In The Shoes of a Shepherd
I really love thinking through the season at Christmas. It is a great time to think about family, friends, and home comings. It seems that even with all the hype and marketing that goes around Christmas; there is a place in the human soul that wants to be home for Christmas. It stems from our God given desire to be a part of something. To be someone that matters. To be loved and having someone to love.
Among my favorite stories is the story of the Shepherds in the fields, minding their business of tending to the sheep, when suddenly the sky lit up. Angelic hosts appeared to these everyday workers, in a quiet field, removed from the town where the event of Christ’s birth was happening. Luke states it like this :
Luke 2:8-19
(8) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
(9) And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were in great fear.
(10) And the angel said to them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.
(11) For to you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
(12) And this shall be a sign to you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger.
(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
(14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.
(15) And it came to pass, when the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even to Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us.
(16) And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
(17) And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
(18) And all they that heard it, wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
(19) But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
I am always amazed by the fact that God chose to announce his birth in this manner on earth. He could have come to kings, queens, mayors, governors, and people of great authority in government. He could have come to the great businessmen of the day, but He didn’t. He chose a quiet field on the edge of town, where the common sheep herder was making a meager living, and keeping watch. Sheep herding was a very humble job, without much glory or pay. These men probably understood the struggles of life very well. Sleeping outside, staying with the sheep, isolation, possible loneliness. And now, suddenly, without warning, the Bible says the glory of the Lord shone around them. Can you imagine the fear and concern that they had? The surprise of it all, let alone the fact that the night was as day, and a heavenly host of angels came out of nowhere to tell them something. WOW. What a night. The first thing the angel of the Lord did was to calm their fear. He told them it was good news. God was offering peace on earth, and good will toward men.
Have you ever sat and thought about this story and tried to put yourself in the shoes of the shepherd ? In one night, they went from obscure to being in the very presence of the Glory of God, by the angels that God sent to them. In that moment, they became the avenue that God Almighty chose to reveal his coming to earth. Talk about a place in history! I bet they looked around at the other shepherds to see if they were seeing the same thing that they were. If I were in their shoes, I would have thought I was nuts for a moment. When it started to sink in that they were being approached by the Angel of the Lord, and they saw the Radiant Light that shone around them in the middle of the night, the Bible says that they were frightened. I think that is an understatement. With that kind of presence, you would have nowhere to turn if it were bad news!
But the Everlasting God had a message of hope to give his creation that had been lost to the ravages of sin for millenniums.
The news was simple… The message was clear…. The joy was overwhelming and obvious….
(11) For to you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
(12) And this shall be a sign to you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger.
(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
(14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.
I sent my son… He is in Bethlehem… He is Christ the Lord… (Sent from Heaven). You will find him to worship if you go into town and look for a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes (nothing fancy) and lying in a manger. And then the angels could not keep in their praise. Glory to God in the highest , and on earth peace, good will towards men.
I bet any notion that those shepherds felt unimportant vanished forever that night. That moment was life changing. To be the focal point of that announcement forever changed their sense of importance. And the content of the message was so great, that it forever changed the outlook and hope of mankind. A savior, Christ the Lord… My very son…. My greatest treasure… sent to you, for you, to redeem you, and restore you to a relationship with God Almighty. !!! There was no questions left in their mind as to whether there was a God or not. No question of his authority, or agenda either. Any scholar could ask a shepherd what he thought about Christ, and the shepherd’s theology was spot on.
I believe God sent the message in that manner, because all of us find ourselves in the “Shoes of a Shepherd ” at various junctures of our lives. At times we feel lonely, isolated, not respected, feet dirty, lousy job, long days at work… or unfortunate circumstances. But in the middle of it all, God was coming to all of us that night, saying “Do Not Be Afraid”. “I Bring You Good News”. I want you to have great joy…. I want their to be complete reconciliation between us…. Go and see what I sent… Worship him, adore him, but most of all receive him as your Savior…. I sent him from heaven…
God’s Peace to You,
Jeff Dyk
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Faith, Obedience, and Hope
Faith, Obedience, and Hope
It had been a long hard day of hiking in the hot sun, with all their belongings in tow. A column of people miles long were walking away from generations of slavery and imprisonment by the Egyptian Pharaoh, and now, just when they thought they were free, they were being pinned up against the Red Sea with the Egyptian Army bearing down on them full speed. Pharaoh had once again changed his mind about letting them go. The situation seemed to be hopeless. Once again, they figured to see brutality take its toll on them, and now even more so because they were fleeing their slave masters.
