I Don't Need

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

John 14.26

• I don't need a title to minister Jesus.
• I don't need a degree to teach Jesus.
• I don't need is a building to serve Jesus.
• I don't need a pulpit to preach Jesus.
• I don't need a doctrine to qualify Jesus.

What I need is to be obedient to Him.

But you have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true, it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.

1 John 2.27

Christian Haters Hating Christians

I kinda wonder if the apostles that stuck around Jerusalem after Stephens execution belittled those who ran off? (Acts 8.1) Did they condemn them for their lack of Faith?  Did Pete, John and the rest of the crew brag to each other how dedicated and fearless they were?

I am aware of how hypocritical this entry is.(Romans 14.22??) I am hating on the Christian haters.  I am so disgusted with the 'gospel experts' sitting behind their keyboards and pulpits declaring everyone else a pharisee or a phony.  How many people have accepted the Gift of Eternal Life because someone pointed out a 'flawed' theology?  Contrarily, how many people have become confused or bitter because of all the negativity and finger pointing? 

Yes, I have had conversations come up with others about Joel Osteen, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer, the Christian haters online and local preachers. Yes, I have been asked questions about what those people preach.  And yes, I have volunteered my opinion what those dudes are preaching.  There are things about each one these dudes that I can disagree with and agree with. It is tough to not get caught up in threads and debates about who is right and who is wrong.  I like to post something totally irrelevant in the threads, such as Project 86 is the greatest band ever. Or if you don't know Mars Ill, you don't know Hip Hop.  Or even something as stupid as my favorite color is snot green. 

With such easy access to express an opinion, its kinda hard not to spout off what we believe about Faith, sports, politics, work.  I believe it comes down to each persons motivation. (Romans 2.16) Why do we do what we do? Why do we preach what we preach? Is it share Jesus or is it to argue and debate about things that only time will tell?

I think anyone that chooses to limit Holy Spirit to the doctrine of one person is a fool.  I think anyone that wants to spend their time and talents tearing down other peoples doctrines instead of praying for those people is a bigger fool. I think anyone that wants to preach hate instead of preaching the Love and Grace of Jesus (yes, that includes confession (1John 1.9)and repentance (Titus 2.11-14) of sin) is the biggest fool of all.  I think there are too many Christians playing the role of a fool.  And too many times I play the fool.

It's true that some here preach Christ because with me out of the way, they think they'll step right into the spotlight. But the others do it with the best heart in the world. One group is motivated by pure love, knowing that I am here defending the Message, wanting to help. The others, now that I'm out of the picture, are merely greedy, hoping to get something out of it for themselves. Their motives are bad. They see me as their competition, and so the worse it goes for me, the 
better—they think—for them. 
Philippians 1.15-17 The Message

Up or Down

"It is those types of incendiary comments that prevents us from moving forward and advancing the dialogue of peace" she said with her head tilted in disgust.

"I find it deplorable that you are unwilling to make concessions that would benefit the majority" he quickly retorted. Without stopping he took control of the discussion with a tiring list of statistics and opinion polls that would overwhelm Sean Hannity.

"The disincentives that have been forced upon a minority in this house are inexcusable and are based in selfishness." she declaring now standing with both her hands on her hips.

While still dismissively waving his hand to combat her strong tone and posture he replied, "Your person is your responsibility, not mine! If I am to be held culpable for all the woe that befalls you now, when will I be absolved from being your personal guardian? Clearly, your agenda is not limited to hindering my inalienable rights but to usurp them "

After a very pronounced sigh and a slow shaking of her head, she spewed a rant with such repugnance that Keith Olbermann would plagiarize. After a lengthy pause she concluded, "It is imperative that a stand be taken now to prevent your fascist ideals from taking root and destroying the liberties and responsibilities which others have worked so hard to establish and ensure."

I finally could not take it anymore. I had to turn off the tv because I could no longer endure the fruitless 'debate'. "Logan start putting the toilet seat up before you potty or else sit down when you do."

What? You can't imagine my 7 and 6 year old debating the merits and responsibilities of putting the toilet seat up in such a manner? To me this sort of 'dialogue' is a real and constructive as a lot of the 'debates' that are on tv, radio and online

The sports and politics 'news programs' seem to be no longer about informing viewers but in promoting the opinions of 'experts'. These 'experts' bolster their agendas with words and tones that are not engaging but are intended to spurn any other view point. And if the expert's opinions are not enough to hold our attention, we can go online, text or call in our opinion. This allows us to make sure our 'voice is heard' on issues that will continue to be issues long after the 'polls' have closed.

