Category Archives: God Stuff

November 19, 2008 · 6:00 am

The Drifter.


Sometimes, I am a drifter.  A God drifter.  I didn’t know the name for it until Pastor Craig enlightened me this past Sunday.  It’s not that I haven’t prayed.  I have.  But, for the past few weeks, it’s really been more about me than Him. 

Then, I realize.  It tends to be about me when I don’t make time for Him.  Not a time for me to tug on the proverbial robe for requests.  Because, if that’s what this thing is all about it, then brothas and sistas, I have it down.

I’m not sure how you do it.  But, I can’t just always sit in silence and wait for God to speak to me.  I’m just being honest.  I do find that I tend to grow in Him – and spend time with Him – when I read various books by certain authors.  Many times, those books lead me to a silence where I hear Him.  I just struggle cultivating my own.  Read me?

I just picked up Mark Batterson’s book, Wild Goose Chase.  The subtitle is what caught my attention:  “Reclaim the Adventure of Pursuing God.”  Hmmm.  Adventure?  I’m game. 

“An Geadh-Glas” is name the Celtic Christians gave to the Holy Spirit.  Literal translation – “the Wild Goose.”  Batterson writes, “much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed.”

He goes onto to explain that the “promptings of the Holy Spirit can sometimes seem pretty pointless, but rest assured, God is working His plan.   And if you chase the Wild Goose, He will take you places you never could have imagined going by paths you never knew existed.”

Can I evah relate to this one.  How often we struggle with wanting to know His will.  It’s as if we think we can put him into the confines our conventional wisdom….of our tiny little minds.  {Some, tinier than others.}

Batterson says, “Add Him [Holy Spirit] into the equation of your life, and anything can happen.  You never know who you’ll meet, where you’ll go, or what you’ll do.  All bets are off.”  If we are bored in our walk…ahem, that’s me….then perhaps, Batterson says, I am inviting the Spirit to follow me instead of following the Spirit.

And, that’s the “difference between spiritual boredom and spiritual adventure.”

I think I’m up for the adventure. 

You?

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November 6, 2008 · 6:00 am

He can’t fit inside my box.


I’ve been listening to some Ayiesha Woods lately.  Her song “Big Enough” is one of my favorites.  The song says,

And I don’t wanna box you in
You’ve been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don’t wanna believe
That you’re big enough – but you’re big enough.

I think I like this song, because I relate to it well.  I have those days where I believe that He is able to do anything.  But, to be honest, I don’t function in that daily.  I tend to try to fit Him into my little box.  How quickly I forget the big things He’s already done.  And, there I go doubting that He will do big things again. 

Then, He does.

Again.

And, again.

Because, He’s big enough.

Do you ever try to put God in a box?

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October 23, 2008 · 6:00 am

Doubting Dusty


“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16

I read this scripture yesterday.  I re-read it.  I read it again.  And again.  Just to make sure I believed it.

I really have no reason to not believe that God makes the rough places smooth.  That He never leaves us or forsakes us.  I’ve never experienced His abandonment in all my thirty-four years.

Still, I go through times where I have to say, “Lord, help me with my unbelief.” 

I stand.  I wait.  I trust.  Then, He takes too long. 

But, His timing is perfect.  And, in the meantime, when it seems the things around you are slowly crumbling, know that He holds all things together. 

So, when in doubt, read His word.  Re-read it.  Read it again.  And again.

He makes good on His promises.  And, He will never leave us.  As a matter of fact, He will never give up on us either.  I must wear Him out.

Except, He probably doesn’t get tired.  That IS scripture.  Right, Dad?

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October 20, 2008 · 6:00 am

Back to life. Back to reality.


Family vacation was oh so nice.  I usually leave the beach with aspirations to one day live there.  But then, I question.  Would I value that wonderment of God’s creation if I soaked it in every single day?  Or would it, like so many blessings in my life, be taken for granted?  Probably the latter.  Unfortunately. 