You see, the years of being beaten down by their slave owners and masters, and being forced to work under nearly unlivable conditions had beaten down the hopes and dreams of the people. The constant fear they faced for their lives every day had made them to think they could never be free from their place in life, and that their destination would eventually be to die in bondage to the Egyptians. Hope seemed out of reach.
But behind the scenes, God had been preparing his people for the events that would follow. A man named Moses, one of their own, had grown up inside the Egyptian kingdom as a son of the Egyptians. God revealed his true heritage to him, and called him to confront the Pharaoh of Egypt to let his people go. As Moses began to do this, he witnessed God respond to his faithfulness to obey and produce a series of great miracles to reveal his power and authority to command nature itself to obey Him. So Moses stepped out in faith, obeyed God and confronted Pharaoh to let God’s people go. What followed was an amazing series of God’s hand moving to prove his faithfulness to Moses as he obeyed. Rivers turning to blood, and wiping out the Egyptian water supply, fields of dust turning to lice, a invasion of frogs, locusts, flies did not convince Pharaoh, but it did train Moses as to the power and faithfulness of God. Finally, Pharaoh let God’s people go, when the first born of those who had not covered their door posts were killed, Pharaoh momentarily gave in and allowed Moses to orchestrate the march. Just before the march from Egypt, Moses gave his people this word from God
Exodus 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, standstill, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will show to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. 14 and the Lord shall fight for you and you shall hold your peace.
Moses commanded them to not fear, and watch as the Lord delivered them. They would no longer be bothered by their enemies. So now you can imagine their thoughts as they saw the barrier of the Red Sea and began to question their destiny.
But then at the last moment, God came through as promised. God had Moses stretch out his hand across the ocean and it opened up for the Israelites to walk across on dry land. He then commanded the ocean to close in on the pursuing army and the Israelites watched their captors defeated at the hands of God almighty.
Exodus 14:27-31
(27) And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
(28) And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.
(29) But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
(30) Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore
.
I love the last verse of the chapter when the years of bondage was lifted off of God’s people. They saw, believed, and feared (Obeyed) the Lord. The basis of their faith had been shifted back onto their Lord. For the first time in decades, the people had real hope based on real faith because a man chose to obey God.
Exodus 14:31
(31) And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.
Throughout the scriptures, God eludes to this message for all people. Have faith in God, Listen to his life giving commands, and have hope in the places he is taking you. God did this to redeem us from the bondage’s of sin that have built up in our lives. He desires freedom, and freedom can only exist as we live according to his precepts to enjoy how he made us. And as for our final destination, well, that is our ultimate hope.
John 14:1-6
(1) Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
(2) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
(3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
(4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
(5) Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
(6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
God Bless and have a great week full of HOPE.
His Servant,
Saturday, October 24, 2009
What Jesus Looks Like Today
They had just stopped to visit and were reluctant to share their need, but the look in the young mother’s eyes gave them away. The young couple did not know where to go or what to do. They were just kicked out of their apartment, had lost a job, had a 15 day old baby with needs. Having slept a couple of nights in their car, they were desperate.'
We began to search for a solution that would help this couple care for their baby, and get the help that they needed. The events that followed amazed me at how caring people in the name of Christ could respond to the needs of someone they had never met.
Roofing, food, counseling, and care were found quickly for this couple through a connection through Justice for All. Within hours, a nightly place for the mother to care for her child was secured, along with the access to appropriate medical advice and care for the child. Meals were provided, a local tire company fixed their car flat for free, and many steps were taken to get this young couple the help they needed in a manner that built dignity, and provided compassionate help and advice for them.
