “When our attitude outdistances our abilities, the impossible is possible!”

So here is to Life at 100% – ATTITUDE!!!!!!!

It Ain’t Over

May 31, 2019

Yogi Berra said, “It ain’t over, ’til it’s over!”

Well as of last night, the 2019 High School Baseball season is over for our Varsity Team. It should be a sick day for Baseball Coaches and Players (a holiday for moms – no more baseball unifomr laundry turn around in less than 8 hours), the disbelief that the season is over, the thought of what am I going to do from 2:30 to 5:00 everyday, the “wish I should have could haves” to simply keep playing another day. But the stark reality is the older I get, the more I realize all things come to an end…sorta…

Last night I watched 3 seniors play High School Baseball for the last time, and there friend – who was the manager, was there for their whole Sr. Year. I watched a young man that accepted a role that he had never done before, performed sacrifice bunt after bunt – yet again, the way he had done so many times, and he did it well! I watched a young man sit in the dugout for 7 innings, with an injury, support and love on his team that he had played as a starter for the last 3 seasons. And then I watched a young man that has been an incredible hitter for years, not get a hit in his last game, but left his heart and soul on the pitchers mound – a complete game win (12-4) with 9 Strikeouts and 133 pitches. Yet, it ain’t over for these 3…boys, it ain’t over…It is only just beginning!

Then there was the 4 coaches, in which fortunately I get to be one of them… An evening of last barbs to each other, confirming or questioning each other for the best move for the team, the final handshake and hug of the 2019 season, and the promise to be back and be better and be there for each other for the 2020 season. Then there was the coaches photo to simply obligize a grandmother of one of our seniors…

Those 4 seniors, us 4 coaches, you in your life – will all see seasons come to a close. But remember there are always seasons that are about to start. People to do life with, Places to visit, and Tasks to accomplish…seasons that are new and exciting, adventures filled with the unknown, and people that will bring value to your life. Seasons that will bring new expressions of purpose, meaning, and dedication. Seasons that will stretch you and prove valuable as you learn and grow. Seasons that will exercise your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual mechanics. Seasons that will prove to be fundamental as you round the bases for the next season after that, and the one after that, and the one after that…

Sometimes in those transitions of seasons, the game of life can feel like it has left you all alone. Sometimes, those same times can you leave you feeling ill prepared for what is next. Sometimes, the yearning and the desire to go back in time, because it is known and comfortable – is so very overwhelming. Sometimes the next season will have a new set of doubt, fear, and pain that you will have to play with. But, I want to challenge you today, every season you loved, started with many of the same emotions and realities, but you and I played through those sets of doubt, fear, and pain. And we made it through that season, to the next.

Well, I leave with you this…from my favorite playbook ever…the Bible…

“For I’m going to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Don’t you see it? I will make a road through the wilderness of the world for my people to go home, and create rivers for them in the desert!” Isaiah 43:19 (The Living Bible)

God knows your season. God promises that He will make a road through the wilderness (doubt, fear, and pain) for you. In this next season, God will make “base path” for you to round the bases and make it HOME!

 

Class of 2019 – Here’s to a new season! May the next season, be more adventure filled than this last one! Thank You #2, #3, and #6!

Coach JD, Al, and Sandy – not a group of guys that I would have wanted to do this season with, than you! Here’s to eyes open, what did he just say, XXL, and so many other one liners that will pass by – can’t wait for next years set…

He said that “It ain’t over, until it’s over.”

So, (insert your name or baseball card here)…

___________________________

and remember…

“It AIN’T OVER!”

Shadows

May 24, 2019

“You just don’t understand me.”

“Why do you see me that way? It is not who I am!”

“All I want to is for someone to put their arms around me, to hug me, to love me, to help me know that I am not alone!”

“I hate being in the shadows…”

Shadows…of pain, hurt, rejection, despair, loneliness, and hopelessness. They are places of fear, places of pain remembered, places of darkness, places that we often don’t want to be.

A son in his father’s shadow.

A daughter in her mother’s shadow.

An apprentice in the shadow of their master.

An athlete who just doesn’t measure up.

A student who can’t quite muster up the grades.

A mom that feels pulled in a million directions.

A father who has lost the sense of purpose.

This morning, through pain, through questions, through the unknown, through all the shadows… There is a shadow that is safe and not painful. There is shadow where peace and comfort and joy and love and hope reside. There is a shadow that is not tempting to try to overcome. There is a shadow that is place of rest and wisdom.