The comings and goings of vacations are similar to life.  In life, we experience good times and bad.  Scripture tells us that in this life, you will have trouble.  But, it’s in our trouble, in our pain, that God reveals a little more of Who He is.  And, as a result, we are better for it.  If not better for going through the trial in itself, but who we learn that God is in that trial.  When we choose to endure hard times God’s way, He makes Himself known in ways that we could not imagine.  It could be seeing God’s provision during a financially difficult time.  A friend calling you when you are feeling indescribably lonely.  Losing a child and waking up the next morning wondering how you are even breathing. 

I will never, ever forget sitting in my house on Sweetbriar Lane with my eight week old baby boy.  John Henry was asleep.  I was sitting in my living room chair sobbing.  I was lonely.  The despair I was feeling hurt so deeply.  I heard a knock at the door.  It was my friend, Stacey.  I yelled for her to come in.  She did.  And, she saw a young, single mother cradled up in a chair with tears soaking her shirt.  What does Jesus look like?  He looked a lot like Stacey Beheler that night.  She dropped in to give me some things for John Henry.  But, God used her to give me much more that night. 

The Bible says that His grace is sufficient.  A mother who has lost a child has a greater measure of grace than one who has not.  God gives his grace as we need it.  And, He measures it exactly right.

I don’t invite tough times.  But, I also know that without them, we take for granted the good.  During those times, we see and feel the love of God like no other time.  And, it forever changes who we are. 

I would like to be back in a beach chair with my toes in the sand.  I’m not.  But, when I am again, it will be oh so nice. 

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

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October 7, 2008 · 6:00 am

Guest Blog – Brittany Thoms: “Free Throw Shot”


I’ve known Brittany (B Shaw) Thoms since she was a tot.  Throughout Britt’s adolescent years, she considered me a mentor.  Now, we mentor each other.  You’d be hard pressed to find another girl with greater passion for Jesus.  And, I couldn’t be more blessed to call her my friend.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Brittany Thoms.

“Free Throw Shot” by Brittany Thoms

It’s hard to imagine thinking the way God thinks.

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts [higher] than your thoughts. – Isaiah 55:9

But I feel like every now and then, God gives us glimpses of what it really means to be made in His likeness. Parents know this very well and as a soon-to-be mom (November), I’m crazy excited about learning more about God through my son. J

In his book, “In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day,” Mark Batterson writes:

One of my most memorable moments as a parent happened during my son Parker’s rookie season in little league basketball. His team hadn’t won a single game all season … [and Parker] had a 98 percent air-ball percentage from the free-throw line.

So Parker got fouled and went to the free throw line. And to be perfectly honest, I felt bad at first because I knew my son had a 98 percent chance of being embarrassed. But I prayed like it was the day of Pentecost! I wish I could say that I prayed that Parker would make the free throw, but I didn’t have that much faith. I just prayed that he would hit the rim. But Parker stepped up to the free throw line and renewed my faith in the power of prayer. Parker defied the odds and made the first free throw of his career.

                And I cried.

There is tremendous joy in watching someone achieve greatness.  Why do parents rejoice when their children do something right?  Why do moms carry around “brag books?”  Because, our Heavenly Father is no exception.  Don’t you think God rejoices all the time when His children operate in the gifts He placed inside of them?

The other side of this coin is sorrow.  I think of God more and more every time I consciously forgive someone.  Forgiveness isn’t second nature.  It hurts.  And what’s worse?  We are constantly reminded of our wounds and have to forgive the same person for the same thing multiple times – whether it was 20 years or 20 days ago.

And I think, “Wow. God, you REALLY love us … because we do stupid things that hurt you all the time.”

Consider this:

                My sins nailed Jesus to a cross.

                I bet that hurt REAL bad.

                Yet, He still loves me.

                Wow.