Somehow, by knowing my opinion is 'supported' by a percentage of others that happen to be listening, reading or watching the same source I am is supposed to comfort to me?

It seems our culture disguises opinions as facts and rants as discussions. Too easily, I get caught up in conversations that become competitions. Too easily, I lose focus of what is really productive and get caught up in the futility of trying to prove that my view point is the only view point anyone should have.

Way too easily, I forget how foolish I look and the responsibility my words have.

Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;

with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

Proverbs 17:28

"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak,

they will give account of it in the Day of Judgement.

Mathew 12:36

Supertastic Leadership

I have learned more about God since becoming a Dad.  I have come to understand how He can love me even when I am at my absolute worst or most rebellious.  I understand the need for Grace and how it should never be earned, but given freely.  The love I have for my kids cannot even compare to the Love that God has for each one of His kids.

 Every night, each one of prays for all the moms and dads, all the grandmas and grandpas and all of our family and friends.  With the blended family and the competitiveness between Naomi and Logan, we had to group all those outside of our house together just so prayers wouldn't last 2 hours. After each individual prayers for the groups, one at a time, we will lay hands on each other and pray that Jesus would bless each Supertastic.

Jensen, the youngest Supertastic at 18 month old, has recently begun 'joining' us in prayers. When each one of will begin laying hands on the rest of the family, he will put his hands upon his head.  Pretty amusing and pretty cool that Jensen is growing up in a house of prayer.

Now I could wind up this entry about leadership with a verse (Proverbs 22.6)and how important it is we are aware of all the eyes upon us.  But I wanna go a little deeper.

See, even before Jensen began 'praying' with us, he was already intimating my leadership. One day when I got home from work, Nikki told me how Jensen was stomping around the living room with a scowl, an angry tone barking "NOW" while jabbing his little index finger at Nikki, Naomi and Logan.  Both older kids agreed, "He looks like Daddy!"A couple of days later I got to witness Jensen's 'outrage'. I gotta admit it was pretty funny, but even more convicting.

Is this what Jensen saw more of out of me? Is that what my family saw me as?  An angry, demanding Dad, that could only get his point across through fear or intimidation?  Is this what my kids are gonna remember the most about? 

So I will conclude with two verses.  Two verses that can instantly lead to confession to my Dad in Heaven about the kind of Dad I wanna be.  The kind of Dad I am supposed to be.

The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.

Psalm 20.7

Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.

Proverbs 17.6

Rebellion Is Not Freedom

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2 Corinthians 3.17

When I am obedient, I have the most freedom.  When I listen and do what Holy Spirit leads, life goes a lot smoother. For years, I had the view of God as a quick to anger, hard to please Dad.  So there were many times I just did what I thought was best and asked Jesus to bless what I had going on.  And on those few occasions when I did 'wait' on God, I looked for or even created the confirmation I needed so I could still get my way.

Eventually, this sorta faith failed me too many times.  I wanted to stop learning things the hard way.  I was sick of repeating the same mistakes over and over, in private and in public.  I was exhausted from my sin that would reveal itself at the most embarrassing times.

Do I still live obediently? Unfortunately, no.  Do I trust God more? Definitely, yes!  It took a few years of abusing the Grace that had been given to me and dealing with the consequences of my selfishness and stupidity.  After a few years of justifying my disobedience as Liberty and surrendering Peace and Joy for fleeting moments of pleasure, I was empty and broken.

I finally realized that rebellion is not Freedom.

So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.  So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then.  But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 

1 Peter 1.13-15

Child Like Prayers

I remember it very clearly. Logan was 3 1/2 years old. He had pressed himself up against the wall almost has if he was digging his heels into the carpet preparing for a long hard fought battle. (As it turned out, that's what he had in mind.) "Don't wanna! Don't wanna! No, don't wanna!" He screamed, as he worked himself up, by rocking back and forth and using the wall to push off. I was baffled, I just told him to get his shoes. That's it. I was wanting to take him to the park after he had just woken up from his nap. But first he needed to get his shoes on. If only I would have said something along the lines of "We can go to the park and play after we get your shoes on." "Maybe if I would have approached it differently, we wouldn't be having this battle," I thought to myself. But I didn't give an explanation as to the need for the shoes and so now I was stuck in the middle of a meltdown. "But then again I am the parent, I know what needs to be done and I know when it needs to be done." I silently reassured myself.
I told him that once he got his shoes on we could go. He refused and became more upset. He wouldn't ask me for help, he barked at me that he didn't want to put on his shoes, he just wanted to go to the park. No matter how I responded, he was determined to stay in his mindset. He was not making the connection that I was wanting to give him exactly what he wanted, if he just cooperated with me. This had become a battle of wills and I could never give in to this ridiculous behavior. This was my child trying to dictate to me what should be done and I could not allow that, especially with such awful behavior. If I gave into this hostility and stupidity now, then I would have to deal with even more later on. I could not allow this selfishness and negativity take root because I love my son and I want him to grow as a Godly man. Proverbs 3:11-12

Then Holy Spirit impressed upon me, "Is that how you act when you pray to God?"