Where is this shadow? I’m glad you asked…

Psalm 91:1-13 (MSG)

1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence,
    spend the night in the Almighty’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.
    I trust in you and I’m safe!”
That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
    shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
    under them you’re perfectly safe;
    his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
    not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
    not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
    drop like flies right and left,
    no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
    watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God’s your refuge,
    the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you,
    harm can’t get through the door.
He ordered his angels
    to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you;
    their job is to keep you from falling.
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
    and kick young lions and serpents from the path

14-16“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God,
     “I’ll get you out of any trouble.
I’ll give you the best of care
     if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;
     I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I’ll give you a long life,
    give you a long drink of salvation!”

Today, I am walking through my own questions as to the shadows in my life. I am sure you are as well. I believe that the answer to our shadows is not our quest for more authority, more gifts, more talent, more influence, more money, more of whatever you and I feel meets the void. Our answer to the shadows that we fight so desperately to get out from under, is the shadow of the Almighty God!

So will you join me in finding Rest for you, Peace for the journey, and Love from your Heavenly Father in this shadow, in His Shadow…

 

Just Practice…

May 17, 2019

This morning a good friend asked me this question, “Did you have a game last night, or just practice?” Now before I hit publish and make this available to the whole world, I will make sure my friends knows that I am writing this, and will say thank you for the moment that allowed this thought to live out loud. Thank you my dear friend!

Just Practice… can mean – “Just stop your belly aching and go practice what you have been taught!”

Just Practice… can mean – “Just another day at the office.” or “Living the dream…” or “Man, do I have to go to practice?”

Just Practice… can mean – “I really want to have a game. Practice is so boring and monotonous. Game time is where I shine.”

Today, I want to propose this thought to you…

Have you heard the adage “You will play like you practice.” I heard this as a high school athlete, I hated it. Friday nights under the lights were different from practice afternoons. What people saw under the lights was the best, my best, our teams best. They seemed to be the best of times!

Now, I love practice the most. They are the best of times. That is where we get better. That is where we work on things, to get better. That is where we forge relationships, and learn how to forge through the fires of adversity. Practice is where I truly deal with the Doubt, the Fear, and the Pain! Games are where I reap the rewards of the Doubt, the Fear, and the Pain overcome through practice!

Well, now as a Dad, Pastor, Leader, and Coach, I live by and preach a different setiment… “Don’t wait to play hard when everyone is watching, play hard when the only ones that are watching are your teammates and coaches. Then you will give your everything, your best in practice, and then on the field!” You will know no other way!

So the question of the day…

How are you playing today? Is your life different in private compared to public? Are you playing for who is watching, or are you practicing to get better?

Let me leave you with a quote from Coach Warren Belin who got it from St. Jerome…

“Good, better, best – never let it rest until your good is Better

and your Better is BEST!”

What is your best today?

Let Your Hair Grow Back

January 10, 2019

This morning in my reading my Bible, I was captivated by a verse (yet again) that I have read so many times throughout the years.

Judges 16:22, “But before long, his hair began to grow back.”

A little verse that stands out, like the whisper of a dear friend. You will miss if you do not pay attention to it. Let me explain…

Samson was a man that God had chosen to be a leader of the nation of Israel in Biblical Times. Before he was even born, God spoke to his mother to tell her that he was going to be a man that was dedicated to God and that he would rescue all of Israel. Samson was going quite the man, quite the leader, quite the emotional mess – almost ruining the plan of God for his own life.

Samson was quite the strong man, he once killed 1,000 men that had ganged up on him, with nothing more than the jawbone of a donkey carcass. He once snapped the ropes that were tied around his arms, like burnt rope. Once, his hair was woven into a loom, as he was attacked – he pulled his hair from the loom – without losing his hair. This dude was STRONG!

If you read his story in the Bible (Judges 13 – 16), you will find that the source of his strength was rooted (pun intended) in his hair. Now, I don’t understand why. Perhaps Samson was the original Patriarch of the Duck Dynasty Family, don’t know… But this is the way God intended it to be. This begs the idea that we think of why we possess certain gifts and abilities, and maybe people are looking at you and I and asking the question, “Why do they have the ability or gifts for that?” The only answer is that God placed them down deep in us. We move on…

Well once Samson’s enemies found out the source of his strength was his hair, they captured him and shaved his head. They did more to him, but you will have to read that for yourself (Judges 16:17-31). He found himself imprisoned, blind, humbled, and weak.

