Guess Whose Coming?

Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus. Titus 2:13

This weekend, Debbie is coming to spend a few days with me. I can hardly wait. My mind continuously drifts to thoughts of her.

Debbie and I have been married for over 29 years. She is not only my wife, but also my best friend. Through good and hard times, we have walked God’s path together. During these challenging days I am reminded how intensely I need her.

What we do is insignificant; our plan is to simply be together. We just want to enjoy the comfort of one another’s presence. To hear her encouraging words, to laugh, to hold her, to be face to face, this is the desire of my heart and I wait expectantly.

Today I remembered someone else is coming. I don’t know exactly when. He might come before I finish this sentence. He is the Eternal Lover of my soul. He is my Savior, Lord and Master. He is my Bright and Morning star and the Alpha and Omega of my life. My Rock and Hiding Place. My Good Shepherd and my Blessed Hope.

He calls me His child, His treasured possession, His co-heir, His beloved, and His friend.

I wonder how often I passionately wait for His coming?
How much of my day is spent thinking of Him? Looking for His return? Desiring to be in His presence? Hoping this will be the day of His return?

I am afraid at times I might live like today would be too soon. I allow the tyranny of the urgent to crowd out God’s priorities. I have things to do and people to see. How could I possibly view His glorious return as an interruption to my puny life? If so, Father, do what you must to correct my spiritual vision and woo my fickle heart.

And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. Hebrews 9:27-28

I want to be one who eagerly awaits Him. I have found several things will help me keep this heavenly perspective.

Read and meditate on scripture that reminds me of who Christ is and what He has done for me. The more I know Him, the more I love Him. This knowledge and love fuels my desire to be with Him as soon as possible. In time, no other person or thing can compete for my attention. I know that now I have only caught a glimpse of His glory. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known. I Corinthians 13:12. Pastor John Piper writes, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

Develop a holy anticipation of His return through prayer. Prayer is how I communicate with God and more importantly how He communicates with me. Hearing His voice resonate through my heart allows me to feel His presence and love. Every time Debbie and I talk, I want to talk more. Phone calls and emails only amplify the desire to talk to her in person. I can only imagine the divine pleasure in heaven at the moment when He first speaks my name.

Live everyday as if it is the day of His second coming.
· Make your day all about Him
· Walk in uncompromising obedience
· Live simply and unclutter your life
· Free yourself from the tyranny of the urgent
· Enjoy God and allow Him to surprise you
· Speak the truth in love
· Share the good news because you might be someone’s last chance
· Replace a heart judgment and criticism with words of encouragement and grace
· Forgive unconditionally
· Love everyone Jesus loves
· Give from a servant’s heart
· Make your life a living sacrifice

Yes, Debbie is coming, but even more certain, Christ is coming again. Who knows, they might both come this weekend. If that is so, you will find us just beyond the pearly gates at Starbucks worshipping our King in the throne room of God.

Eagerly waiting our Blessed Hope,
Dan

“If you have your health, you have everything”

Recently at a church service, an older gentleman made the above statement to me. He is an amiable person with a kind heart and I do not believe he had any idea that my health is less than ideal. I grinned and nodded in agreement. His declaration however, continued to echo in my mind. Is this statement true? Do I believe it?

Health is defined as the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit; especially freedom from physical disease or pain. It is said someone enjoys good health, a flourishing condition. Have you ever said someone was enjoying poor health?

“The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like and do what you’d rather not.” - Mark Twain
“Be careful about reading health books. You might die of a misprint.” - Mark Twain

I don’t know anyone who would prefer to be unhealthy. You don’t need to train someone in pain to pray. If there is enough discomfort, many people will find themselves calling out to the One they claimed they didn’t believe exists.

There is a popular teaching today that is built on the premise that God desires you to be healthy and wealthy. This is certainly not a new notion, but is it biblical? Is good health a sign of God’s pleasure and poor health a punishment for our sins?

And as He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?” Jesus answered, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was in order that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of Him who sent Me, as long as it is day; night is coming, when no man can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:1-5

In the disciple’s world it was simple. If you are sick, injured, or have any other undesired condition – then you have sinned. Therefore, the opposite must be true. If you are healthy it must be the result of your obedience and God’s favor. So then you might conclude that if you have your health, you have everything. A thought process that is nice and neat and easy to understand. The problem is that it is not always true.

