We Just Didn't Know What To Do

Many families are hurting because they are pressured into aborting their handicapped babies. We need to pray for grace to help give support and encouragement to mothers and fathers in these difficult situations.

Why the pressure? My thought is they do that to get you to make the decision they want you to make. I'm sure the insurance companies want you to abort, knowing if there are any complications with a full-term delivery, the costs will rack up. I call it, "Search and destroy."

Now I feel so stupid. I didn't get on the computer and research. I'm not a sheep; I'm a well-educated person. But I was immobilized. My brain just shut down when we got that diagnosis. We just didn't know what to do.

If you want to understand more, read the rest of the article at: http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41631

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

Thanksgiving

As a family, we especially thank God for sparing our firefighter son, Daniel, from injury or death. At 3 AM on Saturday morning, Daniel was driving the station’s reserve fire engine to a car accident when the unexpected happened. As he drove over a hill and began to brake for the turn at the bottom, the brakes failed. All was dark ahead. But, for some unknown reason, Daniel decided to steer toward the left. While still moving at 30 mph into the dark, the fire truck hit the end of the road, jumped a culvert, shot between two trees and slammed into an embankment. Flames shot up in front of the truck. The fire crew leaped from the engine and suffered their only injuries as they jumped into underbrush composed of mainly briars and thorns. A Sheriff’s Deputy who was already at the first accident scene and standing at the bottom of the hill was also grateful for his life. If Daniel had not steered to the left then the fire engine would have run over the Deputy. So, even though Daniel could not see the trees or the Deputy at the bottom of the hill, they were all avoided. Let’s thank God for this preservation of life, limb and love. We know that God has special plans for each of us and for Daniel. Let’s mix our gratitude with commitment to seek God’s best plans in each of our lives.

Daily Light from that same Saturday morning:

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Daily Light on the Daily Path Devotional
Saturday November 20, 2004
http://bible.christiansunite.com/devotionals.shtml
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Morning

When I sit in darkness, the LORD [shall be] a light unto me.

When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I [am] the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.--I will bring the blind by a way [that] they knew not; I will lead them in paths [that] they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.--What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.--The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Mic 7:8 Isa 43:2,3 42:16 Ps 23:4 56:3,4 27:1

My Stomach Is Calling

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom. ( Col 3:16)

When our first child was born and I began to realize the incredible responsibility that God had given me, my priorities began a rapid shift. Suddenly, my spiritual life and the future spiritual life of my child became extremely important. As parents, we began to have goals for our children that went beyond mere success and happiness in this world. But, the goals of Christian parents are opposed by the voice of the world system. In reality, most of us have influence on someone and we should have similar desires for them as they also face the opposing voice of the world. The sad thing is that we can each become the voice of the world. When, even as Christians, we fail to be saturated in God’s Word, His love and His perspective; our mind and mouth will tend to produce worldly thoughts and messages. Whether we realize our leadership or not, our influence could be misleading someone who sees us as a leader. It is vital for each of us to consider which of the following messages our life is transmitting in words or example.

Be lively Christians.

Wear the label of Christian but don’t be weird.

Be filled with and guided by the Holy Spirit.

Don’t be a fanatic. Be sensible.

Be godly, wise and discerning.

Be wise in the ways of the world.

Put building God’s Kingdom as first priority.

Watch out for your self first.

Be men and women of prayer.

Prayer doesn’t do anything (except it might help you feel better in a crisis). The TV or Internet gives more return on investment.

Have your mind saturated with God’s Word.

Today’s news, football game or gossip is more interesting.

Daily seek God’s direction.

God doesn’t give direction. I or “fate” will be my guide. Go with the flow.

Have a godly heritage

Who cares about future generations? It's all about me and the here and now.

Build your life on the foundation of Christ and His Word.

Important decisions are primarily based on money.

Be leaders in the Church.

It’s too much trouble (unless you can be someone important).

Be soul winners.

Don’t interfere in other people’s lives (besides they might reject you).

Be taught of the Lord.

It's better to get a good education from a reputable school.

Be light and salt in the world.

As long as I’m comfortable, the world is no concern of mine.

Trust in God

Trust in bank accounts, investments or a good job.

Manifest honesty, courage and integrity

My self-image and my stuff is more important than strict honesty.

Delight in the Lord.

Delight in entertainment, sports or romance

Fulfill the deepest desires of your heart.

Forget the deep desires, my stomach is calling!


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A Dream Come True

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is. (Rom 12)

Day after day, Ordinary showed up at his Usual Job. But while he worked, he thought about his Dream. He thought about how wonderful it would be to do what he loved to do instead of just dreaming about it.

Ordinary’s longing for his Big Dream grew and grew, until finally he realized that he’d never be happy unless he could pursue it. Why didn’t the Dream Giver make it possible?

If the Dream Giver didn’t, how could Ordinary ever leave Familiar? He had payments and expenses. He had regular duties. A lot of Nobodies counted on him for lot of things.

