December 2014

Blurred Vision

December 31, 2014December 30, 2014 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, God's Word, Joy, Renewal, The Bible

Yesterday morning, my wife and I had an interesting experience. As is always the case, one of the first things I do every morning is insert my contact lens in my right eye. I have an implant in my left eye which I use for up close vision and reading. Within seconds the sight in right eye was blurred. This led me to think I had dropped my contact on the table or floor in front of me. So the frantic search with a flashlight began. No contact. I then went to retrieve an old backup contact that I keep in my case. In so doing, the vision in my right eye became even more blurred. Guess what? I put the second contact on top of the one I thought I had lost. Well, part of the situation was “cleared up,” but my vision was still blurry. Thinking the contact was not positioned right on my eye, I went on about my morning thinking the situation would correct itself. I must add that since I had a detached retina in my left eye two years ago, I began to wonder if something was beginning to happen to my other eye.

Unbeknownst to me, Denise had by this time put in her contacts. After a moment she entered the dining room where I was working and declared that her vision was blurry, too! She left and then returned moments later asking, “Did you take a contact out of a case with two contacts?” Immediately the mystery of our impaired vision was solved! We both have the same color contact cases, so in my fumbling, bumbling early morning stagger, I had picked up her case and inserted her contact in my right eye. What a delight to be able to see clearly now that our vision has been corrected.

How will you see life in 2015? Through the “contact lens” of human viewpoint or divine viewpoint? Human viewpoint perceives life from a fleshly, selfish, worldly paradigm that convinces and/or assumes “I am right” (Proverbs 14:12). Divine viewpoint perceives life from a biblical, humble, Christlike paradigm that says, “God is always right” (Psalm 18:30). Human viewpoint comes when we fill our minds with worldly thinking, reading and entertainment (Romans 12:1-2). Divine viewpoint comes when we fill our minds with Truth (Philippians 4:8). Human viewpoint has “How does this make me feel, or what will make me happy” as its motivation. Divine viewpoint says, “How will this glorify God or make me grow in Christ or cause me to praise my God” as its goal (Psalm 150:6; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Peter 3:18). Human viewpoint will leave you frustrated, empty, never satisfied and bored (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18). Divine viewpoint leads you to rest, fulfillment, contentment, and joy (Philippians 4:6-11; Hebrews 3:7-19). Human viewpoint comes from “following your heart” (Jeremiah 17:9); divine viewpoint is developed by a life saturated by the Word (Psalm 119). Human viewpoint lives for now; divine viewpoint lives for eternity (Philippians 1:21).

As you move into 2015, will your life be blurred with selfish human viewpoint or clear with Christ-exalted divine viewpoint? Which contact case will you use?

Spiritual Weight-Loss Plan

December 30, 2014December 30, 2014 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, God's Word, Sin

Due to three months of not being able to run plus all the good food of Thanksgiving and Christmas, I have put some weight back on. I’ll be the first to tell you I’m more than ready to start hitting the country roads and pushing away from the table. Before surgery, I had run a 7K and the next weekend, a full 10K. The feeling of accomplishment was so great! I never dreamed that I could run without stopping for one hour. Due to constant exercise and a right diet, weight was not a burden to my life.

How about you spiritually? Is there a weight in your life that needs to be dropped that is hindering your spiritual growth? Do you need to change your diet? Be honest. Is it anger? Is it bitterness? Is it laziness? Could it be gossip? How about pornography? Perhaps unforgiveness? Whatever sin it is, you know what it is. The Holy Spirit has revealed it to you many times. And praise the Lord, you can by His grace, overcome any sin (Romans 5:20). So, what is your plan this new year to overcome the sin that clings so close to you (Hebrews 12:1)? The Lord desires for us to live in freedom, to be able to serve without hindrances, and to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

Here are some suggestions to help your spiritual exercise/diet plan:

Get honest with the Lord and yourself about your sin (Psalm 139:23-24).
Search the Scriptures for what God says about your sin. Compare what God says to why you like your sin. What’s the verdict?
Choose a verse or passage to memorize and use every time you are tempted (Psalm 119:9-11).
Work through the Scripture passages, one-a-day, for 40 days. Record in your journal what God reveals to you about your sin and the victory that He can give.
Share your ups and downs with your spouse or an accountability partner. This is for help and edification only, not judgment. An accountability partner can be a real source of prayer support and a spiritual cheerleader.
Remember Proverbs 24:16, For a just man falls seven times but he rises up again. If you fail, don’t stay down. Rand Hummel has said so often, “There are two kinds of men. Those who fight sin and those who give up.”