All of these events working together in sequence from independent people and ministries to combine an effort that gives the couple a chance to land on their feet again.
It made me ask the question, “What does Jesus Look Like Today” if you were looking for him. When Christ spoke the following while here on earth, it revealed the answer to this question.
Matthew 25: 35 – 40
25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 25:36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 25:37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 25:38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or naked and clothe you? 25:39 When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 25:40 and the king will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.’
As you go through your day this week, “What will Jesus Look Like to You ?”
Will it be a neighbor in need ?
Someone who needs a smile or vote of confidence ?
Someone who needs your forgiveness ?
A ministry in need of support ?
May God Bless your Week.
In His Service,
Jeff Dyk
We began to search for a solution that would help this couple care for their baby, and get the help that they needed. The events that followed amazed me at how caring people in the name of Christ could respond to the needs of someone they had never met.
Roofing, food, counseling, and care were found quickly for this couple through a connection through Justice for All. Within hours, a nightly place for the mother to care for her child was secured, along with the access to appropriate medical advice and care for the child. Meals were provided, a local tire company fixed their car flat for free, and many steps were taken to get this young couple the help they needed in a manner that built dignity, and provided compassionate help and advice for them.
All of these events working together in sequence from independent people and ministries to combine an effort that gives the couple a chance to land on their feet again.
It made me ask the question, “What does Jesus Look Like Today” if you were looking for him. When Christ spoke the following while here on earth, it revealed the answer to this question.
Matthew 25: 35 – 40
25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 25:36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 25:37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 25:38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or naked and clothe you? 25:39 When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 25:40 and the king will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.’
As you go through your day this week, “What will Jesus Look Like to You ?”
Will it be a neighbor in need ?
Someone who needs a smile or vote of confidence ?
Someone who needs your forgiveness ?
A ministry in need of support ?
May God Bless your Week.
In His Service,
Jeff Dyk
Friday, October 9, 2009
Valuing What Matters
Watching the life of the Lord in the scriptures, he always had a way of bringing out what mattered the most in every situation. Many times what mattered most was counter to the popular view of the day, or the group in which Jesus was walking. This never stopped the Lord from valuing what mattered and teaching us to do the same.
Consider the following stories of Jesus Christ valuing what matters the most.
1. John 8:1-9 is the story of the woman about to be stoned. Christ knew what needed to be written in the sandy ground to bring appropriate conviction to her accusers who were legalistically trying to trap Jesus. He also understood how to bring the love of God into the woman’s life by stating that neither did he condemn her, and asked her to go and sin no more. What a great reflection of God’s compassion on the downtrodden of society, and the hope that he gave. Christ clearly showed that he had come into the world, not to condemn, but to give life everlasting to people according to the plan of God the Father.
The result … a message that mattered. Jesus had come to seek and to save the lost, not to condemn people, but to give them an avenue to God through his life and sacrifice for their sins on the cross. That was what mattered.
2. (NIV) Luke 19:1-10
Jesus recognized Zacchaeus sitting in a tree observing him. He was a smaller man and was publically despised by people because of his position as a tax collector who was wealthy. Jesus knew he was watching him, and was contemplating the life of Christ, and the changes it would bring about for him. Jesus invited himself to eat with him at his house, which was counter to the popular belief that he should be seen with the likes of this man.
The result… Zacchaeus repented of what he had cheated anyone of and repaid them four times what he had taken, and then gave half of his possessions to the poor. The tax collector was transformed. All the previous feelings of rejection, hurt, and guilt were released by the Lord and the faith that Zacchaeus had in the Lord. Again, Jesus knew what mattered.
What really mattered was the repentance and restoration of hope with his creation. He was not concerned with public opinion. He was not seeking popularity among the elite, nor was he looking to make a name for himself. He didn’t need to, because he was God, and had all authority. Jesus knew what mattered. You.
All of us can place ourselves from time to time in similar positions of public ridicule, feelings of inadequacy, or condemnation by our past. Christ came for what matters, and that is you and your freedom to relate to God on a personal basis through Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away look, what is new has come!