All I could do was laugh. I wanted to cry. In times past, it was how I prayed. And in some areas of my life, it was how I maintained my relationship with Dad. I prayed and acted like a 3 year old when I talked to God!

I wanted and demanded things of God in incomplete sentences. "Why?" "Why me?" "How much longer?" I repeated the same prayers over and over and over. "PLEEEEAAASEEE!" I would whine in a manner that I would not tolerate from my 3 year old. I told God where I wanted to go and told him that I was ready to go NOW! It didn't matter if I needed to do something before I got to go where God had intended for me to go, I was being told "Wait a moment, I need you to do something first" and that was infuriating and inconceivable! Right?

Like the ordeal Logan was putting himself and me through, I have had many tantrums because of me not getting my way. I knew what was best for myself and I just needed God's help to get it done.

Unlike Logan, I was a "mature" adult, only in the past my behavior had been much, much worse. I used foul language and insulted Dad when I had my meltdowns. I questioned His love for me. I questioned His intelligence. I questioned His generosity. And I did it in a disgusting manner that would leave me horrified if my child had acted in such manner. If one of my kids, who had repeatedly professed their love to me for years, suddenly vomited such nasty slop on me like what I had done to God, I would be in tears. I would find it very, very difficult to forgive. It would take a lot for me to overcome such a selfish, ungrateful, nasty behavior such as what I have exhibited in times past.

Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Mathew 7:9-11

With all my shortcomings, selfish interests and the sin in my life I still want to give the best to my kids. How much more will my Holy Dad be able to give me because He is God and not because of what I do or don't do.

Just like I could not stop loving Logan because of his bad behavior and irrational thinking, I know God could never stop loving me. I believe this because I believe what the Bible says about God and me. I have also seen the love my Dad has for me because of the love I have for my kids. Even when I have been caught up in my selfish, shortsighted behavior, God is always there and He always will be there! He will never give up on me no matter how I act. Thankfully, He has matured me, He has lovingly corrected me and I have realized His love and the love of His correction. Revelation 3:19

Logan's meltdown took so long, that by time he had calmed down and apologized for his behavior, it had begun raining. He held his ground for nearly 2 hours. Unbelievable, he spent 2 hours inside, in a miserable mood instead of spending the time at the park playing with others and his daddy.

Hmmmm? How many times have I missed out on God's goodness and doing what I wanted to do because of my child like prayers?

Obstacle Course

Early in my Faith, I thought God was a harsh dude that was waiting to hammer me for my sins, as well as, for all of  my mistakes.  Sorta like a drill instructor.  After all, I had just enrolled in God's Army and He was gonna break me down so He could build me back up. And of course, because this was the angry, ready to smite, make people wander 40 years in a desert God, I just knew God was gonna spend alotta time breaking me down.

There were times I really felt like God wasn't just testing me, He was tormenting me, taunting me, waiting for me to mess up.  It was like I was running an obstacle course and He was barking all sorts of commands at me.  He also would also change to the course at any given moment.  Or He would throw more obstacles at me, just to see how much I could endure.


After a few years of yelling and cussing at God and telling God I wasn't gonna play His game anymore, I eventually saw God for who He is. I saw God as the Dad who loves all His kids and wants them to overcome the trials of life.

Thank God, He rescued me from my limited view of Him.

Looking back, I can see how He removed hazards, filled in pits and even rescued me from the times I got off His course. I also can see how He widened the path, (Psalm 18.36) and how even had me by the hand (Psalm 37.24).

Cheerful Disappointment

It was an awesome season in  my life!  I was the strongest in my Faith at any time in my life. I was digging into the Word with passion. Instead of watching Sportscenter first thing in the morning, I was reading my Bible. Instead of watching cartoon network after work, I was marking up the margins of my bible with new insights. I dusted off the concordance and was "discovering" answers to questions I had noted in the columns years before. I was memorizing Scripture and singing Praise and Worship as I was banging around the house, even at work. I would even break out a song of my own while on the job or in the grocery store. Sometimes His love would be so great I would sing in Tongues. (I imagine this might have been odd to those who didn't know me, maybe even to those who did?) I was sharing Jesus with people, I was even praying for co workers right the spot. I was soaring! I was strong!

