DJ's Ramblings

CIMG0063

2009-12-28T15:35:00.001-08:00

CIMG0060

Hey You... Look over here!!!!

2009-12-02T06:38:00.000-08:00

Check out my latest blog entry!

http://www.youversion.com/contributions/48066/hey-you-look-over-here

God bless,

dj

Woo hoo! School is over for 2 weeks!

2009-11-19T19:24:00.001-08:00

Resting before school

2009-11-19T12:02:00.000-08:00

Low down, dirty, rotten... everyday person?

2009-10-28T05:37:00.000-07:00

So another Bible study method is to pretend like I'm a producer and I am setting up a scene in a movie.

So here goes... here is the scene... a guy and his wife get together and find out they can have a lot of money if they sell some land. Maybe they are caught up in the moment or whatever but they decided they were going to give all the "benjamins" to the church, but as they are counting the money and see the amount, they feel the cold, hard cash between their fingers, they start to second guess that choice. So they come up with a simple "white lie." Ananias will go in first and offer an amount, it will be something that believable and he'll just tell a little lie, everyone will believe him and then they'll go on their merry way. Second, Sapphira will enter and confirm the amount and no one will be none the wiser. It's perfect! Well, until EVERYBODY DIES!

Wow, what a scene hunh? What's the point? Umm... scratching head... I'm thinking. I'm not exactly sure, but I'll take a stab at it. You need to remember that in Acts 2:45... it was popular for everyone to sell their property and possessions for the greater good of the community. In essence, when these two, with held their "money" they were robbing the community of believers and they were being dishonest for no reason. It showed here that they could have just picked an amount but they didn't they concocted a lie, simply for the sake of lying. I know there is more to this, but I think the main point here is give all you can to the work of the kingdom... remember material goods and possessions will pass away. This is truly an issue of the heart. In Acts 2: 47, it says because of these sacrifices people were being "added to their numbers and being saved."

Question: are you like the everyday person that lies to conceal their God given gifts or who withholds money for their own gain, when the kingdom is in need of them?

somethin to chew on hunh?

Acts 5:1-4

Got "hops?"

2009-10-27T05:53:00.000-07:00

Read: Acts 3:1-15

So here I am reading a book for college that is teaching me a new and fresh way to study the bible. Some of it I have learned and actually used before, but some of it is completely new. Here's some examples... see if you can follow.

Who: are the characters in this text? Peter, John and Crippled man... good but aren't you missing someone? But aren't you missing some people? Look again.

vs 2- says he was carried in... I'm assuming people did that. That struck me a little bit, cuz imagine being those people. My first thought is... this is "uncomfortable" faith isn't it? I mean they had to put there faith to "action." I'm sure when this dude was healed they were probably jumping around with him. My question: is this "who am I carrying in?" Am I carrying anyone to church that needs a healing, a miracle or just help for their needs? Yea, I could do better! hmm... what about you? hmmm.... hey, I'm just asking!

ok... so did you forget the other "who's" in the text? What about the huge crowds that gathered.

vs 9- says "all the people"... that was a lot of people. I mean think about it... back in the day, shoot I could remember, I wasn't even a Christian, but the "social" event of the week was centrally focused around what was going on at church. This is the case, and even more so then. They did not have tv, and facebook and twitter and all these things to distract them. The had the "temple." so when they mean "all" that is a lot of people.

ok... lets ask another question... What did this guy do when he was healed? Go on think about it for a minute.

vs 8- says he jumped up and started leaping and worshiping, etc. Two things that I can think of... one where is this in the church today? Have we forgotten so easily what it's like to be healed? Have we forgotten our own testimonies of God meeting us... on one afternoon and revealing Himself to us? Second is, you never know why people are so excited in church... maybe it's because they are thinking back on their day in the Son. Don't judge, but rather... why not ask them their "story." Maybe you'll remember what it was like to have HOPS too.

Keep reading and asking "who, what, when, where, why and how"... maybe you'll get some nuggets that you can share with me.

God bless.

Acts 2:1-14 (The Holy Spirit was into Steppin'?)

2009-10-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

I like how this version phrases this. Peter "stepped forward", verse 14. That is sooo cool. Here they are gathered in the upper room and then a "mighty rushing wind" comes upon them. I was just referencing this last night at our youth service. I don't believe it is coincidence that it is on the "daily reading" on my youversion blog. wow.