So, when I’m reminded of wounds where others have scarred me, I think of the scars on Jesus and how it drives His love for us to an even deeper level:  unconditional.  And when I catch someone being great, I’m equally reminded how much God gets excited over us.

But most of all … I want to love like Jesus loves.

 

 

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September 30, 2008 · 6:00 am

Bailout plan fails. God doesn’t.


The bailout plan failed.  The Dow suffered its worst drop ever.  Yet, so many of you told me yesterday how you are expecting good things from God – and how you are enjoying His presence more than ever. 

I can’t tell you the countless number of people I’ve talked to who are going through some tough stuff.  Some are dissatisfied with where they are in life.  Some are surrendering different things to God.  And, all are praying for His direction and His peace.  And, in spite of the economy’s financial instability, dissatisfaction in careers, struggles in relationships, every single person has hope. 

I don’t enjoy financially difficult times.  I certainly didn’t enjoy a divorce.  Tough times are, well, tough.  But, I have to admit.  It is during these tough times and trials that we realize our need for God. 

If life was always easy – if we never walked through one single valley – would we realize how much we need a Savior? 

Perhaps that’s why scripture tell us to REJOICE in tribulation.  It produces perseverance.  Perseverance produces character.  And character produces HOPE.  

It’s during these times that we fall into the arms of our Father.  We fall into His love.  And, we fall into His peace.  And, we can’t help but recognize how much we need Him. 

It’s where our relationship with Christ grows.  It’s where we can be still, and know He is God.  And, know that His promises are yes and Amen.  And, know that for every disappointment is an appointment with God.  And, know that He NEVER EVER fails.

        On Christ the solid rock I stand;
        All other ground is sinking sand,
        All other ground is sinking sand.

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September 26, 2008 · 6:00 am

The Dynamic Duo


Anna tells me a bedtime story every night.  E.V.E.R.Y. N.I.G.H.T.  I know it’s coming as soon as I say prayers and tuck her in.  If I can be honest, there are many nights I just wish she’d say goodnight after I say “Amen.”  But, how many more nights am I going to have a sweet, half-Scandinavian blonde telling me bedtime stories? 

Anna’s latest stories comprise of the adventures of God and Jesus.  Kris and I have come to refer to these stories as “The Dynamic Duo” stories.  In one story, God and Jesus flew an airplane together.  In another, they killed a bear.  Hey, they’re God and Jesus.   

The other night she told me this story.  I went to get my video camera and asked her to repeat it.  You can tell by her calm, poised demeanor that she was very aware that she was being videoed.  But, I had to share the story, her story, nonetheless.

Even a three-year old knows the mighty power of God.  Because, if Chucky Cheese was closed, they could go under it and still play games. 

You see, nothing is too big for Anna’s God (and Jesus).  How big is He to you?

 

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September 24, 2008 · 6:00 am

What’s governing you?


Several days ago, the stock market plummeted.  Banks are in trouble.  Big time companies like AIG are being bailed out by our federal government.  What does this do to American spending? 

More than likely, it instills a bit of fear in us. 

Just like my experience on Monday with a complete stranger entering my house and trying to open windows – I felt fear.

Fear comes in many forms.  And, if we allow it, it will govern us.  We won’t give tithes or offerings, because we are fearful there won’t be enough money left over.  We stop letting our children play outside, because we are afraid of mentally disturbed neighbors approaching.  We don’t want to commit in a relationship, because we have fears of getting hurt again.  We don’t apply for that job, because we’ve been rejected before.  What if we are turned down again?  We live a life filled with anxiety, because we fear losing control.

When we let these fears govern us, we become victims and not victors.  We forget who we are in Christ.  And, we operate in fear instead of faith.  And, not only do we fail to live the life He has called us to live, but we fail to live in Him.

As a matter of fact, Satan uses fear to keep you from God’s best.  Uh huh.  Sure does.  Proverbs 12:25 says “an anxious heart weighs a man down.”  How can we be all that God wants us to be, and how can we enjoy His very best for us when fear and anxiety govern us?

