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Dan Lewiston

Dan Lewiston

Numb. 16:48, "There He stood, between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped!"

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  • Life Thoughts

You’re Not Alone!!!!!

danlewiston May 23, 2020

When you were not walking with Jesus.

When you were wrestling in your faith walk.

When you were brokenhearted at life’s hard knocks.

When you said good bye to the special somebody.

When you feel as though you are a failure.

When you are at your whit’s end.

You Are Not Alone!

 

Spring has sprung and summer is coming soon. That means a couple of things: school will be done and enjoy the opening volleys of warmer weather, and we will soon transition to shorts and flip flops.

 There will be less travel this summer, at least in its opening, but will no longer be tired of the cold arctic air! We will be creating our own island paradise in our back yards, perhaps even remembering a trip to a tropical island in our past. Many desiring to be back in the island trip from February before the world shut down.

 Through all of this, there is an island that I would not want to live on, travel to, visit, or even visit––the island of isolation!

Isolation is a place void of any meaningful human contact, relationships, love, or any emotion crucial to producing healthy relationships! Isolation causes people to put up walls that keep us from being the person we know God made us to be. Isolation causes people to shut out the people that love us and are there for us. Isolation can cause us to become inward focused and dependent on nothing but the feelings of loneliness! Isolation can drive us to despair.

 We see isolation in so many places in our culture today. Attached garages enclosed by a “privacy” fence surrounds many homes. Cars have tinted windows, providing the cover by which no one can see inside the vehicle. We see increased wearing of hats and sunglasses inside of buildings, keeping people from looking at each other face to face. And now virus called Covid 19, causes us all to actually cover the “Image of God” that He intended of us all. We see it in a continued state of technology, but we would rather look down at the screen than across the room at the family we live with, the people we work with, or the potential friend on the bus. Between masks and phones, we no longer keep our chins up and eyes peering to the lives of others. I could go on, hence take my word for it ––ISOLATION is everywhere in our culture!

 The Bible clearly talks about the person in isolation. Proverbs 18 is a powerful chapter of the folly of isolation. Look at the very first verse of this chapter,

 Proverbs 18:1 (NKJV), “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.”

 A person who has become isolated often deals with these 4 emotions: sadness, anger, despair, and reduced self-esteem. As you look at Proverbs 18:1, anyone can see that when you seek your own desire, you will reap these emotions––because your desire––RUNS OUT! You can also see that when you go against wise judgment those 4 emotions come into play, simply due to the fact that often we find failure instead of success.

One of the greatest ways to fight isolation is to be a friend, make friends, and help others build friendships. This can be hard, but it is a vital key to keeping yourself and people you know out of isolation. I do not think that it is coincidental that the closing verse of Proverbs 18…

 Prov. 18:24, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

 Did you catch that, the closing of verse 24, “…but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Guess who that is? JESUS!

John 15:13, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Through His dying on the cross for us, protecting us, providing for us, forgiving us, teaching us, encouraging us, giving us His strength, taking our burdens upon Himself and much, much more.

 Jesus is ultimately a key to stepping out of isolation! He loves, He accepts, He cares, He provides, He is your Friend!

John 15:15, “I no longer call you slaves, because a Master doesn’t confide in his slave. Now you are my friends since I have told you everything the Father told me.”

Let’s get off the island of isolation! Warm weather or cold weather––the island life of isolation is lonely and NO place for you!

 If you think about it, the Lone Ranger is a misnamed hero. He’s brave, morally pure, and strong, but he never fights his battles alone. Tonto is always there as a loyal partner and companion. Take it a step further; how sad it would be if the Lone Ranger really was a one-man operation. The world’s most famous cowboy might never have made it through the first episode! In fact, every great movie hero has a sidekick or partner; Batman has Robin, Calvin has Hobbs, and whoever heard of C3P0 without R2D2?

 The Bible also has some famous duos. Moses relied on Aaron, David’s best friend was Jonathan, and Ruth was the best daughter-in-law Naomi could have ever hoped to have. However, things get a little tricky when we get to Jesus.