Man, it is easy to praise Him when things are going great.

During this time of strength, I made a few choices that would impact my life. I did not enter into these decisions lightly. I prayed about each one, I sought the advice of friends who knew me well enough to speak honestly with me. I 'confirmed' my decisions with Scripture. I was confidant that I was in "God's will."
And right now, I can strongly say that some of those decisions that I had made were my will!
It sucks having to admit that. I hurts even more as I am still digging out from some of the decisions I made. Periodically, I have had to stop myself from thinking about "what if", "I coulda" or "I shoulda".

Coulda?! Woulda?! Shoulda?!

DIDN'T!!

If I am honest with myself and with Jesus, during a period of great strength I made poor choices but it was a season of pain and suffering that has strengthened my Faith and character the most.

Eventually, the poor choices that had all the 'signs' of being led by God, had proved to to not be of God. Looking back now with my perfect 20/20 vision, I recognize that even though the 'signs were there' His Peace wasn't.  Now I had come to a point in my Faith, in my life, the Joy was gone and I was more than disappointed, I was depressed, bitter, resentful and hateful with myself and with God. How my bud Ray and my little sis Kristy stuck it out with me is a testament to their Love and Faith. How I got through it I can only be attributed to Jesus. 1Timothy 2:13

I went to church on one Sunday morning with my son Logan, who was 3 1/2 at the time. That actually was a huge first step for me, because I was so upset with God that I didn't want to waste my time at another Sunday "dis-service".  Then I got lost looking for the church I wanted to visit. Like a majority of churches, 10:00 a.m. is the required start time, so with time running out, I gave up searching for that church. Instead, I pulled into a church that I had attended previously, many years ago when they held Saturday night services.

By this time I was irritable and I imagine it showed on my face because, the greeters and ushers let me walk by without the usual questions of "Is this your first time here?" "What's your name?" "Do you have our visitors packet?" Looking back at it now, I think one of them pretended not to see me outta fear.

When worship began, I was tossing around all sorts of criticisms in my mind. As usual the sound was at concert level and the worship team wasn't leading the body in worship, but more so, they were performing for the congregation. Then, after one song, the band stopped playing and announcements were given and the beggar's pots, errrr, collection baskets were passed around. It's interesting to me how often Worship of Jesus will get interrupted for announcements, collections, introductions and such, but I have yet to see a sermon interrupted for the same tasks.
By this time I was wanting to split! But I felt like Holy Spirit was asking me to stay. So as I am singing through a clenched jaw, fighting back tears. I become overwhelmed with all the mistakes I had made that led me to this time of darkness. I wanted to bolt out of there so bad, but I stayed. I would like to say that is was me that made the decision to stick it out, but I know that it was His strength that enabled me to "endure". And then the song Blessed Be Your Name appeared on the overhead screen. Only by the strength of the Spirit that I was sealed with, was I able say to myself, "He is worthy of my praise! I am gonna praise God!"

It aint easy blessing Jesus when life sucks!

But it is so much easier to bless Him in difficult times,
than trying to slug through the slop and slime of life without Hi,
trying to dig myself out of my sin and mistakes.

Since then I have come to learn to recognize Holy Spirit's leading more clearly. I have now a greater discipline to accept God's direction. I don't just accept 'signs' as His confirmation, I need His Peace to confirm the signs.  I understand that when He says wait, I better put the brakes on. When He says move, I better not hesitate.

After all, He is God and I am not!

Now, I am still a flawed man that can be overcome by selfish motivations and stubbornness. Both of which limit Holy Spirit's influence upon me, as well as my desire to do what He suggests. I will get out of line with His direction, His will. By having gone through the desert, I have learned to trust Him, to know that He wants to guide me. By praising Him because He is worthy and not because I felt happy enough to do it, I said to Jesus "Not my will, but Your will!"

Yeah, it was and is cool to have the love of Jesus so strong in my life that I can't contain it. But what is even more cool, is that I now can and will praise Him when life seems tough and unfair. No matter what happens in my life, no matter what I do, Jesus is on the Throne and He will remain there until God says otherwise. Dad has given me a will of my own and it is my choice, in good times as well as bad, to say God, blessed be YOUR name.