Anyways, what a cool way to learn to speak in another language, I sure could have used this help in High School and College. :-)

We can't forget about Peter here. Remember, he was feelin pretty down on himself, he just denied Christ 3 times and the "rooster crowed" and now he is dealing with the loss of his close buddy because of crucifixion. Again, he is feelin pretty lame. But again, despite him running and his denial, here he is "stepping forward." This is the POWER that Jesus talked about before. With out the Holy Spirit upon Him he ran, with the Holy Spirit he stepped up.

Where will you step up or rather forward? Where will I? I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." one of my favorite verses. We have been given strength and power to do what Christ has asked us to do. To ask the same question as I did last night. R u too busy to let God in? R u too busy being busy?

If you are, I pray that God reminds you, like He needs to remind me that... I am eternal and all things around me are temporal.

just my 2 cents.

The Pursuit of Joy

2009-10-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

So I'm sitting here and thinking about happiness. Isn't it a noble thing to want to be happy? I mean, I want my boys to be happy, I want my wife to happy, but isn't it greater to ask that they have JOY?

I've heard it said that Happiness is based on circumstances. And don't we all know all too well, that circumstances can change in the flash of light. (preach preacher... lol)

Joy is not changing. Joy is something you have in spite of the huge storms around you. Joy is what someone has while in prison.

Read about Paul: Acts 16:22-26 (NLT)

He had an unspeakable, and unshakable faith and trust in God.

He had joy, though he wasn't always smiling.

do you have JOY despite the storms? Pursue Joy at all costs... the return is greater.

just my 2 cents for the day.

"pride comes before the... ouch that hurt!" - 1 Cor. 10:1-13

2009-10-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

Wow... that is subtle. Did you read that? vs. 1-5 is saying that despite all the miracles they saw... like drinking from a rock... following one single cloud in dessert with empty sky... walking through the Red Sea... despite all these miracles the people forgot.

You know with Thanksgiving approaching I really should take the time to reflect on all the "miracles" that God has done in my life. I encourage you to do the same!

Verse 6-13--- serve as a warning to us not to forget and not to think that because we have seen these miracles that we are simply "above it all". That we wouldn't be phased by temptation. The truth is... they may have seen some heavier miracles then we have, and they still fell. That is the warning that we need to heed.

Remember the saying... "pride comes before the fall." Remember it is God who keeps and sustains us.

just my 2 cents for the day!

Hope in "However"- Judges 16:22

2009-10-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

I read this verse again today and it really stood out to me... all this "crap" was going on in Samson's life... a lot of it self inflicted... eyes gouged out... he was a "grinder" in prison... the verbal abuse and probably additional physical abuse... remember he was "unhurt-able" before... so you know people were testing that! The word..."HOWEVER" or "BUT"... implies a turn of the tides... it implies... "hope".. it's saying, "the story doesn't end there". There is hope in that statement. It implies and later shows that God is returning to Samson. In a movie... it would be a subtle clue... an almost missed picture... a part where the fade in at the end of the movie to show that their is life... "however, the hair of his head began to grow again after it was shaved off." God is a God full of Grace... Samson messed up but God was allowing His hair to grow to show that there was a one last thing that he could do. remember the powerful part in this story... is that "vengeance is mine" says the Lord. Samson killed more Philistines in his death then he did in his entire life! Praise God for "however"... I've had a few in my life... and I thank Him that more are coming!

Bad Jesus? - Mark 7:26

2009-10-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

This verse used to upset me for the longest time... reading it at first glance a lot of questions come to mind. Why would Jesus be soo cruel, why would He show such favoritism and prejudice? This isn't like the Son of God, that I've read about. All through out the gospel's He was building bridges to the lost, He was hanging out with those that are "unworthy". Well, knowing this about His personality, something seems "fishy" here, right?

According to some commentary I read, "Jesus was playing the game, he was calling her a "dog" because those around Him were already thinking that, He was on "stage" playing the part they were expecting Him to play, then He showed them again that He was above all the rules! He healed her daughter and taught her and us about faith and perseverance and mercy!

This is what I love about Jesus, He always knows what to do, He always knows what is the best angle to play! Amen!

Jesus is one "Bad mamma Jamma". lol

Mark 6:46-51 (Wild Storms & a Calm Savior!)

