The Christmas Mirror

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:1-19 NIV

What would young Mary be pondering?

· Visiting kings from a distant land
· An irritating tax problem
· Unwanted trip to the hometown of Bethlehem (leave it to Joseph, he took Mary first-class on a mule)
· Finally arriving in Bethlehem, which seems to mean “no vacancy town”
· Imagine doing what your government ordered you to do, and obeying God fully, and now there isn’t even a place to lay your head down to sleep
· At last, a place is found in a family’s stable
· Then the miracle arrived – a baby boy – THE baby boy. Is it possible Mary pondered God’s words to her when he promised that she would give birth to His one and only Son (“The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.” Luke 1:28-31 NIV)
· As she watches, ten thousands of angels appeared heralding THE son’s coming. As Mary looked into her baby Jesus’ eyes, she could see it – heaven’s love and power wrapped up in the fragility of human flesh.

So glance in the mirror, revealing and reflecting the treasures of Mary’s heart. Before you rush off to join the crowd and other ding-a-lings looking for a parking place at the local store, look again in the mirror. What is that? Someone behind her – who is it? Could it be you?

· You, too, may feel the stress of meeting with bosses or other authorities
· You, too, may find the Christmas glow burning off in the fear of this year’s taxes
· Unplanned or unwanted trips
· You may feel at times when gathering with friends and co-workers that you are all alone, almost like there is “no room in the inn” for you.
· This year, you, too, may have seen God do what only God could do – a miracle.

I have seen it. In fact, I am it. I am a miracle.

This past year, I have spent around 85 days in the hospital. The normal hospital stay after a liver transplant is 1-2 weeks. After my transplant, a miracle in itself, the rest of my organs seemed to go crazy. I had a new liver, but then my kidneys, lungs, heart, spleen, pancreas, and bile duct were very sick. This resulted in at least 4 more surgeries.

Ok, so where’s the miracle? I am still here.

In our Eagle’s Wings blog, we have not always shared all the details. This is one of those details. After they removed my spleen, the doctor came out and told my family how well I did, and that the surgery was a success. The next thing, the doctor returned to tell my family I had died. I believe it was just over 2 minutes that I was flat lined. I was gone. And then God sent me back. So the One who died that I might have eternal life now had given me my life again.

This Christmas, take a look in the mirror. See the girl, Mary, and all she pondered. Think about God’s incredible, indescribable gift to you. And remember the One who is THE miracle will make you His miracle.

Treasuring and pondering…Merry Christmas!
Dan

PS: This will be my last entry to Lines from Daniel’s Den. If you enjoy reading these writings, I am starting a new blog called Deep Thoughts from a Shallow Pond, beginning January 1 (www.dansdeepthoughts.blogspot.com ). Hope you can join me there.

Thanksgiving, from the inside out

“O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him?” (Psalm 8:1-4a NIV)

The fate of a nation hung in the balance. They were committed to pilgrimage but the very God they thought had sent them was now unleashing his fury upon them. There was the seemingly endless journey; the tiny ships were falling apart and disease infected. The lower storage seemed eerily illuminated by the fevers flowing in the bodies of the sick and dying. Many family and friends were lost here.

At last, they found their promised home and they rejoiced in God. They thought they would be joining others that had come before, but now they could not find them, so they went ashore and that night the only real landmark they could find was out by the beach. It was a very large stone which they named Plymouth. And so it was there the Pilgrims had their very first prayer meeting.

At first, it looked like things would go fine. They had many skilled craftsmen in their group but then the waves hit: more disease, food, weather, and the ones they thought were their enemies.

In reality, the Indians were the ones that saved their lives in all these areas, showing them how to live.

After their first meager harvest, they decided to have a great meal. So that day when they sat down, they gave thanks. In spite of everything they had gone through, they gave thanks. And guess who came to dinner?