Ordinary felt completely stuck. Time passed, but nothing changed.
(from “The Dream Giver” by Bruce Wilkinson)

If, like me, you’ve had a Dream turn to dust; there is still hope for the future. God has a Big Dream for each of us that we can accomplish with what’s left of our life. But, time will turn all our dreams to dust if we don’t begin to do something. If we seek God and trust Him as we take chances, push through the fear of stepping out of our comfort zone, and don't turn back to the Familiar we will begin to see our Dream come true.

Project:

• Let’s commit that Today and daily we will each take some step in the direction of our Big Dream.

• Let's DO SOMETHING.

I chose you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. (John 15)

Being Sensible

Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. (Psalms 107:4)

Shortly after I was married, I read a book that stimulated my thirst. I became thirsty; thirsty for a genuine relationship with God. That thirst pushed me to do “something”. I didn’t know what to do but it seemed like I needed to find help for my thirst and I needed it that day and not some tomorrow. So, that very night, we packed up and traveled a couple of hundred miles arriving at dawn to visit some people who I thought might have some answers. They didn’t have all the answers but that journey and the prayer which was that journey became the beginning of a journey that has led to genuine food and drink for my soul. That sudden trip was as much a cry to the Lord as the prayers that were vocalized while we traveled.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. (Ps 107)

When we are in distress, God will hear the cry of our hearts if it is not quenched by our pride. But, what hunger and thirst is causing distress? Perhaps, like Eve, we hunger for some forbidden fruit or thirst for some deluding drink. Or, it may be that, like Adam, we thirst for companionship or human love. These desires can disguise and get in the way of deeper and more significant needs. I found that even when my natural desires were satisfied, there was a deeper hunger which continued to cast a shadow over my life.

For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. (Ps 107)

When we made that trip with our little baby, one result was a new determination and commitment to sincerely seek God and His ways. The life of that child was suddenly set on a new track because of what had happened to his dad. God gave a desire to know what His Word meant and grace to daily seek Him. The direction of career, home location, financial priorities and family goals were all fundamentally and wonderfully affected. Yet, these changes sprang from a single trip which was actually a cry to God for real water and food. It would have been so easy to quench the spirit. My bride could have resisted this sudden, crazy trip. I could have stopped and said, “Let’s be sensible. It’s late. We’ll sleep on it and tomorrow maybe I will do something.” I believe we would have missed a vital opportunity and stifled a cry to God if we had been “sensible”.

Project:

• Look beyond the surface desires. What do you actually want?
  
• Go on a fast. Ask God to give the gift of thirst and hunger of Spirit.
• Not only speak a cry to the Lord but act out the cry by taking actual steps to seek God in new ways.
• Don’t quench the cry; don’t put off action.

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Stream of Tears

He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river. (Psalm 105:41)

I remember a huge boulder on top a mountain where I grew up. It was at least fifty feet high. In each of our souls, we have places that have been hardened and are like giant boulders. These rocks seem like the least likely place to find water for our thirsty souls because it is there that we feel the least life and strength. These rocks may bear the shape of an enemy, an ex-spouse, a tragic accident, a hidden sin, an overwhelming fear or our own prideful self-image. These can be terrible boulders that we normally avoid even thinking about. Yet, it is to these huge, terrible, flint-like stones that Jesus desires to come and speak a healing word.

We tend to think that the desert of our soul, relationships and life is normal. In reality, God wants us to have a constantly increasing stream of Life flowing into all those areas. The streams of Love, Joy and Peace are pent up and could flow into every corner of our life. God is well aware of our inner landscape and is eager to lead us to a giant boulder that we perceive as an obstacle to our life but from which He wants to bring a river of blessing, healing and life.

As my bride and I have learned to communicate, God has led us to be more and more open with each other about fears, shame, wounds and frustrated dreams. These are the kind of things that I don’t naturally want to face because they can make me cry. Many of us are hiding from our feelings. Sometimes, something that I had not thought about for years God seems to bring it to mind at a time and place that demands an explicit decision. I can choose to either bring it into the light for God to touch; or hide from it and miss an incredible blessing. The fastest growth in my relationship with my bride and with God has come when I let Him open the rock. A stream of tears can be indicative of a new river of life.


Project:

• Find a place to be alone.
• Ask God to reveal a boulder in your life.
• When something comes to mind, ask for Jesus to heal your heart.
• Share your “rock” with your spouse, friend or minister.

Thorny Paths and Bitter Fruit

Behold, I am againt you, O proud one, declares the Lord god of hosts,
for your day has come, the time when I will punish you.
The proud one shall stumble and fall,... (Jeremiah 50:31)

God eventually and inevitably works against those who are proud. Our pride does not always bring immediate consequences. But, the day will come when we discover the fruit of our pride. How terrible it is when we find ourselves struggling against God. It is much better to have our prideful attitudes revealed as early as possible and to repent of them as soon as they are brought to light. Sadly, the proud man is tempted to exalt himself above God and to refuse to repent.