5:18 And all these things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
5:19 In other words, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting people’s trespasses against them, and he has given us the message of reconciliation.
Have a great week, and know that you matter to God !!
Jeff Dyk
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Simple Joys of Life
After a long encounter with some foot problems this past year, I was in the podiatrists office getting fitted for a custom pair of shoes. Down the hall from where I was sitting, I noticed a dignified lady in her late 50’s sitting and cross stitching some very nice patterns in a pillow she was making. She was smiling and laughing with some of the people in the office, and generally enjoying herself. Looking closer, I noticed that she was missing her right leg below her knee , and seemed to have problems with her eyes.
A few minutes had passed after this initial encounter, when she suddenly walked back and forth cheerfully before entering our room, sporting a big smile. With new tennis shoes on her natural leg, and the prosthetic steel leg that was attached at the knee, she began to tell my wife and I about how she had been born with a deformity that forced her leg to be removed when she was 3 years old. She was legally blind from birth. This was the first year that she had been able to get a prosthetic leg to work, and this was the first pair of normal looking shoes that she could wear. As she began to further tell us her story, she had been completely blind until a few years ago when a technical invention allowed her limited sight and color back in one eye. She jokingly tapped her finger on the other eye, and said they couldn’t do much with the fake eye, but that she was happy with one. For the first time in her life, she said she was able to actually see her son and recognize his face from having only been able to feel his face in years past. She was so proud that she could now walk and experience her life from a whole new perspective… and those beautiful new tennis shoes were the icing on the cake….
We asked her how she learned to do such beautiful cross-stitching with her handicap of being blind, and she said she learned to do all she could with her limited ability. She said she had the ability to feel patterns, and could feel texture that would make the art she was making look just right. She had her husband help her with the right colors that were numbered, and it all worked out beautifully. She proudly said that she made dinners with a specially built counter that had everything laid out on it. She could feel her way just fine, until (she laughed) she was made taller by the prosthetic leg. Then she had to relearn the positioning of everything.
As I walked out of the room with my new shoes, I began to realize how blessed we are to be able to see, feel, walk, talk, and experience life with normal situations. I learned a bit about courage, and attitude from this lady, and saw what not letting life get you down really meant. In spite of her handicaps, she had a bright outlook, a significant talent developed with limited resource, and a deep joy in the very simple improvements she was able to experience later in life. Her gratitude for experiencing her new shoes and eyesight that was simply contagious. It made me doubly thankful for my new pair of shoes after only 1 year of foot problems.
Her attitude reminded me of the verses :
Philippians 4:11-12-13
4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance.
4:12 I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing.
4:13 I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.
God Bless and have a Grateful Week.
Jeff Dyk
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Failure on the Big Screen ("Jumbo Tron")
How Character is Built
A well publicized football game this week ended, sadly, as a running back from the visiting team threw a right-handed sucker punch at an opposing player. To make matters worse, it was televised on national TV on ESPN, and then run on nearly every national news agency in the US on prime time television focusing in on the action. The reaction of the public was quick and the punishment was for the young man was dealt quickly and without question. He was suspended for the year. That one moment of lapsed judgment cost the young player his opportunity to pursue his dream of playing football at a prestigious football program. In news articles following the event, the university allowed the student to continue his education and continue to be with the team without playing any games. It was discipline mixed with care for the student. I was glad to see that while they disciplined the young man, they didn’t throw him out as a reject to the team for his lapse of judgment. The young man went back to the university he had aggressed himself against and apologized for his mistake and stated he understood the consequences. While the incident itself was sad to see, the end result of discipline mixed with care, and the response of humility in accepting punishment and asking forgiveness could well be a start of greater character in the long haul for this young man.
The chain of events made me think of several Biblical examples of men that “lost their cool” in the line of duty, only to be used of God in other ways after going through God’s hand of loving discipline. Of those men, Peter and David stand out the most to me.
The Prediction of Peter’s Denial - Mark 14
14:27 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written,
‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.’