2009-10-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

I actually never read that part, actually I prolly read it, cuz I can read, but I never processed it. Jesus walked on water, when the storm was crazy and out of control. Verse 48, says they were in serious trouble.

He did THREE things.
1. - He walked on water (vs.48)
-Letting them know He is in control, despite how messed up the storm is!
2. - He spoke... (vs.50)
-He assured them He was there, He was with them and everything is going to be ok!
3. - He Climbed in... (vs. 51)
-He came aboard, to take control, what an entrance, He was letting them know that He was there "through" the storm.

What is He saying to you, to me?

John 6:6-7 (Undeniable Credit!)

2009-10-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

You ever ask a question you already knew the answer too? Yea, I've done it occasionally. I've done it in bets and when I really wanted to prove people wrong. My motive was not always pure. Jesus was doing the same thing here! But knowing His motive had to be pure, what was his motive?

I think He asked Phillip the question, so that Phillip would give the "facts", remember, technically Phillip had the right answer. In reality Jesus was saying, ok, make sure you have the evidence correct, "we do not have money to feed these people", as a matter of fact that would take months to feed them, right?. Good, now that the facts are straight, no one can rationalize and explain away the miracle I'm about to do. Then to go a step further, Jesus grabbed a few loaves and some fish.... and made a miracle, one that was undeniably God. Why... to show us that He is in control, that He is our provider, Jehovah Jirah!

God I pray that we will see your miracles and continue to give you credit. It is undeniably You!

just have faith and stop "swimming"

2009-09-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

To view my newest entry click here

hats, hair, and herecy!

2009-08-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.youversion.com/contributions/44457/hats-hair-and-herecy

Answers shouldn't Kill Curiousity

2009-06-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

So here I am, hanging in my favorite coffee shop. Sucking back some caffeine, and I stumble on a blog that has asked a very deep question that we try to answer simply. "who made God?" I will give my opinion and thoughts on that question, but first I need to deal with the fact that we assume the "wrestling" goes away when we provide an answer, but truth is, it doesn't. It may "whet" our curiosity for the time being, but honestly isn't that bad? Don't we wanna be curious about the creator! Shouldn't we want to look up to the stars with a curious gaze in wonder and awe and ask these ominous questions of the creator. Shouldn't we invoke curiosity in others? I know that I have so many questions and some answers seem small in regards to the question, so I keep asking w/ the hopes that more answers come, that more perspectives are given. That a broader picture of the Creator, Our God is given. That I gain insight into who Jesus is!

So back to the original question. "Who made God?" The quick and obvious answer is, No one... God didn't need to be made. We assume that since everything we know was "created" that God needed to be "created" as well. What I have found is that He made the "rules", He is the one that created the idea that things needed to be "created". Yea, see it is not as simple as it sounds hunh? There is still a leap of faith required.

A bigger question to ask, is "does this change" the story. Assuming that God did need to be created,does this assume that whoever created God is more powerful. Isn't that the big question here, is God the most powerful? To create is power, yes? That is my big argument w/ that statement. It would appear that if God were "created" that there would be another powerful being, and that would also be a problem, because scripture tells us that there is only ONE GOD. But again, assuming we settle scripturaly that someone could have created God, it doesn't change the fact that "God" created our earth, that we were separated from Him and He provided the way back to Him because of His undying love for us. Again, that is the bigger statement, does it change again thing if He was created!

To conclude, I again believe that we should continue to ask questions about our creator and wait for answers, w/out assuming that when we get a few that we can close the book on the questions. Truthfully I feel like God invites these questions. Think about it this way for a second, imagine we are on a date w/ someone and we ask a few questions to get to know them, once they answer a few do we stop asking? No, we ask more or we ask them to unfold their answers so we can get to know them better.

My point... keep the questions coming, keep searching for answers. Jeremiah 33:3 "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and mighty things which you do not know"

just my 2 cents for the day.

dj

Jesus says "rest" not "sleep".

2009-06-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

So here I am preparing my lesson for youth on Sunday Night, and God led me to the verse Matthew 26:40-44. Here the disciples were found sleeping when Jesus needed them to pray w/ Him. This is interesting b/c you would think that sleeping would be ok... (I know it is but humor me for a minute) Here is what I got from this text, often we grow weary when we are called to do good, e.g.- Prayer, etc. We do need to "rest" in God though, b/c working for His Kingdom can get exausting. Jesus was teaching us to "REST" rather then to just "SLEEP".