So, let’s run the race that is before us, dropping off the weights, and finishing strong! (Hebrew 12:1-2)

2015 Plans and Goals: Gold or Honey?

December 29, 2014December 28, 2014 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, God's Word, The Bible

“Static Christianity” does not exist. Every day of our life we are either growing in our relationship with God or we are digressing. Every second of life we are either operating out of our flesh or walking under the control of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25). God the Father has redeemed and reconciled us back to Himself through the cross work of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-26; 5:1-11) to enjoy fellowship with us and for us to bring Him glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). In order to do so, we must be growing in our knowledge of God and His Son, Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). We are exhorted to grow in Christ, in the faith, in the Word and through the Word (1 Peter 2:1; 3:15; 5:10; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Hebrews 5:11-14).

Please note from Psalm 19:7-11, what God says about His Word; the power of the His Word that created and sustains all things:

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
⁸The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
⁹The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
¹⁰More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
¹¹Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.

So, what is your plan to know God even more through His Word in this coming year of 2015? What is your written, intentional plan? What passages of Scriptures are you going to memorize this year? What is your Bible reading plan so the Word of God can read you every day and change you into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:17)? I submit without reservation that the most important plans you make for 2015 concern your growth in Christ! Read Psalm 19:10 again. What should you search for more than gold? What should you give more planning to than your work, your children’s schooling, your vacation, etc.? Where do you find guaranteed reward (Psalm 19:11)?

So with those challenging questions and Psalm 19 as our backdrop, let me zero in on some Bible reading plans.

These links offer many, many options to fit your goal for 2015:

Biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan

Biblegateway.com/reading-plans

Youversion.com/apps – A smartphone app with many, many options

2015 Bible Reading Plan

So, which will you gather the most this year? Honey or gold? (Psalm 19:10) Remember, you won’t be static.

The Grace of Christmas

December 25, 2014December 24, 2014 by Dale, posted in Christmas

The Very Best Gift

December 24, 2014December 23, 2014 by Dale, posted in Uncategorized

As you prepare for tomorrow, here’s a poignant reminder of The Very Best Gift. This is Christmas today and every day. Be sure to click on the link and worship Him!

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:22-23)

YOUR PRESENCE

In the busy Christmas noise,

All the light, the bells, the toys,

I have found You are the only source

Of comfort and joy.

Lord, I want Your Presence for Christmas.

I want Your Presence for Christmas.

I long to feel Your Spirit speaking peace to my heart.

Of all the gifts I may receive,

There’s only one I really need.

And it’s Your Presence,

Your Presence for Christmas.

When this holiday is through,

And the year is fresh and new,

What will linger are the moments spent,

My Lord, just worshiping You.

Lord, I want Your Presence for Christmas.

I want Your Presence for Christmas.

I long to feel Your spirit speaking peace to my heart.

Of all the gifts I may receive,

There’s only one I really need.

And it’s Your Presence,

Your Presence for Christmas.

Breathe on, breathe on me,

I want Your Presence,

Your Presence for Christmas.

–Author Unknown

This Year’s Favorite

December 23, 2014December 23, 2014 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, God's Word

Father’s Words

December 22, 2014December 21, 2014 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, God's Creation, God's Word, Speech

As a young boy being raised in the Cunningham home, there was one thing among many that was certain. When my earthly dad said something, he meant it. His words were powerful. They carried weight.