14:28 But after I am raised, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 14:29 Peter said to him, “Even if they all fall away, I will not!” 14:30 Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth,today – this very night – before a rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 14:31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I must die with you, I will never deny you.” And all of them said the same thing.
Peter was determined not to deny Christ, and exclaimed his loyalty loudly. He was completely sure of himself. It was Peter who also said that the Lord shouldn’t have to die, when Christ helped him understand that he must, and rebuked him as being led of Satan in that moment.
Then came Peter’s “Jumbo Tron” Moment … A moment captured in the writings of the scriptures for all time and eternity, and instant playback.
Peter’s Denials (Mark 14:66 – 72)
14:66 Now while Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the high priest’s slave girls came by. 14:67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked directly at him and said, “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus.” 14:68 But he denied it: “I don’t even understand what you’re talking about!” Then he went out to the gateway, and a rooster crowed. 14:69 When the slave girl saw him, she began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 14:70 But he denied it again. A short time later the bystanders again said to Peter, “You must be one of them, because you are also a Galilean.” 14:71 Then he began to curse, and he swore with an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about!” 14:72 Immediately a rooster crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said to him: “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Peter was caught in his own humanity. He thought he had the character to stand with the Lord he loved, but when his moment of truth came, he lost it. He began to curse and swore with an oath. Then the rooster began crowing, just as predicted, and Peter realized he had just failed miserably in the test he was given. He broke down and wept openly because he knew he had failed. He learned many things in that disciplined moment of failure that Jesus Christ knew would serve him well as he carried out his Great Commission, and remained as one of his apostles.
The good news hear is that God in his great mercy, didn’t throw Peter out on the basis of performance, but instead, allowed the growth of character and humility to be nurtured by forgiveness, and new opportunity. In fact, Christ later said to Peter, “Upon this Rock, I will build my church”, and in the writings of Peter, he recounted in scripture the foundation of his lesson as seen in the following verse.
I Peter 5:5 – 11
5:5 In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.5:6 And God will exalt you in due time,10 if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand 5:7 by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you. 5:8 Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. 5:9 Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering. 5:10 And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 5:11 To him belongs the power forever. Amen.
Those verses were well written in the tables of Peter’s heart when he had his “Jumbo Tron” moment, where all had seen his errors and he felt the humiliation before Christ for his actions. Jesus, seeing Peter’s remorse, understood the nature of man, a picked Peter up and set him on his feet to walk again the path of true character and testing. He now was in a position to hear the voice of God loudly and clearly.
Life will deliver moments for all of us when we face our failings, and the failings of others. It is easy to get caught up, much like public opinion, and point fingers and blame, and cast judgment quickly upon both ourselves and others. I am encouraged by this story, and the story of Peter to think differently toward not only our own failings, but the failings of those around us.
Do we see the evidence of a contrite heart ?
Do we know that Jesus Christ stands ready to forgive, discipline, and build character that lasts in each one of us, regardless of our failures ?
Psalm 51 captured the heart of David before the Lord when he failed in a big way.
51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of3 your loyal love! Because of your great compassion, wipe away my rebellious acts! 51:2 Wash away my wrongdoing!6 Cleanse me of my sin! 51:3 For I am aware of my rebellious acts; I am forever conscious of my sin. 51:4 Against you – you above all10 – I have sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight.So you are just when you confront me;12you are right when you condemn me. 51:5 Look, I was guilty of sin from birth, a sinner the moment my mother conceived me.51:6 Look,you desire integrity in the inner man;you want me to possess wisdom.51:7 Sprinkle me with water and I will be pure;wash me and I will be whiter than snow.51:8 Grant me the ultimate joy of being forgiven! May the bones you crushed rejoice! 51:9 Hide your face27 from my sins!Wipe away all my guilt! 51: Create for me a pure heart, O God! Renew a resolute spirit within me! 51:11 Do not reject me! Do not take your Holy Spirit away from me!51:12 Let me again experience the joy of your deliverance!Sustain me by giving me the desire to obey!51:13 Then I will teach rebels your merciful ways,and sinners will turn to you.51:14 Rescue me from the guilt of murder, O God, the God who delivers me!Then my tongue will shout for joy because of your deliverance.51:15 O Lord, give me the words!Then my mouth will praise you.51:16 Certainly you do not want a sacrifice, or else I would offer it;you do not desire a burnt sacrifice.51:17 The sacrifices God desires are a humble spirit – O God, a humble and repentant heart you will not reject.