Thank God for what is important to God

This point is magnified by the lyrics to this popular song “Live Like You Were Dying”, sung by Tim McGraw. You can hear the song at (http://www.rhapsody.com/tim-mcgraw)

He said I was in my early forties

with a lot of life before me

when a moment came that stopped me on a dime

and I spent most of the next days

looking at the x-rays

Talking bout the options

and talking bout sweet time

I asked him when it sank in

that this might really be the real end

how's it hit you when you get that kinda news

man what'd you do

and he said

I went sky diving

I went Rocky Mountain climbing

I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManchu

and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter

and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying

and he said someday I hope you get the chance

to live like you were dying.

He said I was finally the husband

that most the time I wasn't

and I became a friend a friend would like to have

and all of a sudden going fishin

wasn't such an imposition

and I went three times that year I lost my dad

well I finally read the good book

and I took a good long hard look

at what I'd do if I could do it all again

and then

I went sky diving

I went Rocky Mountain climbing

I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManchu

and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter

and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying

and he said someday I hope you get the chance

to live like you were dying.

Like tomorrow was a gift and you got eternity to think about

what'd you do with it what did you do with it

what did I do with it

what would I do with it'

Sky diving

I went Rocky Mountain climbing

I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManchu

and then I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter

and I watched an eagle as it was flying

and he said someday I hope you get the chance

to live like you were dying.

So on Thanksgiving, after your favorite meal, as your friends and family all gather in the family room in front of the idiot box, be careful, do the things you like to do, enjoy life, talk to your friends, but don’t allow the NFL, infomercials or a marathon of I Love Lucy to slip you off into speechlessness. Just live like you were dying.

Thank God for everything you or others have done to yourself

This is an opportunity to look at all your circumstances over the past year, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Things that have been done to us, especially that do not seem fair, some of these we bring on ourselves, sometimes others do these out of cruelty, and sometimes it seems that perhaps even God is doing it. Then take all these blessings and wrap them in a box and have a time of prayer where you give your love, forgiveness, mercy and grace to whomever needs it, including you.

Count Your Blessings

This is your opportunity to let go and praise. Spend some time thanking God for whatever or whoever comes to mind. It may only be a sentence but it may make an eternity worth of difference to them and to you.

Just like for the Pilgrims, once again our nation’s future was being threatened. Washington led his troops into the valley about this same time of year. The big problem was his soldiers’ served under a limited time contract and it was up. They were valiant, courageous, and many times defeated an enemy much larger, but Washington would use the gifts that would eventually have him called “The Father of Our Country” and President of the United States.

His soldiers stayed with him. They overcame and triumphed, chasing England all the way home. There in the valley at that moment, all they could think of was they had no food and were freezing. Some were lucky enough to have 2 shoes, some only one. Some only had ragged remnants of socks.

Remember to count your blessings.

Counting you, and with you,
Dan

Liberty

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm…” Galatians 5:1 NASB

It felt as though their hearts and bodies were yearning and longing for her. They had stood for hours looking hoping for a glimpse of her and then seeing her in the distance, their hearts celebrated. They were experiencing the great winds and ocean spray of expectation. When they had drawn very near, they recognized her as Lady Liberty, she reminded them of everything they treasured and everyone they held dear. This is why they had gone; this is why they had come home.

Actually, you know them or you remember them. At the end of WWII in New York City was a huge victory parade for the men and women who had served. It was called a “ticker tape parade.” As the paper fell upon them from the tall buildings ahead, this was a great time of celebration, not only for the great city but all of America. The great amount of paper that descended upon them made it look like the world’s largest litter parade, and you remember their faces. The picture of the sailor kissing the young girl, perhaps we still have many friends that might have even been there or knew them. These were the greatest generation, these are the ones that went to war and battled for our liberty.

Celebration
Today, I was set free. I went through the doors of Mayo Hospital, finally to come to my parents’ home. My heart soared and sang, I too had anticipated this very moment for so many hours and so much seemed to work against me in the battle to keep me from it. Sometimes it almost seemed it would be out of reach, that there would be no way to make it home or to have strength. But God in His enormous generosity guided me, pushed me, stretched me, hurt me, and most of all loved me all the way. I was there 72 days. Now I have the rest of my life to live at home and I too will party in my heart every day.