My Heavenly Father created words. They carry much more weight. As a matter of fact, God created all things out of nothing (ex nihilo) by His spoken word (Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24). Who has the power to speak a word and create something out of nothing? Only Elohim, Creator God! And that is not all. God continually is speaking. As A.W. Tozer said in The Pursuit of God, “He is by His nature continuously articulate. He fills the world with His speaking Voice.” (Psalm 19:1-6)

The question to me and to you is, “Are we listening?” Through all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, there is so much noise, confusion, traffic, busyness, distractions, running-here-and-there, that it is so easy to miss hearing the voice of God. Tozer goes on to say, The Word of God is quick and powerful. In the beginning He spoke to nothing, and it became something. Chaos heard it and became order, darkness heard it and became light. “And God said-and it was so.” Do you need order in the midst of your chaos today? What is God saying to you through His Word? Are you listening?

Just as my dad spoke with authority, My Heavenly Father speaks with transcendent authority. His words always mean something and carry absolute weight. He is always speaking. Be sure to listen today for He is talking directly to you. (Proverbs 2:1-5; John 10:27-28; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 3:20, 22)

Friday’s Findings

December 19, 2014December 19, 2014 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Evangelism, God's Word, Missions

Usually on Fridays, I share some links that I have found in the past days that I believe would be of some interest to you. Today, I want to share some different findings. The Lord graciously and unexpectantly provided for Denise and me to travel to Spain on December 2^nd to be the guest speakers at the Missionary Teen Retreat 11, Aierdi Farmhouse near Zegama.

While we were in the Basque country of Spain, we found . . .

Faithful servant missionaries who have given their lives to reach the Basque people for Christ. They labor for the Lord day and night at the 300 plus year old farmhouse, at Lighthouse Baptist Church, in Bible studies, so often entertaining folks in their homes, teaching English, leading intensive discipleship seminars, living in community among the Basque folk, lodging and providing for mission teams and retreats, creating ministry opportunities through the week, and all by the grace of God. Not once did I hear them grumble or gripe . . . (Philippians 1:3-5, 27; 2:13-14)
The next generation of missionary kids taking up the mantle from grandparents and parents to reach these dear Basque people, to carry on the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:1-2)
The Lord relocating one missionary family back to the States that has served in the Basque country for several years and providing another family to take their place before any of them knew this would take place. As we heard from Andy Bonikowsky, “God likes to surprise us” (Jeremiah 33:3, which you do not know).
Nearly 30 young people who want to be used for the Lord today and in the future. If their hearts were not already tender to the Lord, they all certainly became that way as the retreat ended. They are normal believers looking for answers from the Lord through His Word for life and want to finish well in preparation for the Bema (2 Corinthians 5:9-11)
Once again that the Word works! (Hebrews 4:12)
Teens who love to sing! (Psalm 98:1; Colossians 3:16)
Many villages that need a gospel witness. (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 16:6-10)
That preaching through a translator (“interrupter”) has its challenges!
Coffee to be super strong stuff!! (I really liked it.)
Few stop signs and many, many roundabouts.
Narrow roads and fast drivers.
Sheep everywhere, even being herded up the road you’re travelling in, so you just wait.
Beautiful waterfalls, steep mountains, narrow canyons, and the fingerprint of God everywhere!
Quaint little villages steeped in tradition.
Thousands of people who need the Lord!
God has warmed our hearts more and more for these people and this region of the country.

Tidings of Great Joy To All People!

December 18, 2014December 18, 2014 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Christmas, Discipleship, Evangelism, Hope, Joy, Music, Salvation, Speech

Christmas is a glorious time of the year here in the States to hear the celebrated proclamation of Christ’s coming to earth to be born to die and to rise again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Philippians 2:6-8). How interesting and blessed to enter into a secular arena (store, restaurant) and hear the songs of Christ’s incarnation and redemption as well as in local churches throughout our land. Even though, sadly, America becomes more and more pagan and agnostic, the message of great joy which shall be to all people (Luke 2:10) is given during this season.