Then we hit this verse. Judges 16:22, “But before long, his hair began to grow back.” As his hair began to grow back, his strength began to come back. Today, I wonder if your “hair” has been cut off. I wonder if you find yourself in a place where you are imprisoned, blind, humbled, and weak. Your gifts and abilities seem like they have wasted away. You are a shell of the man or woman that you were once.

Guess what, “LET YOUR HAIR GROW BACK!” Samson was an emotional mess. I have been there, have you? You start on a trajectory that is right, it from the Lord, it is something that you know God spoke in your heart. Then somewhere along the way, you seem to start messing it all up. Maybe, someone else starts messing it up. Bottom line, it begins to get messed up. Look at this verse, “…his hair began to grow back.”

It is never to late to get back on right track. Listen to what the Lord has spoken to you. Never forget what he said! Remember, your hair will grow back!

You will make it if you listen to what God says about you…and you let your hair grow back!

Your strength will come back if you rest in the knowledge of who God called you to be, not what you feel others are saying about you!

Your gifts and abilities will once again make room for you, if you use them not for your achievement, your purpose, your plan, or your success – but His!

You will be again what you always dreamed of being!

You will be what God placed in your heart and soul to be!

So…

Here it is…

“LET YOUR HAIR GROW BACK!”

Reeling in Change or REALLY CHANGE

January 2, 2019

 

ChangeEvery year, scores of people around the world make “New Year’s Resolutions.” They are often broken within the first 30 days of the year. It is often not because of tools, availability, or even schedule conflicts. Many times the culprit is simply the lack of desire to “REALLY CHANGE” so people end up “REELING IN CHANGE!”

We in America (especially), just constantly want more and more. I must confess, I am way too often guilty of this. With this desire for more (of almost everything), we truly lose the value of “Really Change” and begin “Reeling in Change.” Change hurts and it often costs more than we are willing to pay. You have probably heard the quote, “Change only happens when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than change itself!” The absolute fact is we want Real Change, but we can’t outlast the Reeling in Change phase–so we stop REALLY CHANGING!

Psalms 139:23 & 24 says, “23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

I love this passage! I love to pray this passage–okay sometimes are easier than others! I really desire to change, and the only way to REALLY CHANGE is to have God begin to alter the things in my life that need be weeded out!

Proverbs 4:23 points out, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

As you start your “Resolutions” or “Goals” or “Life Changes”…whatever you call them; this year, take some time and let God look inside your heart. Let Him test you. Let Him point out anything in you that offends Him (if it offends Him, it ultimately hurts you).

Then start your 2019 leg of the journey to “REALLY CHANGE”!

Guard your heart from there on out, because it will then keep you from “REELING in CHANGE!”

This Night I Began to Understand about Life

December 28, 2018

This Christmas Season has been unlike any other that I have experienced. Jen did most to the Christmas Shopping, I found myself being pulled in many ways those closing days to Christmas. Then on Saturday, Dec. 22nd, after coaching my 6-year-old 2ndbasketball game – EVER – I came home and crashed for 3-hour nap, in which I woke up with a 102.5 fever. The Christmas Flu hit, and I was in my bed for 5 days. For the 1sttime in my 21 years of Full Time Ministry, I missed a Sunday and a Christmas Eve Service due to sickness! WOW, what a season for firsts…

Of course, being a great sharer, my 3 kids and wonderful wife are on the way to recovering. Sorry guys, I Love You!

Then last night, on Thursday, Dec. 27th, I stood with a family from our church in an ICU room, and said goodbye to their Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle… to me – My Friend! Chuck Baker, almost 80, went to be with Jesus at 7:10 PM.

It is the first time I have been in the room as I watched a person, a friend, take the 1-second-long journey from life to death. I watched in grief, in wonder, in despair, in pain, in great rejoicing, in bewilderment, and utter amazement. A man that I had laughed with, joked with, prayed with, talked about everything with, and man that I worshipped Jesus within Church, was now in the place that I have preached about for 21 years – he is there.