Cost
Strangely enough, going through those doors also ignited another equally powerful emotion. It was an emotion of loss. Because I knew at that moment that so many of the wonderful people at Mayo I would not see again. I will see some in follow-up visits and outpatient activities, but the majority of them I leave on the battlefield to save even more lives. This period in the hospital seems like an entirely separate lifetime, a life filled with a new family there during the toughest times. So I thank them for their sacrifice and time and doing whatever it took. One of the greatest honor and glory of the soldier is his dedication and willingness to give all for his brothers.

Coming home
So, we’re in the van. I too am leaning forward in expectation, overwhelmed by both emotions, the ocean spray of my tears flowing down my cheeks. I see my parents’ house and as I step out of the van, I know I am home. God has for me that kind of freedom; He gives me liberty to experience Him fully. This may involve sacrifice, cost and overwhelming challenges, but He is always more than a conqueror and He is always working to bring us home.

Again, thank you for your prayers, and soon I will be coming home to paradise and my Hawaii ohana and friends.

Your friend,
Dan

Becoming a Winning Team

“To highlight its annual picnic one year, a company rented two racing shells and challenged a rival company to a boat race. The rival company accepted. On the day of the picnic, everyone entered into the spirit of the event. Women wore colorful summer dresses and big, floppy hats. Men wore straw skimmers and white pants. Bands played and banners waved. Finally the race began. To the consternation of the host company, the rival team immediately moved to the front and was never headed. It won by 11 lengths. The management of the host company was embarrassed by its showing and promptly appointed a committee to place responsibility for the failure and make recommendations to improve the host team's chances in a rematch the following year. The committee appointed several task forces to study various aspects of the race. They met for three months and issued a preliminary report. In essence, the report said that the rival crew had been unfair. ‘They had eight people rowing and one coxswain steering and shouting out the beat,’ the report said. ‘We had one person rowing and eight coxswains.’ The chairman of the board thanked the committee and sent it away to study the matter further and make recommendations for the rematch. Four months later the committee came back with a recommendation: ‘Our guy has to row faster.’ (Bits and Pieces, September 19, 1991, p. 5-6.)

“But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 2 Corinthians 12:18-27 NIV

Training for a championship season:
· Knowing that all team members are priceless to the victory in all situations.
· Triumph is training in the basics of our faith from the preseason to the championship game.
· Becoming a winning team calls for teammates who have won during the season. Perhaps that was the problem for the Lakers.

Playing on the winning team with you, and praying for poor Kobe Bryant,

Dan

Dancing Through Your Living Miracles

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Definition of a miracle: Supernatural intervention by God into the normal and natural course of life.

Some blessings of coming home from the hospital:
· Familiar becomes transformation.
· Possibilities grow into God-size realities.
· The reward of God’s family reflecting God’s love to me.
· Discovering the joy and fun of learning to live like all my friends at home.
· Dr. Veryl Henderson has been quoted as saying “abundantly blessed to bless abundantly.” This is exactly how my family and friends live at home.

So take some time to discover how to dance. In fact, if you get a chance, dance on the surfboard of your life.

Dancing with you,
Dan

There’s No Place like Home

After going through the storm and facing numerous trials, all she wanted was to simply go home. Her new companions were in search of brains, heart, and courage. She wanted no more than to return to the place where things were familiar and safe, where she was loved by her family and friends. So, Dorothy closed her eyes, clicked her ruby slippers and repeated the words of a longing heart: “there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home.”

I know how Dorothy felt, for somewhere over the rainbow is my home. Few places equal the beauty of Hawaii. Too often, the picturesque land and sea can be taken for granted and not appreciated in the midst of the chores of the daily routine. Friends from home have sent me calendars of Hawaii which call me home.

My mouth waters as I remember favorite foods. Kalbi ribs, mandoo, shrimp and vegetables, andagi, Portuguese bean soup, lumpia, and Lorrie’s bread pudding. I feel like getting a flight home just to eat. I have the Baptist gift of potluck.

Like Dorothy, what I truly miss are the people. After 23 years of walking life’s journey together, I am still overwhelmed by the love, support, and prayers I have received from home. I have been so blessed to serve with such a gracious and generous people.