While in Spain, I met Iñaki, who doesn’t wait for just the yuletide season to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ. Every first and third Saturday, he, along with others, sets up a booth (pictured above) in the town square of Irun, a city of the Bidasoaldea region in the province of Gipuzkoa in the Basque Community. Without shame or fear, Iñaki hands out tracts and booklets as well as personally shares the liberating, reconciling truth of salvation for sinful men through Christ alone. His enthusiasm and commitment to announce the Good News is “off the charts” and contagious (Mark 16:15; Romans 1:16). Obviously, I could not understand him, but communicated with him through a faithful translator. I say that to say this, that if I had never understood a word, I would have fully grasped his passion via his countenance, tears, gestures, and pointing to the picture on the wall. To say Iñaki was animated about it would be an understatement. The disappointment was all over him because the Saturday before, rain prohibited him from his passion, but the anticipation of the next Saturday had already eclipsed the regret knowing that it is all in God’s hands anyway.

In the spirit of this season, let’s unwrap the gift that is in us, this treasure in earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:5-7), and let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in Heaven (Matthew 5:16). Perhaps the Lord has not led you to set up a booth in the town square, but the whole world is out there for you to proclaim the tidings of great joy! Just as you sing without fear “Joy to the World” or “O, Come All Ye Faithful,” speak to others about this marvelous gift of grace, a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

Fighting for the Forgotten

December 17, 2014December 16, 2014 by Dale, posted in Discipleship, Evangelism, Hope, Salvation

Upon receiving my latest edition of WORLD magazine, I read the following front-page headline: DANIEL OF THE YEAR, Frank Wolf, “A career in Congress spent fighting for the forgotten.” Virginian Congressman Wolf has given the past thirty years plus of his life to travelling to some of the most dangerous places in the world to do something about suffering in seemingly forgotten areas. As the WORLD article reported, “As part of his work in the House of Representatives, he traveled to hot spots like Cold War-era Romania, oppressed Tibet, communist China, beleaguered Sudan, and war-ravaged Iraq, often focused on the plight of religious minorities persecuted by government officials and extremists.” Congressman Wolf retires this month, but his work will continue. When he visited Ethiopia in 1984, he said, “What I saw and experienced in Ethiopia . . . fully awakened me to the suffering of other people. And as both a U.S. c congressman and a Christian, I knew I had to do something about it.”

December 2-11, my wife and I spent time with other “Daniel’s” like Congressman Frank Wolf. These are missionaries located in the Basque region of Spain who have given their lives “fighting for the forgotten.” This northern region of Spain bordering the Bay of Biscayne and the Pyrenees Mountains is unique unto itself. The Basque people are a very proud people holding onto their national traditions and guarded in their approach to other Spaniards and outsiders.

What causes me to consider them “forgotten” is the impact of cold, lifeless religion that has left them suffering in their agnostic, sinful condition in these small mountain villages or large cities. Many, many Basque people have never heard the gospel, never read a Bible or heard the name “Jesus.” This land is virgin territory for the Good News.

How my heart was moved by a lone shepherd leaning on his staff as he tended his sheep near the small village of Zegama. He stood all alone, seemingly forgotten, quiet and forlorn. I waved at him as we passed by on our way up the mountain to the Aierdi Farmhouse. On the third pass, he finally acknowledged my wave. Here is a man, most likely unsaved, a shepherd in need of hearing the gospel of the Good Shepherd (John 10:10-11). My heart ached as I realized that I could not speak to him in his own language. Just as quickly, though, I rejoiced because of the dear missionaries who have given their lives to learn his language and “fight for the forgotten;” who live near him and have a burden for him as well.

Truth is, you do not need to travel 5,000 miles to Spain to “fight for the forgotten.” They live next door to you, work alongside you, ride on the bus with you, attend your school, etc. They are gripped in the cold clutches of their sin and have never heard the gospel. Many of their children have never heard John 3:16 or the simple children’s Christmas song, “Away in a Manger.” God has not forgotten those around you in your community, and He has not forgotten these Basque people, and therefore, neither should we. We must fight for the forgotten. We must do something about it. What sacrifices will you make this Christmas? Where will you go to reach the “forgotten?”