I Stopped Playing Online Wack-A-Mole

If you have ever read any sorta thread of comments after an online article you have noticed how 'brave'  and 'superior' some peeps are.  They are critical of everything, right about everything and insulting to everyone.  It is particularly vicious on the threads of sports articles.  A dissenting opinion will not only have their favorite team or athlete trashed but they will also have their intellect, gender and sexuality questioned as well.  Even their profile picture is subject to insults, unless it is a sleazy shot of some chick in a bikini, then a backhanded compliment may be given.

The political threads tend to be less confrontational, unless a peep is looking to poke a hornet's nest with a stick.  Then someone with a dissenting opinion will jump into a thread of disagreeable content.  From the ones that I have wasted, errr, taken the time to read they don't seem to get as vicious because usually the people complaining, errr, commenting on the article are of a similar opinion.  Examples, not too many conservatives are using MSNBC or the Huffington Post as their online source for news, just like there aint too many libs looking up Fox News or Newsbusters for their news.

Now on Facebook, things are a little bit different.  See, the people that will comment on your own post are your collection, errr, friends.  There is a person behind the opinion, sometimes even an actual friend that you may have (gasp) actually hung out with outside of Facebook.  So biting, sarcastic comments tend to be limited or else they're followed up with a ;) or a :P to let you know that the person is just playing.

For me, I made the decision recently, that for me and my 'valuable' opinions, these threads are kinda pointless.  When I get the vibe that the threads are opinion 'whack a mole', when it doesn't matter how valid a point is made, others will just pop up with another opinion, I tend to stay outta the mess.  However, every now and then, I will interject a completely random thought such as 'Project 86 is the greatest band ever' or 'My middle name is Joseph' or possibly 'the sky is blue' just for my own giggles.

Another decision I made when I got into the world of blogging and online commentary, errr, opinion expression is that I wanted to glorify Jesus.  I dunno if I have done this all of the times, I do know that there have been several of times when Holy Spirit (or my wife) have convicted me of my intentions for typing some of the things that I wanted to.  I have had buds make comments that have led me into rants but never into a reply because I knew I was coming from a place of Dave and not a place of Love.  I have also seen a few threads by Christians that made want to punch the monitor but instead I wrote a blog or a few.

By making these decisions and following through with them, I believe I have saved myself and many others a lot of frustration.  I also believe that I have come to learn more about Jesus and the Word by seeking to convey Truth rather than Dave.  Because of this mentality, I have been able to build meaningful relationships online because of my desire to exalt Jesus over Dave.  By trying to serve others by encouraging them with the Word, positivity or laugh and seeking relationship with people of a similar attitude, I have built relationships that are still limited by distance but not by an impersonal internet.  I have been blessed to get to know quite a few others and deepened the relationships with those I have known in the past.  Relationships that are genuine, caring, encouraging and Christ like because when I go online I try to watch my mouth.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4.29

GRRRR! God is Faithful

God is faithful. Without a doubt He is quick to respond to my pleas for holiness. The Will of God is my Sanctification, my living in Self-Control and He is faithful to see to it that I strive for nothing less. No matter where I am or who I am with, God desires for me to be Holy. He asks of me to be unselfish, willing to yield to Him as well as others. To pursue peace with all, even when it doesn't suit me. Whenever I pray the big prayers, soon after I am given the "good fortune" of walking the Walk.

I should know by now that He will not hesitate to give me opportunities to Glorify His name through me. In the past, I have prayed to be a better husband, a better dad, a better friend, a better servant of Jesus.... I am given the chance to do just that. When I have prayed to be a better husband, within hours I am asked by my wife to do something with her or for her when I am wanting to be left alone. When I have asked Jesus to help me be a better dad, my kids are at their worst behavior. When I pray to be a better friend, that's when I get a call from someone needing prayer during the end of football game. When I tell Jesus that I want to serve Him more, that is when I am asked by someone to give them a ride, help them move or run an errand for them.

It is a lot easier to be Christ like when things are going smooth as opposed to being caught up in life's struggles. It is easy to be a good husband when I want to. It is easy to a good dad when the kids are well behaved and affectionate. It is easy to be a reliable friend when it's convenient and I can easily "schedule it in".

But Jesus aint about making my life easy. He is all about making my life better. When I am so full of the King that the slop and slime of Dave is not visible, then my life is better. When I am holy, I won't have to deal with the consequences of my stupidity or selfishness. Also, when I am walking in the Love of Jesus and not the love for dave, life is better for those around me. They are the ones who benefit most by my obedience to Lord Jesus. When God is Faithful to answer my prayers for Holiness, those around me will see Jesus when they see less of me.

May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Psalm 119:74-76