Some external symptoms of pride can be rolling eyeballs, hateful looks, bitter words, gossip, complaining, deception and laziness. The sluggard is filled with pride because he is wiser in his own eyes than seven who can answer sensibly. When we find that we have not done what we should have, the temptation is to make excuses instead of humbling ourselves.

It is extremely painful for any of us to have our nose thrust into our pride and to see it in all its reality. But, if I don't recognize my pride then I may be the only one who doesn't. My wife and children have helped me to perceive some of my pride. When this happens the temptation is to deny reality, to make excuses and to build the walls of pride yet higher. And yet, the fruit of pride is dreadful. May God preserve each of us from the thorny paths, self deceptions and bitter fruit of pride.

Project:
Let's fully trust God and pray that He will do whatever is necessary to move us from pride to humility.

Remember:
The Lord is just in all His ways and kind in all His doings. (Ps 145:17)

Test Your Own Level of Wisdom

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Proverbs 26:12)

As mentioned in John Siburt’s sermon yesterday, the “Pharisee” in each of us tends to make checklist like the one that follows into a black and white test. Am I wise in my own eyes? Is so-and-so wise in his own eyes? But, in reality, we trust our personal wisdom differently as we face decisions in varying areas. For some decisions, we are open to the counsel of others; but for other decisions we have made up our mind and neither heaven nor hell will change it. As you read through these questions, ask God to reveal areas where He wants you to have less wisdom in your own eyes. Ask God to give you His evaluation of you on each question.

Do I actually admit to myself a need to change in some area?

Do these questions make me feel defensive?

Would others say that I am willing to admit a mistake or failure?

Do I usually have an excuse for why I don’t make changes?

Do I sincerely consider the opinions of those who disagree with me?

Do I genuinely listen to, understand or get advice from my wife (or husband)?

Do I tend to immediately defend myself whenever I feel criticized (especially by those who know me the most)?

Do I understand my children’s perspective?

Do I seek the counsel of my adult children?

Do I give my opinion more weight than other’s experience?

Do I seek the counsel of my parents (in spite of how messed up their own lives may be)?

Do I personally seek guidance in God’s Word?

Do I avoid or seek sermons, Bible classes, seminars and retreats?

Do I usually listen to a lesson or sermon with an attitude of asking how I personally should change?

Do I normally listen to a sermon looking for ways to criticize it?

Do others (especially those closest to me) say that I am quick to ask forgiveness?

Do I praise myself?

Am I basically wise?

Project: Let's beg for God’s grace to sincerely desire and diligently seek His wisdom.

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To add your own questions to the Wise in Your Eyes Self Test by pressing the button to add a comment.
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Blindingly Rich

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction…. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:9,11)

We are surrounded with advertisements for ways to get rich. But, how often do we see an advertisement for a way to grow in godliness or steadfastness. What God says to flee most of the world is pursuing and what He says to pursue most of the world ignores. I’ve sometimes been guilty of the wrong goals and priorities and the older I get the more value I see in the things that last forever. Interestingly, Jesus said that if we would make building God’s Kingdom our top priority then all our needs would be provided. One of the places to build His Kingdom is in our own soul. We hear of “spiritual disciplines” and they don’t sound very exciting. But, they are ways to pursue faith, love and godliness. Perhaps they don’t excite us like they should because we don’t see the genuine value in righteousness, steadfastness and faith. Our eyes have been blinded and our desires dulled by the glitter of worldly riches which are ultimately worthless.

Project: (Join me in this prayer today)

• Let’s beg God to heal our eyes and awaken desires for genuine, everlasting riches.

Promotion

Luke 3:22 -- "Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased."

Dear Son,

You are frequently in our prayers. Even your younger brothers often pray for you. Last week, I was feeling burdened by a challenge I was facing at work. I had two weeks to finish a project and was having difficulty making any progress. So, I sat in a chair in the middle and every one gathered around and prayed for me. Somehow, God got me past those obstacles. But, now I am facing another hurtle with less time. I'm praying for God's guidance and inspiration and, later this morning, I will again ask for everyone here to pray for me. Prayer has been key for your Mom and I over the past 35 years. And, it is the basis of any truly successful life. So, sincerely seek God's strength in prayer to get over the obstacles in your way. Pray for your teammates and ask for their prayers. This is a great time to learn to seek Christ's strength for life.

Even as you begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the effort required may seem daunting. But, just like climbing a mountain, the final few hundred feet can be both the most challenging and the the most exhilarating. As you reach the top of this mountain, we will be there to cheer. It looks like much of your family is aiming to come to your promotion ceremony. So, be a leader in seeking God's strength (He's got plenty for you), in manifesting Christ's attitude (loving, cheering and serving) and in overcoming the lies of the enemy (darkness, defeat and death). We're looking forward to seeing you soon.

I love you,
-- Dad

Heavenly Promotion:
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eys; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. .... He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Rev 21:4,7)

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