Then, Jesus’ answer turns their thinking inside out. No one sinned! How could this be? Why then has God punished this man all of his life with eyes that don’t work? Is there no reason this man has missed out on so much?

“It was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” Not only had he not sinned, he was right in the center of God’s will. He was blind so that others might see “the light of the world.” Ironically, the one that was cast aside by his society and religious leaders was the one God intended to use from the beginning of time.

I have known people who are physically healthy and strong. They may be intelligent, gifted, and have all the “stuff” that this world believes defines a winner. Yet with all this going for them, they may still feel empty and without purpose. They find no contentment and often are suffering the consequences of sin and selfishness. They can be bitter, judgmental, and unforgiving. We may believe they are healthy and thriving, but God sees a soul that may be terminally ill.

On the other hand, I have known people who have faced devastating physical challenges who have become people who are loving, giving, humble, unselfish, and joyful. Not in spite of their trials, but because of them. In their lives you will see an extraordinary amount of peace and calm. They will also have a quiet, confident faith and wisdom. You will recognize them because they always seem to live in the presence of God.

One of these persons is my cousin’s son, Alex. Since birth he has dealt with the continuous challenge of health problems. Due to the power and grace of God and his amazing Godly parents, Alex has developed the spirit of David fighting his giants. He has a sweet and gentle heart. The testimony of his life is not one of tragic circumstances but of triumph - “the works of God are displayed in him.” According to God’s plan, Alex will continue to touch the lives of many people. Alex, you are one of my heroes of faith.

As for me, at first I viewed my health problems as a barrier and interruption to my life and ministry. Gradually, as God molded and shaped my life, I’ve come to understand that all of these tests of faith have been a part of God’s perfect plan. God has used these experiences to transform me to the likeness of his Son. This process has prepared me to minister to others in ways I could not have, unless I have walked the path He set before me.

Like the blind man, I know God will heal me according to His plan and timing. It may take place as an instantaneous miracle or through His provision of a new liver. He may also choose to heal me by calling me to my heavenly home. My main concern is that His work might be displayed through me.

So for me it is not a matter of health, but of hope. If I have God, I truly do have everything. Even as my health dims, my hope burns bright.

Broken in all the right places,
Dan

Transfusions: My Bloodline to Faith

“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

Over the past couple of years, I have had numerous transfusions. Blood transfusions are given to restore blood or plasma volume. They increase the number and concentration of red blood cells. This process helps the body to fight against infections and the results of extreme anemia. The transfusion fuels the body and provides strength and energy.

I have found that God’s Word is the bloodline that brings a healthy and growing faith. There are times my faith is anemic, leaving me feeling weak. This makes it harder to fight off the infections of sin. Side effects can be doubt, loss of perspective, worry, and a loss of strength needed to follow God.

Then God, the great physician, makes a house call and prescribes for me a daily transfusion from God’s Word. God always knows precisely what I need for spiritual health. His treatments are not always easy or painless, but if I follow His directions, my inner man will be renewed.

The following are some of my most recent appointments with God.

When I am tired and strength is fading…
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.

When I am uncertain about my future...
‘For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, `plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’

When I fight against the cancer of sin…
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

When I need wisdom and understanding…
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

When my heart is lonely…
Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

When I am concerned about the future needs of my family…
And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

When I worry…
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Eleanor Schmidt writes:
My doctor had recommended surgery and referred me to a specialist. Arriving early for my appointment, I found the door unlocked and the young surgeon, deeply engrossed in reading, behind the receptionist's desk. When he didn't hear me come in, I cleared my throat. Startled, he closed the book, which I recognized as a Bible. "Does reading the Bible help you before or after an operation?" I asked. My fears were dispelled by his soft, one-word answer: "During."

That is when I need the wisdom and power of God’s Word - “during” all the moments of my life. Not just yesterday and tomorrow, but this day. Thankfully He is never too busy to see me. It is one thing to know and even understand God’s Word, but it is another to truly live it. The question is not simply what I believe about God, but what am I believing God for?

An unknown writer said, "This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.

So, God continues to call me back to Himself for follow-up appointments. Each time I will choose not to fear but trust Him to give me another life-giving transfusion from His transforming Word.

In God’s Waiting Room,
Dan

Miracle Watching

“Moses said to the people, ‘Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today.’” Exodus 14:13

I have been asked if I believe in miracles. I, of course, answer yes. I am afraid, though, that this quick and simple response is often so general that it leaves my faith detached and safe from personal application.