Unfortunately unlike Dorothy, I cannot simply decide to go home. They apparently do not make ruby slippers in size 14. So I will continue to have the wish of returning to the home of rainbows, because there’s no place like home.

These musings on my earthly home have reminded me of my home beyond eternity.

"Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14: 1-3

Jesus has gone before me to prepare my heavenly dwelling place according to His father’s design. Jesus not only prepares my future home, but also promises to come for me when it’s my moving day, when I step from time to the timelessness of eternity.

The Bible contains few descriptions because our human words are so inadequate to describe the celestial vistas. So for now, we can imagine.

Imagine the relief of laying down our burden of sin and guilt.
Imagine viewing every day the extraordinary masterpiece of God’s perfect creation, painted with colors that do not even exist on our palette.
Imagine the intimacy of unending fellowship with other believers - a people who will be the embodiment of the Fruit of the Spirit.
Imagine worship that flows as naturally as breathing - where the majestic peals of thunder shout forth His praise.
Imagine a place where there are no more fears or tears. No more pain or disease. No more selfishness or pride. No more questions, only God’s perfect answer…Jesus.

This is a simple yet profound description of heaven: “…that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:3. Paradise regained in the presence of the Prince of Peace.

Richard Baxter writes,
My knowledge of that life is small,
The eye of faith is dim,
But it's enough that Christ knows all,
And I shall be with him.

Some think this pondering is some sort of morose fatalism. It may seem that such thoughts reflect a desire to escape this world. I have found that this blessed hope allows me to truly enjoy God’s lavish grace today.

If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If you read history you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

So my heart yearns for my earthly home and heavenly home. Jesus asks me just to believe and trust His promises. My heart will not be troubled, for in Christ, there is no place like home.

See you at home,
Dan

Disappointment an Appointment with God

"Look at the nations and watch--and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. Habakkuk 1:5

William’s life was a disappointment in everyway. He could not find a way to escape the avalanche of discouraging circumstances that now were bringing a crushing depression. There was such a hopelessness in William’s heart that he finally grasped at the only way he knew to regain control. He decided to end his own life.

William called for a cab to take him to the river. He would throw himself in and drown. He got in the cab and then a mysterious thing began to happen. A dense fog rolled in and the driver could not find the river and had to take William home.

He laid on his bed in disbelief. He could not even take his own life. That is when he remembered his pistol. He placed the pistol against his head and pulled the trigger…

Have you ever been disappointed? When life is not going the way you appointed it? When circumstances are overwhelming you and you feel you have no control? When you are hoping for change and then it does, by getting worse?

Have you ever been disappointed with God? We, of course, would probably not admit this, yet the questions still haunt our minds. It is a frightening and lonely place to be when as a believer we have unbelief.

God is not limited by my self-appointed plans. He is not stressed by our to-do lists, goals, or timing. Too often we are short-sighted and fearfully pursue human expectations. God’s plans invite us to the pinnacle of faith, which help us to move beyond our disappointments to gaze into eternity and discover our place in God’s Kingdom.

Waiting for a liver transplant has often given me a ticket to ride on a rollercoaster of faith and disappointment. My position on the waiting list can change day by day. This at times seems to leave me suspended between my old life and the life I hope for if God provides me with a liver.

Disappointments stimulate deep feelings that require more than clichés, Sunday School knowledge or a casual untried faith. Disappointments can be God’s invitation to meet Him. When I accept His appointment, I will meet the One who never disappoints.

I am gradually learning to approach my disappointments by surrendering myself to God’s sovereignty, purpose, and timing.

God’s Sovereignty
God must reign in every aspect of my life. He does not need my permission or advice to do whatever pleases Him. This is true whether I believe it or not. This is far more than mental acceptance of a doctrinal truth. It is a reality learned by living it.

Everything that touches my life has first been presented in the throne room of God.
Job, who was a righteous man, faced every kind of disappointment imaginable: loss of wealth, livelihood, children and families, and health. After a myriad of questions, the God who seemed distant and silent offers the only response needed…I am God! Hear the disappointment fade away in Job’s words.