I didn’t know what to do with all of that emotions. All of that weightiness from the family’s grief. All of my own emotions filled with so many thoughts. For the first time in my 45 years, I had witnessed the miracle of eternal life. I was on the earthly side of that miracle, and I longed to be on Chuck’s side – Heaven! He wasn’t in pain anymore. He didn’t have a walker. No more pills. His heart was strong, all in 1 second! It was the first time I ever truly wanted to switch sides with a Red Sox Fan! You see we talked of being never able to trade places as baseball fans, I as a Yankees Fan – He as a Red Sox Fan! After the Red Sox beat the Yankees in the 2018 Playoffs, Chuck gave me a sympathy card, and he drew a broom on the inside of it. (Chuck has a great sense of humor!) As a good friend of ours said, “Chuck is now playing with the Angels!”

 

 

I have been somewhat fortunate in this world to have only been close to death only about 20 times in my life. My mom, my father, my father in law, 2 grandfathers, a grandmother, an aunt, an uncle, several classmates, and then about 8 close families that I have walked through death with, as they said goodbye. In all of these journeys to eternity, I have never been in the final hours of life. I have never seen death, the beginning of eternal life.

After last night, I have a fresh perspective of the true meaning of the words written by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:8 & 9, “8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.”

I met a man in 2010 in Memphis, TN.

Wes Linder was a kind and gentle man to me. You see, he was homeless, had nothing to his name but an old SUV, the clothes on his back, and then a few earthly possessions in the old SUV. I was introduced to him by his family. I got to know his brother and his mother. The day, I met Wes, we went to the food pantry and grabbed several bags of dry good groceries and personal items, and went back to his SUV.

You see, I sat in his truck and let him talk and talk. We shared cold soup, canned tuna, crackers, and bottles of water. We talked of dreams and goals. We talked of family and future. We talked of God and sin and eternity. I prayed with Wes that day, and only saw him one other time after that. He died 6 months later, just weeks after my family moved from Memphis, TN to Cape Cod, MA. On Dec. 29, 2010. There was nothing I could do or say. My broken friend’s body couldn’t hold together the years of his life. But this I know, his soul was desperately looking and searching for the love and meaning of Christ’s Love for him!

2 men, that I have known for collectively less than 2 years, made a huge impact on me.

Wes taught me that there is no price tag too small or too great to spend time with someone who needs to be loved. Wes taught me that love matters, no matter how it is shared. Wes taught me that life is not about position or bank accounts, but it is about heart and soul. Wes taught me that there are some amazing jewels hidden in the roughs of life. Wes taught me that simple love is found in simple ways – in authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability. Wes taught me to NEVER judge a book by the cover!

Even though Wes had so many questions as to the many of life, he lives on these 8 years later, because he made an impact on so many people, before he crossed over to eternity!

Chuck taught me to laugh. Chuck “made” me love the taste of Root Beer. Chuck helped me loved the Yankees that much more. Chuck taught me what a passionate, never quit, tougher than nails life is all about. For the last 8 years of Chuck’s life, he made a commitment to Jesus, because he survived a Heart Attack (1 of several) that should have been it for him. He didn’t miss church from that point. Chuck taught me what friendship with differences is all about – you try being a Yankees Fan up here – LOL! Chuck taught me what faithful looks like, sounds like, and is.

Chuck understood his meaning in life, and though Chuck’s death is only a few hours old, Chuck will live on, because he made an impact on so many people, before he crossed over to eternity!

On the way home for the hospital last night, I stopped at the store and bought a bottle of A&W Root Beer and had a good cry. Once home, I talked to my wife to unpack the emotion, then I went upstairs and prayed for my kids as they laid in bed, then spent some time with my oldest son.

 

  Today for lunch, I went down to the food pantry at our church, and had a cold can of soup and some crackers, and sipped on a bottle of water.

You see, I’m 45, and hopefully, have a lot of life to go. But today, I understand life a little more than I did last night…

I understand, that being alone in this world is hard – so do life with people that are like you and that are not!

I understand that the simple things in life, are often the most meaningful.

I understand that no life is a waste and that we are all meant to impact the world for good, by pleasing Jesus.

I understand what Clarence said, “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends!”

And I have had some greats ones!

Love You, Chuck! Sundays will not be the same, but you will not be forgotten!

Love You, Wes! You’ll never be forgotten, and always be remembered!

I think I am beginning to understand this journey of life…got a lot to learn still…but I am up for it!