Clearly these verses reflect the spirit God desires in man, and the character God will build into the heart of a man or woman humbled before him completely. I love verse 8, where David asks God to grant him ultimate joy that comes with forgiveness before God, and then says, May the bones you crushed rejoice…. What a God, to discipline, love, and lift, and never lose sight of the man he created.
I hope this writing encourages you with the failures you have faced in this life, and to see your value (and those around you who have failed) that God places on you.
You are Valued !!
His Servant,
Jeff Dyk
281-750-9104
A well publicized football game this week ended, sadly, as a running back from the visiting team threw a right-handed sucker punch at an opposing player. To make matters worse, it was televised on national TV on ESPN, and then run on nearly every national news agency in the US on prime time television focusing in on the action. The reaction of the public was quick and the punishment was for the young man was dealt quickly and without question. He was suspended for the year. That one moment of lapsed judgment cost the young player his opportunity to pursue his dream of playing football at a prestigious football program. In news articles following the event, the university allowed the student to continue his education and continue to be with the team without playing any games. It was discipline mixed with care for the student. I was glad to see that while they disciplined the young man, they didn’t throw him out as a reject to the team for his lapse of judgment. The young man went back to the university he had aggressed himself against and apologized for his mistake and stated he understood the consequences. While the incident itself was sad to see, the end result of discipline mixed with care, and the response of humility in accepting punishment and asking forgiveness could well be a start of greater character in the long haul for this young man.
The chain of events made me think of several Biblical examples of men that “lost their cool” in the line of duty, only to be used of God in other ways after going through God’s hand of loving discipline. Of those men, Peter and David stand out the most to me.
The Prediction of Peter’s Denial - Mark 14
14:27 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written,
‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.’
14:28 But after I am raised, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 14:29 Peter said to him, “Even if they all fall away, I will not!” 14:30 Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth,today – this very night – before a rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 14:31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I must die with you, I will never deny you.” And all of them said the same thing.
Peter was determined not to deny Christ, and exclaimed his loyalty loudly. He was completely sure of himself. It was Peter who also said that the Lord shouldn’t have to die, when Christ helped him understand that he must, and rebuked him as being led of Satan in that moment.
Then came Peter’s “Jumbo Tron” Moment … A moment captured in the writings of the scriptures for all time and eternity, and instant playback.
Peter’s Denials (Mark 14:66 – 72)
14:66 Now while Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the high priest’s slave girls came by. 14:67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked directly at him and said, “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus.” 14:68 But he denied it: “I don’t even understand what you’re talking about!” Then he went out to the gateway, and a rooster crowed. 14:69 When the slave girl saw him, she began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 14:70 But he denied it again. A short time later the bystanders again said to Peter, “You must be one of them, because you are also a Galilean.” 14:71 Then he began to curse, and he swore with an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about!” 14:72 Immediately a rooster crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said to him: “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Peter was caught in his own humanity. He thought he had the character to stand with the Lord he loved, but when his moment of truth came, he lost it. He began to curse and swore with an oath. Then the rooster began crowing, just as predicted, and Peter realized he had just failed miserably in the test he was given. He broke down and wept openly because he knew he had failed. He learned many things in that disciplined moment of failure that Jesus Christ knew would serve him well as he carried out his Great Commission, and remained as one of his apostles.
The good news hear is that God in his great mercy, didn’t throw Peter out on the basis of performance, but instead, allowed the growth of character and humility to be nurtured by forgiveness, and new opportunity. In fact, Christ later said to Peter, “Upon this Rock, I will build my church”, and in the writings of Peter, he recounted in scripture the foundation of his lesson as seen in the following verse.