I know I have to do a better job of "RESTING" on my "day off".... yea that is in quotes because we never really have a day off. Thus the point of resting. :-)

Just my 2 cents for the day!

dj

My Thoughts on verses 17-20

2009-05-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

(1 Peter 1: 17-20) "¹⁷ And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as “foreigners in the land.” ¹⁸ For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. ¹⁹ It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. ²⁰ God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days."

Wow, this verse is reminding us that we are foreigners in this land, to the ways of the world. Here is the fact though, we spend a great deal of time reminiscing, looking back on old habits. Like it is cool or something. This verse says, put those off, don't embrace the acts that we inherited from our anscestors. As a matter of fact, recieve the ransom that was paid on our behalf. Crazy. It is so easy to fall into old habits without replacing them with positive ones. I am not a reader, I am actually a watcher, I love TV. I love to "veg". This is not a good habit for my faith, it breeds laziness. I need to read and to condition my spiritual muscles to be ready for use! To be ready to react in any circumstance in a HOLY manner without hesitation. That is why I must study! To embrace this "ransom", and apply it to my life.

Just my 2 cents for the day.

dj

1 Peter (an introduction)

2009-04-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

I'm going to begin a study on Peter. I'm going to look into his life and his words.

Today. 1 Peter 1: 6-9

This is an interesting verse to me. It speaks of the point of trials. This is reassuring. "trials are there to show my faith is genuine" This is something I have often wondered where is my "mettle" when trials come. Am I going to stand in there. Am I going to give up? Trials are there to test me. That is comforting in a sense. Cause often when the whirl wind of trials come, I get lost and don't know which way is up... like being tossed in a wave that consumes me. My faith is a way to get my bearings again. To regain my orientation. That is what it is about.

What I also needed to hear, was that my faith is worth more then "precious" Gold. Material things are something I have desired, prolly cause I didn't have them growing up. I need to "live in" this perspective. So when loss comes, or want is once again abated, I have to see the value is not in these things, but in my "faith".

Just my 2 cents.

dj

Blah, Blah, Blah.

2009-04-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

You ever have a day that just feels "blah"? Yea we all do. I had that kind of a day the other day. Everything just seemed like a "chore". I'll tell you what, I didn't like that feeling! I don't like going through the motions. I like the feeling of a vibrant life. Where doing certain things matter. Where there's a feeling of being on a Mountain top. That is a cool feeling. It is addictive. The problem is, I get caught up in the works and forget the reason for the works. To know Christ and Him Christ crucified, this is the reason. My life needs to truly revolve around this.

Focus... keep it and all other things will fade to the background.

Just my 2 cents for the day.

dj

Just hanging w/ the family

2009-04-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

Man, it was a busy day, didn't do much but it was still busy. Now that would appear to be a contradicting statement, right? Well truth is I was busy sowing into my family, and I enjoyed that. See I can so easily get caught up in doing things that don't matter. Doing rather then being. I would rather BE a great dad, then just keep busy working towards that goal. I am a great dad, cause I love my boys. I know that that love is unconditional and means even when it isn't easy I am going to raise them right.

Just my 2 cents for the day. Sow into your family, it will reap its reward some day. As someone else once said, "live in such a way, that people won't have to lie at your funeral".

Great words to live by.

dj

technology overload...

2009-04-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

...you know I have always been somewhat of a techy... I have always loved technology. But how much is too much? There is so much noise around us... that we can't even find time to think. Meditating on scripture is a "lost art". I am guilty of it too. I find the scripture I need to prove my point or sermon. But I miss the days of just meditating... soaking in God's word. Letting it live and breath in me... letting it dictate and challenge.

I would suggest... turn technology off or at least down for awhile... and get "old school" and soak in his word.

dj

Psalms 46:10... "Be still and know that I am God"

1 Corinthians 16:15 - Spend it well!

2009-04-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

This is interesting... I love finding nuggets in scripture... Paul said about Stephanas and his household... "they are spending their lives in service to God's people." Wow... am I called to such a service? How am I spending my days... my alloted amount of time? man, the days are truly fleeting what will others say about me when I'm gone... what will I say when I look back over my life? Will I have these deep regrets? I need to "spend my life" better. Help me to do that Lord... in Jesus' name!

1 Corinthians 16:15

a test...

2009-04-21T13:36:00.001-07:00

I am just testing the site.