I believe miracles are the work of God. They are an action that only God can do. I agree with Henry Blackaby who says “God is always at work around us.” If this is so, then everyday I am surrounded by miracles. I know, however, that I often miss His miracles and fail to recognize and enjoy His work in my life.

I think part of my problem is that the common definition of miracles is far too narrow and limiting. Miracles are too often seen as amazing displays of God over nature and the physical realm. These, of course, are examples of God’s activity. They are usually dramatic and instantaneous. and often rare.

Actually, I witness God doing His miraculous work on a daily basis – God doing the extraordinary in my ordinary days.

So like Moses and the Israelites, I have become a miracle watcher.

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. And the sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Several things are helping me to improve my spiritual vision as a miracle watcher.

First, I must have a continuous awareness of Gods presence and activity. I will seldom see what I am not looking for. Too much of the time, I only look for God when I desire something from Him. I have usually already worked out what God should do. along with how and when He should do it. So I attempt to create God in my own image. This near-sighted view blurs my vision of God, leaving me with a self-focused and weak faith. I end up substituting my plans, wisdom, and abilities for God’s best for my life.

Second, I must understand that God’s purpose for His miracles is to reveal and glorify Him. God’s miracles pull back the curtains of heaven so that I might get a glimpse of God-sized possibilities. When this happens, it stretches my mind, hope, and faith. The mundane of every day is ignited with an expectation of seeing my awesome God walking along side of me. I wonder how often I have longed for the God who has already promised He would never leave me or forsake me?

Third, like the Israelites I must be willing to take a step of faith. This is the only way I can truly experience the freedom of His miraculous work. This step will take me to places I have never been before – a step beyond my understanding, control, and comfort zone.

It seems that many times this is not just one step of faith, but a journey of faith. A journey where fear becomes joy and destruction becomes deliverance. A place where God’s supernatural seems natural.

I will continue to walk on God’s firm foundation through the sea of miracles He still provides everyday. I have seen His miracles in so many places:

* The miracle of saving me by His mercy, grace, and love.
* The miracle of transforming me into the likeness of His son.
* The miracle of a beautiful, loving and supportive wife and a daughter whom I treasure beyond words.
* The miracle of serving with a church full of people who are God’s handiwork.
* The miracle of seeing broken relationships restored.
* The miracle of people who have conquered addictions with the power of God.
* The miracle of witnessing people accepting Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

I have the privilege of watching God turn thirty years of physical injuries, operations, illnesses and disease into much more than enemies and hindrances. God has miraculously used the pain and challenges as companions on the journey. They have slowly transformed me and called me to God’s higher ground. Along the way, God has given me strength, patience, perspective, and a peace that surpasses my understanding. Now that’s a miracle!

“In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:3

Miracle Watching,
Dan

Worship: A Vision of My Heart

“What is worship? Worship is to feel in your heart and express in some appropriate manner a humbling but delightful sense of admiring awe and astonished wonder and overpowering love in the presence of that most ancient Mystery, that Majesty which philosophers call the First Cause, but which we call Our Father Which Are in Heaven.” A.W. Tozer

I find it impossible to truly know God and not worship Him. The clearer my vision of Him, the more overwhelmed my heart is to express my awe, praise, thanksgiving, and love. Worship acknowledges His presence which reminds me of who God is and who is not – namely myself.

For me, worship is not a scheduled program on Sunday mornings. Worship is not a particular music style. Worship is not something I watch or is done for me. Worship is a response of my heart to the lover of my soul.

One of my favorite hymns that lead me to worship is Be Thou My Vision. This is truly a love song that places in my heart a vision of passionate love for my God. Each verse of the song is followed by scripture God placed in my heart. Together, they give me a vision that develops in me an attitude of humility, contrition, and devotion.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear.
Be still, and know that I am God.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

The twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."

Dear Father,
How shallow is my understanding of you. I am so thankful that you desire to be known. Lord use this time to create in my heart a vision of who you are and what you doing in my life. Help me to be consumed by a desire and need to worship you.
Delighting in You,
Dan

Separation: Discovering the Closeness of God

It is difficult being separated. In Phoenix now I am separated from my family and friends, home, my ministry, my library, the crazy cat, and my wife Debbie and my daughter Amy.