I Peter 5:5 – 11
5:5 In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.5:6 And God will exalt you in due time,10 if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand 5:7 by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you. 5:8 Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. 5:9 Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering. 5:10 And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 5:11 To him belongs the power forever. Amen.
Those verses were well written in the tables of Peter’s heart when he had his “Jumbo Tron” moment, where all had seen his errors and he felt the humiliation before Christ for his actions. Jesus, seeing Peter’s remorse, understood the nature of man, a picked Peter up and set him on his feet to walk again the path of true character and testing. He now was in a position to hear the voice of God loudly and clearly.
Life will deliver moments for all of us when we face our failings, and the failings of others. It is easy to get caught up, much like public opinion, and point fingers and blame, and cast judgment quickly upon both ourselves and others. I am encouraged by this story, and the story of Peter to think differently toward not only our own failings, but the failings of those around us.
Do we see the evidence of a contrite heart ?
Do we know that Jesus Christ stands ready to forgive, discipline, and build character that lasts in each one of us, regardless of our failures ?
Psalm 51 captured the heart of David before the Lord when he failed in a big way.
51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of3 your loyal love! Because of your great compassion, wipe away my rebellious acts! 51:2 Wash away my wrongdoing!6 Cleanse me of my sin! 51:3 For I am aware of my rebellious acts; I am forever conscious of my sin. 51:4 Against you – you above all10 – I have sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight.So you are just when you confront me;12you are right when you condemn me. 51:5 Look, I was guilty of sin from birth, a sinner the moment my mother conceived me.51:6 Look,you desire integrity in the inner man;you want me to possess wisdom.51:7 Sprinkle me with water and I will be pure;wash me and I will be whiter than snow.51:8 Grant me the ultimate joy of being forgiven! May the bones you crushed rejoice! 51:9 Hide your face27 from my sins!Wipe away all my guilt! 51: Create for me a pure heart, O God! Renew a resolute spirit within me! 51:11 Do not reject me! Do not take your Holy Spirit away from me!51:12 Let me again experience the joy of your deliverance!Sustain me by giving me the desire to obey!51:13 Then I will teach rebels your merciful ways,and sinners will turn to you.51:14 Rescue me from the guilt of murder, O God, the God who delivers me!Then my tongue will shout for joy because of your deliverance.51:15 O Lord, give me the words!Then my mouth will praise you.51:16 Certainly you do not want a sacrifice, or else I would offer it;you do not desire a burnt sacrifice.51:17 The sacrifices God desires are a humble spirit – O God, a humble and repentant heart you will not reject.
Clearly these verses reflect the spirit God desires in man, and the character God will build into the heart of a man or woman humbled before him completely. I love verse 8, where David asks God to grant him ultimate joy that comes with forgiveness before God, and then says, May the bones you crushed rejoice…. What a God, to discipline, love, and lift, and never lose sight of the man he created.
I hope this writing encourages you with the failures you have faced in this life, and to see your value (and those around you who have failed) that God places on you.
You are Valued !!
His Servant,
Jeff Dyk
281-750-9104
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Transitions and Roles
Today as I watched a local high school play the first game of the year it was the first time I was watching with all of our children having graduated from high school. In a way, I found myself wanting to hang onto those years of watching the kids friends hang out and "chill" with their "homies". I found myself asking questions about the new roles that come with this territory of nearly being "empty nesters".
Questions like :
What will my kids decide to do with their lives?
How will we adjust to our new role with our children ?
Do they really know how much they mean to us and how important their well being is ?
How do we adapt to our different roles we will play in their lives?
Can we really take more vacations ?
Should we buy a motor home to see the sights ?
With every significant transition in life comes a mixture of questions, uncertainty, hopes, and dreams. The scriptures are full of wisdom designed by our creator to help us navigate the milestones of life.
For the questions we face about the future I enjoy
(NIV) James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace- loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
We can always count on God's faithfulness to deliver the wisdom we need to take on the roles He moves us into ( and as sure as they come, they will change )
For the uncertainties, God has promised us
(NIV) Psalm 97:10-12
Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. [11] Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. [12] Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.
We have a faithful God who reigns over all and truly sees his people.