What to do, When You Don’t Know What To Do…  

October 24, 2018

What to do, When You Don’t Know What To Do…

Several years ago, I have had a couple of powerful moments with my kids. One morning my daughter says to me, “Daddy, did you have good dreams?” “No”, I replied, “I didn’t have any dreams.” She quickly responded, “That is sad, everyone needs dreams!” Stunned and struck with the enormity of my 3 year olds’ wisdom. Then, 2 days later, my son hit me with a big question. “Dad, have you ever let a team down that was counting on you to win?” “Yes son, more times, than not”, was my reply. The fragile thoughts of an 8 year old, desperately wanting to be older and better than he feels on the inside! “How do you get past that Dad?” “Well son……………………”

Have you ever had those thoughts yourself! Have you ever measured the surroundings of your world and wondered exactly what do with the fact that you are dreamless, that you feel like everything in the world is crashing down on you. These feeling are not just for the young at heart or the young in body! These feelings are for those that have a heartbeat. Whether young or old, rich or poor, married or single, you will find yourself asking the question “What do I do, I do not know what to do?”

Scripture answers that question for us in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30(Click to read.). No I am going to let you read it for yourself, but I want to give you the answer to the question…

Look at verse 3…“Terrified, he begged God for guidance!”

There was a King in the Old Testament named Jehoshaphat. He was a good king. He made his fair share of mistakes in his life. Especially in the last years of his life. It would be safe to say that he didn’t end as strong as he started. But God gave him hope!

In 2 Chr. 20, we see King Jehoshaphat and the nation of Judah hemmed from every side. Death was imminent. There was no way, except for loss of life. But tucked away in this short chapter of scripture, contain an incredible miracle that is applicable to you and I today…

2 Chronicles 20 (NLT) War with Surrounding Nations

1 After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. 2 Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.”

3 Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. 4 So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help.

5 Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. 6 He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! 7 O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? 8 Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. 9 They said, ‘Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’

10 “And now see what the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir are doing. You would not let our ancestors invade those nations when Israel left Egypt, so they went around them and did not destroy them. 11 Now see how they reward us! For they have come to throw us out of your land, which you gave us as an inheritance. 12 O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”

  1. Look to God for help!

Vs. 12 – “O our God, we do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”

King Jehoshaphat knew from his time in dealing with King Ahab, that he had to keep his eyes not on the surroundings, the people, the situation, but on the voice of the Lord!

2 Chr. 18:4, “Jehoshaphat added, “But, first let’s find out what the Lord says!”

The question was, “What should we do?”

If you cannot “hear” the word of God, then read the Word of God! He is speaking!

You do it now, fasting locks in the yield for later!

 

13 As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, 14 the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph.

 

15 He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

 

  1. Fear Not!

Vs. 15 – “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

King Jehoshaphat knew from his time in dealing with King Ahab, that he had nothing to fear if he stayed with God’s plan!

2 Chr. 18:31, “But Jehoshaphat call out, and the Lord save him. God helped him by turning the attackers away from him!”

Joshua 1:8&9 – 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

You do it now, fasting proves faith, trust, and strength later!

16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”

 

  1. Keep your eyes on God!

Vs. 17 – “…watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you!”

King Jehoshaphat knew from his time dealing with King Ahab, that he knew of being solely committed to God!

2 Chr. 19:3 “…you have committed yourself to seeking God!”

We have to keep our eyes on what is important! That would ultimately be HIM!

You do it now, your eyes will stay on Him later!

18 Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the Lord. 19 Then the Levites from the clans of Kohath and Korah stood to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud shout.

20 Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.”

  1. Have Faith!

Vs. 20 – “Believe in the Lord your God and you will be able to stand firm!”

King Jehoshaphat knew this from his time appointing judges in the land.

2 Chr. 19:11 “Take courage as you fulfill your duties, and may the Lord be with those who do what is right!”

Heb. 11:1 “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see!”

You do it now, your faith will continue to grow later!

21 After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever!” 22 At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.

Now!

Vs. 22 – “At the very moment…

You do it now, HE WILL DO IT LATER!

23 The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. 24 So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.

25 King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all! 26 On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the Lord there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today.

27 Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the Lord had given them victory over their enemies. 28 They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the Lord. 29 When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. 30 So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.

We are all going through stuff! As a church we are going through some very difficult financial hardships! Some of us are going through family crisis! Some of us have been to the Dr. recently and the outcome seems unchangeable. When you are going through it and you lose the dreams, and you feel lost in the middle of such familiar surroundings…When You Don’t Know What To Do…Remember…

“He Believes In You!” (Click to watch and listen!)