Let’s take those fears and surrender them to our Heavenly Father.  Let’s give our worries to Him.  And, not take them back.  How do we do this?

Scripture is pretty clear.  6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

Are your finances causing you to live in fear?  Your children?  Do you fear failure?  Is fear governing your life – your decisions – instead of obedience to Him?  Instead of His promises? 

What do you fear?  Take that fear and nail it to the cross.  Go to Him in prayer.  And, let the peace of God that passes all understanding flood your heart and mind.  Give it to Him.  And, don’t take it back.

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September 23, 2008 · 6:00 am

What a strange Monday.


Yesterday was.

Let’s see.  I took the kiddos to school.  Went out to breakfast with the parental units.  Took my dad to the airport.  (Mom is staying with us a few more days.  Hooray!)  I went by our office, ran a few other random errands, and headed back home.  But, when I walked into my house, I found my mom and my friend, Jennifer, locking the front door and debating their next move.

A disturbed neighborhood boy had a few moments earlier entered our house uninvited.  My mom yelled at him to leave.  He did, but immediately returned and tried to push the door back open.  Mom and Jen managed to shut the door and lock it.  That’s where I entered. 

When I saw the young man trying to open a bedroom window, I dialed 911.  This time, our 911 call would be legit.  Unlike this time.  When his efforts failed, he decided to try another window.  My big, bad yellow dog stared him down, and he turned away.  But not far away.  Only to our front porch.

Where he lied down.

Yes.  He decided to enjoy a warm, fall day on my porch steps.  After he realized I was not going to serve him up some lemonade, he went about his merry way, lurking in other neighbor’s windows.

Three police cars arrived, and one officer wrestled the poor fellow to the ground and put him in the back of his car.  My emotions vacillated between sadness for the young man and fear.  I was saddened that the boy was not being properly cared for. 

And, I was fearful to learn that he lived across the street from me.  And, my children.

Without delay, I surrendered those fearful thoughts to God.  I prayed that my Savior would capture every thought and every fear that was not from Him.  This doesn’t mean that I won’t be more aware of my surroundings.  I will.  But, I will trust in the One who says that He, “has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”  (2 Timothy 1:7)

So, when the enemy comes at you with fear, remind him of who you are.  A child of God.  Bought with a price.  Redeemed and forgiven.  Hidden with Christ in God.  Seated with Jesus Christ.  More than a conqueror. 

You are victorious.  Because, He has made you that way.  Can I get an Amen?

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.  Isaiah 41:10

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September 10, 2008 · 6:00 am

Sometimes, I need a kick in the booty.


There are days I get so wrapped up in myself, it’s disgusting. 

I spent the greater part of yesterday afternoon stressing – yes, stressing – over airline tickets for Disney World and at which resort to stay.  Disney World, people.  During my self-absorbed time where I was my main focus, my friend was at the doctor worried about her young son. 

After she e-mailed me an update on her precious little boy, I put all of my stuff aside and prayed.  Suddenly my stuff, my stress became so trivial.  My obsession over me made me sick.

Now, don’t get me wrong.  Ain’t no shame in spending time with Mickey Mouse and his friends.  If you don’t believe me, just ask this girl.  But, when we become so darn attentive on our wants and needs alone, we so miss God.

God has created us for His glory.  Not ours.  Right this very minute, I want more of Him and way less of me.  I want to be more in tune to what He wants.  And, He wants me to walk through this life in such a way that gives Him glory.  I do this by living beyond myself. 

Many times I think stress becomes selfish.  Because in it, we can forget God and His sovereignty.  Or, as in my case, we fail to recognize that others around us are having a really bad day.  Then, life jumps back into perspective.

I love how God can ever so gently nudge me sometimes and say, “Hey, Dusty, it’s not all about you.”

No Sir, it’s not.  He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.  John 3:30

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