Jesus never had a sidekick. He had 12 – twelve disciples, three of whom he favored. He was their leader—they called him rabbi and Lord, but then He called them FRIEND. So, does that make Jesus a lone ranger? Not at all. Jesus in fact did some great things for his friends and their… sadness, anger, despair, and low self-esteem…

 Turns Sadness to Joy – Ps. 68:5&6, “5 Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. 6 God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.”

Jesus turns Anger to Love – Matt. 5: 43-48 (MSG), 43-47 “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. 48 “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”

 Jesus turns Despair to Praise – Psalm 43 (MSG), 1-2 Clear my name, God; stick up for me against these loveless, immoral people. Get me out of here, away from these lying degenerates. I counted on you, God. Why did you walk out on me? Why am I pacing the floor, wringing my hands over these outrageous people? 3-4 Give me your lantern and compass, give me a map, So I can find my way to the sacred mountain, to the place of your presence, To enter the place of worship, meet my exuberant God, Sing my thanks with a harp, magnificent God, my God. 5 Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God—soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.”

 Jesus turns a Low Self-Esteem to Promotion – Luke 9:23-25 (MSG), “Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat—I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?”

 Ps. 147:10&11 (MSG), “He’s not impressed with horsepower; the size of our muscles means little to him. Those who fear God get God’s attention; they can depend on his strength.”

Jer. 29:11-14 (MSG), “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. 12 “When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. 13-14 “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree. I’ll turn things around for you.”

1 Peter 5:4-6 (MSG), “4-5 When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for — God has had it with the proud, but takes delight in just plain people. 6 So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.”

 SO, whether you feel yourself as a lonely inhabitant on the island of Isolation, or a Lone Ranger with a Tonto, let the eternal relationship of the Father, Son, and Spirit give you the encouragement and the strength to triumph over your greatest pains and fears. When discouragement comes your way, cast your cares on the One who saw Jesus through His darkest times.

1 Peter 5:7-11 (NLT), “7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. 10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.”

Genesis 28:15 (NLT), “What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”

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The Frames of Our Lives

danlewiston April 24, 2020

“Changing the frame doesn’t change the picture it changes the way you look at the picture.” Author Paul Scanlon

I am afraid that way to often, we look at the picture(s) of our life through the frame of self, pain, hurt, sin, humanness, etc… Way more often than we look through the frame of God’s amazing love for us, His forgiveness, His signature on the masterpiece of our life, and His plan for us. Perhaps the frames we use have burdened the plan of His call for our life. Thus making the burden way to heavy for us to carry, way to obsolete to be relevant in this time, perhaps even too ugly for the beauty that He has created all around us.

The thoughts of my heart and soul, are now shifting to visual of His ultimate enjoyment in seeing you and I be more like Him, than the striving to be sin free. I am becoming more and more aware that as Christ Followers we are not to be works-based, but we are to truly be MASTERPIECES! And we are that, not because of anything that we do, but because of what He has already done… Look at what Scripture tells us in Ephesians. 2:8-10…

“8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Think of the art gallery of your life, and the frames that you use to set them up to challenge yourself and other people. You and I have some really beautiful paintings and then some pretty rough paintings. Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t keep in His gallery just the good paintings, but the rough paintings too! All of them – MASTERPIECES! And then He frames in the context of the fact that we are His MASTERPIECES, not junk for the rubbish pile!

Today, be free to know that you do not earn the title Masterpiece. You were given that title! You are not working to earn anything from God! You are His and there is nothing that you can do or change for God to stop thinking of you as His Masterpiece!

Be who God intended you to be!

Know that our heavenly Father looks at you and is pleased with what He sees!

Hear your Father say, “Well look at you!”

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So Much More!

danlewiston April 17, 2020


So Much More

Have you ever looked at the life of someone that you used to know very well, but grew out of touch due to time or location? Today I was going back over some old photos and videos from my Youth Ministry days, and found some very fond emotions tucked away as I watched these priceless gems!