I am greatly blessed to have my parents and sisters living in Phoenix. They have provided me a home, taxi service to a multitude of medical appointments, and most of all company and encouragement.

I still, however, miss those persons and things from which I am separated. This at times leads to feelings of loneliness and vulnerability. The uncertainty of when I will be reunited challenges my patience and perseverance.

There are moments I can even feel separated from God. This is especially true when I do not fully understand His plan and timing. He, of course, is always closer than my nearsighted faith can see.

I must not try to understand God through my circumstances; rather, understand my circumstances through God.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

‘For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For 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.” Romans 8:35-39

When I feel lonely, separated, and uncertain, I must allow God to remind me of what is certain, the power of His love.

Nothing, absolutely nothing can separate me from the love of God. If I believe what God says and experience His love, feelings of loneliness become a deeper level of intimacy with Him. Fears of vulnerability become the courage to become a conqueror. Challenges to my patience and perseverance become confidence in the lover of my soul.

In the presence of a loving God there can be no feelings of separation and loneliness. No matter the circumstances, timing, or obstacles, God is there walking beside me as I become more than a conqueror in Him.

“Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him
For the help of His presence.”
Psalm 42:5

Father,
Help me when I feel separated and alone to see your presence, feel your gentle touch, and hear you speak my name in love.

Close to You,
Dan

My Disability -- An Appointment with God Almighty

I don’t like being told I cannot do something. I don’t mean rules or orders given by someone in authority. I mean finding out I am unable to do something.

As soon as I arrived at Mayo in June, I was told I could no longer drive a car. The liver disease has given me high levels of ammonia in the brain. I could no longer know if I would pass out while driving. This obviously creates a danger to me and more importantly to others. This restriction makes perfect sense. I just don’t like it.

I will also have to go on disability from work due to the length of time involved in the transplant process. It is very hard for me to be away from my work and ministry. Disability, I just do not like the sound of that.

Disability simply put means not able. I feel able. My mind tells me I am able. My heart is committed and determined to be able. Just one problem – my body does not agree!

Being classified as disabled leaves me feeling limited, defeated and weak.

I asked God if I am disabled and He surprised me by saying yes. In fact I always have been. God, however, was not speaking of something temporal like physical health and ability. He is trying to direct me to deeper spiritual needs like pride, self-sufficiency, humility, and surrender.

Sometimes God will graciously bring to my life something that is far bigger than me. He does this so that through my puny limited ability, I might discover His limitless power.

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

When I am unable, He is always more than able.
I am not able to save myself – God is able!
I am not able to conform myself to the image of his son – God is able!
I am not able to find the strength – God is able!
I am not able to find the wisdom to understand – God is able!
I am not able to change my circumstances – God is able!
I am not able to love and forgive – God is able!
I am not able to provide and protect my family – God is able!
I am not able to heal myself – God is able!

How often do I stop short of experiencing God’s work in my life because I am afraid to go beyond the edge of my ability, just one small step of faith from the almighty?

Father, The Almighty
Please do whatever it takes to help me place all my confidence and hope in you and you alone. Broken for You,
Dan

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

Pain – My Hearing Test

Today (August 1st) was a hard day. A day filled with pain. Several hours were filled with multiple and constant muscle cramps in my feet, legs, hands, arms, and neck. The pain can be intense and unrelenting. The muscles feel like they will constrict until they explode. There is little to nothing I can do except LISTEN.

C.S. Lewis wrote, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

When the pain volume went up here is what I heard.

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces. He was despised, and we esteemed him not. But 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: 3, 5

Slapped, spat upon, beaten, scorched, crown of thorns, and torture of the crucifixion.

As if the physical pain was not enough, Jesus also experienced the pain of
· Being falsely accused
· Misunderstood by the masses
· Betrayed by a disciple
· Abandoned by his friends

Most amazing to me is that this was pain by choice. It was not result of disease or the consequence of poor choices and sin.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Jesus suffered pain for me. Incredibly, this was God’s plan before the foundations of the world. Pain endured that I might one day experience a heavenly home absent of tears and pain.

As I listen more carefully, the terrible sound of His pain flows with lyrics of an eternal love song of mercy, forgiveness, and grace.

Father,
Thank you for the gift of pain...a gentle reminder of your overwhelming sacrifice of love. Help me in every experience of pain to know you more intimately and hear your heartbeat next to mine.
Lord, my body and life are on your altar…
And I am listening,
Dan