Then Job replied to the LORD:
"I know that you can do all things;
no plan of yours can be thwarted.
You asked, `Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?'
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.
You said, `Listen now, and I will speak;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.'
My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you.” Job 42:1-6

When I am disappointed, I am usually focused on my circumstances rather then God’s control. The fog of disappointment clears away in the light of God’s love.

God’s Purpose
The twin towers of God’s sovereignty and purpose have the foundation of His love. This truth guards me from the terrorist attacks of Satan and self. A life that does not recognize God’s rule and purpose will easily be defeated on the battlefield of faith. As frustrations grow, questions attack:

How can I make my plans work?
Will I ever be able to change that other person?
Why did this happen?
Does God not hear me?
What should I do next?

Jesus and His disciples encountered a man who had every right to be disappointed and live a lifetime of questions. Instead, it is the disciples with the questions. Why has this man been blind from birth? What went wrong?

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:3-5

This was not a question of punishment, but of God’s purpose worked out through his life. We love to pray for God’s will to be done, as long as it is our will also. It is not a matter of my disappointment but God’s appointed purpose in my life.

God’s Timing
Few things generate more questions of faith then God’s timing. Sometimes God seems confused. I have carefully worked out what should happen and when, but God appears in a completely different time zone. My disappointment comes when I fail to remember God’s timing flows from His sovereignty and purpose. We see this process throughout God’s word.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:20-21

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14

Both Joseph and Esther were foreigners in places where they had no control or power, but the King of Kings was in complete control and would use their lives in ways beyond their comprehension.

It is always a mistake to inject my timetable on the One who is timeless. Time is the brush of God which He uses to paint His masterpiece of the human heart.

William placed the pistol against his head and pulled the trigger… but it misfired. He then found some poison and drank it. You guessed it, it did not kill him, it just made him very sick.

As he laid on his bed, he saw his life preserver. It was an old bible. In these pages He found the God who knew every disappointment of his life and slowly showed him how He was there all along and was preparing his life for His glory. God gave him sense where there had only been an endless parade of senselessness. He gave his life to Christ, and 3oo years later we can still find our appointments with God through William Cowper’s words.

God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sov'reign will.

You fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Expecting God in the Unexpected,
Dan

More than Conquerors

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

This has always been a phrase that has intrigued me. How can someone be more than a conqueror? It seems that if you have conquered something or someone, you are the winner – game over.

I have come to understand these words against the backdrop of Roman conquest. The Romans were not simply raiders and pillagers. Their purpose was not just to defeat an enemy and reap the spoils of war. The Romans' goal was to totally dominate the enemy so that they would no longer be a threat of any kind. They would then seek to assimilate them in their civilization and often leave a military presence to ensure future control.

This strategy would make them more than conquerors. Now they would be unconquerable.

I am discovering that spiritual warfare takes place everyday. The enemy is constantly attacking my mind and heart. Seldom are the tests of my faith a one-day, one-time occurrence. It seems the moment I reach higher ground, Satan will challenge my commitment and beliefs. Henry Blackaby calls this “the crisis of belief”. Basically, am I willing to live what I profess to believe?

I know a young woman that is definitely more than a conqueror. Her example of living a life of faith has often encouraged me to continue to fight the good fight. Her quiet and steadfast faith helps her to experience God’s victory day after day. The following scripture truths come alive as I watch her life.

Focus on Our Commander

In times of battle, it is essential that we focus on our leader. He alone knows the battle plan and has the power and resources to lead us to victory. In verse 37 He is identified: we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

David understood the strategy of the conqueror: David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will hand you over to me." I Samuel 17:45-46

Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; But we will boast in the name of the LORD. Psalm 20:7

As the enemy assaults us we must trust our God, even when are being overrun and God’s answer appears unfair and ridiculous. This is exactly when we have the opportunity to break through to spiritual conquest.

My friend continues to grow in faith as she keeps her eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. She has survived the ferocious attack of the enemy. Her husband died at age 45 and left her with three children. She had to relocate and leave a church they had served for nine years. She found a new home and teaching job. In all these things she had to trust God every moment. Not just one moment, but every moment.