Some of my former students are now engaged, married, some have their own kids, some are in the ministry, some are making a big difference in the world. The sad fact was that some had just floundered, some I have no idea where they are at, some have even chosen a life of despair and agony – choosing not to follow after the things of God – instead for the worldly distractions that leave emptiness and lost-ness.

This got me to thinking about what my life has become. What do others feel or see when they see an old photo or video of some crazy thing I did in my younger years? My hope is that they say to themselves, “WOW, he sure has become a great husband, father, coach, leader, etc…” I know not all see that, but I hope that is truly what is happening – regardless! But then, I realize that the most important person thinking about me – are not the people from my past, they are not even the people in my present. I dare say that the most important people thinking about me – are not even those that I share the same last name or that I call family.

The most important person in my life that is thinking about me is Jesus! He cares about me and thinks about more than I could possibly fathom. And He does for you as well! Here are some of the things that He thinks about regarding you and I…

Is. 43:4, “I Love You!” – He Loves Us!

Is. 43:1, “I call you by name, you are mine!” – He wants to have relationship with Us!

John 1:12, “To those that believe, have the right to be called son and daughters.” – We are family to Him!

Is. 43:4, “You are precious…” – We have great worth and are desirable to Him!

Romans 5:8, “…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – He gave His life for us!

Well, here’s to all the students that braved mission trips, summer camps, holiday outings, Tuesday or Wednesday night services, silly games, story of things long forgotten, on and on. When I think of you I smile, I cry, I laugh, I marvel, I wonder what I did to be so fortunate to have known you… 

 

 

 

 

 

But regardless of what I think, He thinks so much more highly of you and loves you so much more than I could ever fathom!

Oh how He loves YOU!

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FAITH

danlewiston April 13, 2020

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen!” This week during our staff prayer time, God brought this verse to my mind and I just began to pray the prayer of faith for my family (both wife and kids, as well as our church family)! As I prayed this passage of scripture, I believe the Lord gave me a couple points of insight that I would like to share with you this morning!

1st – Faith is the catalyst in our life to have us watch the hand of God move on our behalf. Faith is the reassurance that God is at work in the situation that seems unmovable. Faith is the “nudge” in which we begin to act on the belief that “the One who started a work in us, will be faithful to complete that work!”

2nd – “The substance of things hoped for…” Substance is the matter of which something is made. Think about this with me…what are you made of…better yet, Who were you fashioned after? “Let us make man in Our image!” You are fashioned after God who created the universe! How amazing is that! Someone said to me this week that they felt like a disaster every time they went to the Word. I quickly reminded them that “God is closest to the broken and contrite heart”––that is right where God wants you. You feel like a disaster? AWESOME! God is getting ready to make a mighty move of faith!

3rd –  “…the evidence of things not yet seen!” What do you see in our church? What do you see in your family? What do you see in your your circumstance? Do you see God anywhere? Do you see any evidence that He is working in the scenes? Remember, faith is evidence. Sometimes you have to look for evidence––the little signs––the little points that God is at work! Even in the midst of the “stay at home” advisory and the spread of the virus. Your Faith can increase, and be apart of the increase of God’s presence all over the world during this time!

This week, why don’t we all pray for God to increase our faith! In essence, we are asking Him to increase our matter––our substance! Then you are asking Him to increase the evidence of His moving in and around us! Guess what? He wants too!

Praying for you & with you! Let’s keep increasing our faith in Him, and decreasing the you and me! Have a faith-filled week!

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COLORS

danlewiston 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!

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Free Agency Has Killed the Game…

danlewiston 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!

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No Matter Which Bed You Are In…

danlewiston 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!

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What If…

danlewiston 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.”

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…ATTITUDE…

danlewiston 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!!!!!!!

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  • Life Thoughts

It Ain’t Over

danlewiston 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!”

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  • Life Thoughts

Shadows

danlewiston 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…

 

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  • Life Thoughts

Just Practice…

danlewiston 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?

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ICE at Easter

danlewiston April 16, 2019

Jesus Identifies, Confirms, and then Employs!!!

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