Serve the Needs of Others

I lose ground spiritually when I focus on myself. The enemy uses my problems and pain to out flank my joy and confidence. Jesus focused on my needs all the way from the cradle to the crucifixion. Romans 8:34 tells me he is still doing so.

Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

She is always caring for others. Besides being a school teacher, she also serves in children’s ministry at her church. Her days are very long as she continues to keep her children involved in church. Like all moms, she seems to always be chauffeuring the kids to activities.

If you talked to her, you will not hear words of complaint, but discover she has grown by serving others.

When I feel defeated and frustrated by my limitations, I will follow my Lord to the frontlines of battle and intercede for the needs of others.

Remember What You Have in Christ, Not What You Do Not Have

What do I have that cannot be taken away?

I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Whenever we march onto the battlefields of faith, we can be certain that God’s love surrounds us.

That is what she has done. Although she has lost much and at times feels overwhelmed, she continues to trust in God alone. When I am tired of the fight and the relentless challenges, I think of my sister, Debbie. Her life is an incredible testimony of God’s love and provision.

Debbie, thank you for teaching me how to become more than a conqueror, and know that your brother could not be more proud of you.

Unconquerable in Christ,
Dan

The First Christmas

Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. Luke 2:19

It was in the quiet, early hours of a summer morning that the first cry of life rang out. The gift we had been expecting, hoping and praying for had arrived. God in His grace had lavished upon us a gift too wonderful for words. A grandson named Swen.

As my body prematurely ages and breaks down, Swen’s body grows stronger. His life refreshes my soul. This will be his first Christmas and my best. Whether I spend Christmas in the hospital or at home, I am blessed beyond my imagination. Every time I see Swen’s smile, hear his giggle or hold him in my arms, I will remember God’s astonishing gift of His son… Jesus!

God’s gift - the divine wrapped in flesh. The One who has always been, steps into time and is born. The mighty King of Kings leaves His throne to lie in a rustic manger. Swen has provided his Grandpa Van a new lens to see the gift of God, His only Son. I have decided, like Mary, to treasure up all these things, pondering them in my heart.

God has given me the following thoughts to ponder each of the 7 days leading to Christmas. Thanks Swen for all the help.

1- As the baby Jesus gasped for His first breath, I acknowledge that every breath I take is His gift to me.
“Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7
“And when the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, ‘Truly this man was the Son of God!’” Mark 15:39

2- Eyes that struggled to see His parents have been watching over me all my life.
“For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” 2 Chronicles 16:9.

3- Mary holds the baby close to her breast and feels the heartbeat of life. This is the life that now lives in my heart. This Immanuel, God with us, will one day be the mystery of God, Christ in Us.
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel," which translated means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23
“…to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27

4- The mouths that now can only utter unintelligible noises will declare the Wisdom of God.
“And the Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” Luke 2:40
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” Romans 11:33

5- Soft little hands, that will have the calluses of a carpenter, created all things. Tiny hands that disappear in His father’s hands are so large they easily hold the waters of the whole earth in His palm.
“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and marked off the heavens by the span.” Isaiah 40:12
“He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created by Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:15-16

6- Arms that reach out to His mother will be strong enough to carry His cross. He will allow Himself to be nailed to the cross so that He might reach out through history to embrace us in His mercy and grace.
“He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53: 5

7- Tiny feet that now cannot take a step, will walk all the way to the place of execution carrying our sins. This is the path to intimacy with God. It runs from the manger to Golgotha. A holy journey planned before the foundation of the world. God already loved the whole world. You can see His love in His footsteps of humility, sacrifice, and obedience.
“Who emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:7-11

This Christmas, make time to treasure in your heart the baby who is King. Be careful, illumination leads to seeing the extraordinary in life’s ordinary. Luke chapter 2 shows me that receiving God’s gift leads to praise, rejoicing, witnessing, wonderment, and worship. Who knows, you might even hear the sound of angel wings and receive a personal invitation to see God’s miracle of love.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

Dan

Loneliness: God’s Invitation to Solitude

"It is in solitude that we discover that being is more important than having and that we are worth more than the results of our efforts. In solitude we discover that our life is not a possession to be defended, but a gift to be shared." Henri Nouwen

He usually comes at night. I can sense him coming closer. He peers in the windows of my soul and tries to open the doors of my emotions. He has come again to break into my life and rob me of God’s joy and peace.

Suddenly he stands defiantly before me and laughs at my weakness. He moves in closer and I recognize his frightening face. He is loneliness - an unwelcome visitor permeating my heart.

Loneliness is a feeling of separation and grief. It is a sense of loss. It leads me to what seems like an unbridgeable canyon of isolation from God and others.

Loneliness lurks about when relationships are lost. He is there when circumstances spin out of control, when we are facing change, empty nests, and difficult trials. And strangely enough, sometimes in the aftermath of significant accomplishments, and even when we are surrounded by others.

After nearly six months of being away from my home, wife, friends and job, I have found loneliness scratching at my door. I am slowly learning something quite unexpected. I am never really alone. My Good Shepherd has gone before me and now walks each step of the journey with me. In fact, when I am alone I can see God and others more clearly.

Solitude is a remembrance of the presence of God.

Solitude develops a single-minded focus on God. This awareness creates an attitude of servanthood. Servanthood blows away the mists of loneliness and allows me to see the needs of others and the sufficiency of God.

The goal of solitude is not so much to unplug from my crazy world, as it is to change frequencies so that I can hear the Father. Lance Witt

God has been using the dramatic life and ministry of Elijah to instruct my heart. In 1 Kings 18, Elijah has just experienced God using him to defeat the prophets of Baal. Chapter 19 moves from the mountaintop miracles to the desert valley of loneliness and despair. The transformation of mindset and emotions is astonishing yet very true to my own battles with loneliness. God is now ready to use a time of solitude to heal Elijah’s loneliness.

Solitude is not the same as running away. Verse 19:1-3

Elijah is not running to God. He is running away from Jezebel. Elijah tells us he is all alone. In the valley he becomes isolated. On the mountaintop he stands with God. It is a choice of fear fueled by isolation, or calm strength of letting God be his champion.

When things seem too hard and patience grows thin. When the doctor’s report is disappointing and pain continues to attack. This is the time to seek solitude with God. The incredible thing is this can be practiced in my room, in the doctor’s office, or on the hospital bed.

"The wonderful thing about contemplative prayer is that it can be found everywhere, anywhere, anytime for anyone." Quaker Richard Foster

Solitude is affected by my physical and emotional health. Verses 5-7

Twice, the angel gives Elijah food and sleep. There is no lecture here or rebuke. My Creator knows exactly what I need and when I need it. God is preparing Elijah for a time of solitude to receive God’s revelation.

Sometimes, the most Holy thing we can do is receive nourishment and take a nap. Then I will be able hear God clearly and respond to His instructions. Although this is not easy for me, I must learn to peacefully rest in Him.

Solitude allows me to think deeply. Verses 9-14

Loneliness produces conversations dominated by me. By the time I am done talking to myself, I not only do not have God’s answer, but I can not even remember the question. Confused? Me too.

In solitude I learn to listen to God. One of the great blessings in this time of waiting for a transplant has been the freedom of meeting with God. He has given me the gift of many hours daily to pray, study His word, read, and meditate on the application of His truths. Solitude permits me to think deeply, instead of the mind-numbing exercise of watching TV all day.

Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the LORD continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:7-8

Solitude teaches me to pray confidently and live courageously.

Elijah learns in God’s school room about his purpose in God’s plan. He discovers that he never was alone. In verses 18-21, God reveals to Elijah that He has 7,000 more faithful servants and that He has already prepared his successor, Elisha. This time with God allows Elijah to move from a depressed “has-been” waiting to die under a tree, to a warrior who is more than a conqueror.

The next time loneliness comes prowling around, I will remind him that I have never, ever been alone, that God still has a purpose for my life, and one day God just may take me home on His chariot.

Alone with God,
Dan