His promise to see us through our lives can be counted on. That means we can rejoice in each change the Lord brings about.
As for our hopes and dreams, we can know that God has made each of us uniquely and in his image. When we allow Him to work in our lives we can know He will fill us with the hopes and dreams he knows fits our design.
(NIV) Psalm 37:3-5 ,23-25
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. [4] Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. [5] Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this
[23] If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; [24] though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. [25] I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
Verse 25 is especially cool. Translated to our upcoming transitions it would say something like this.
"Once a very long time ago, I was that kid "chillin with my homies" and I have seen many changes come about. High School Graduation, College, First Job, Marriage, children,Second Job, third job, etc. kids go from gradeschool to high school, fourth job, and now pre- AARP, yet I have never seen the God leave us out to dry, and I can count on him to do the same for my kids."
May God bless you in your transitions.
His Servant,
Jeff Dyk
President
Upstream Professionals, Inc.
281-750-9104
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Finishing Well
At times it is difficult to write, because understanding God's purpose in seeing a friend and her family suffer through the battle of cancer is tough. You pray for healing, but then don't see it come. I learned a valuable life lesson from that friend and her family this week, and that is to finish well and set your hope on things above where you cannot lose.
Finishing Well
(NIV) 2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day---and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
These verses struck deep today as they were read in memory of a good friend's funeral service. Heidi started early running her race to please the Lord with her life. To hear the testimonials to her faith and life and see all of the people she influenced positively for the Lord was refreshing. Heidi battled cancer multiple times and in the process while losing to cancer, she won the important battles of life and attitude. The most important aspect of her battle was she fully understood that she was a child of God, and could trust God with everything valuable in her world. Her husband and children were evidence of that. Heidi equipped herself for the struggle by connecting regularly with God in his Word and prayer. This gave her the strength to keep an outward focus. Even in her last days she mustered the faith to give encouragement to others.
Every story told about Heidi was a testimony to her qualities refined by her love of God and obedience to his Word.
She used her voice to draw people into worshiping God.
(NIV) Psalm 100:1-2
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. [2] Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Her ability to see the best in people.
(NIV) Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Her constant grace under difficulties.
(NIV) Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [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.
Heidi exhibited that peace that only comes from knowing Christ has eternal life in store for those who receive him as savior.
Her kindness for all people was clear.
(NIV) 2 Corinthians 2:15
For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
Heidi was called to heaven this week. She finished well. The Lord said "Well done, good and faithful servant" to her. Thank you Heidi for your example. God will use it. You will be missed, but your life and faith will be remembered.
Will you finish well ? Will you examine the powerful love God has for you as an individual, and gain strength to finish well ? Do you know the peace of God as Heidi did ?
Take time to let God pour out his love to you. You are worth it. It will give you the strength and courage to Finish Well as Heidi did.
His servant,
Jeff Dyk
Finishing Well
(NIV) 2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day---and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
These verses struck deep today as they were read in memory of a good friend's funeral service. Heidi started early running her race to please the Lord with her life. To hear the testimonials to her faith and life and see all of the people she influenced positively for the Lord was refreshing. Heidi battled cancer multiple times and in the process while losing to cancer, she won the important battles of life and attitude. The most important aspect of her battle was she fully understood that she was a child of God, and could trust God with everything valuable in her world. Her husband and children were evidence of that. Heidi equipped herself for the struggle by connecting regularly with God in his Word and prayer. This gave her the strength to keep an outward focus. Even in her last days she mustered the faith to give encouragement to others.
Every story told about Heidi was a testimony to her qualities refined by her love of God and obedience to his Word.
She used her voice to draw people into worshiping God.
(NIV) Psalm 100:1-2
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. [2] Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Her ability to see the best in people.
(NIV) Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Her constant grace under difficulties.
(NIV) Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [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.
Heidi exhibited that peace that only comes from knowing Christ has eternal life in store for those who receive him as savior.
Her kindness for all people was clear.
(NIV) 2 Corinthians 2:15
For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
Heidi was called to heaven this week. She finished well. The Lord said "Well done, good and faithful servant" to her. Thank you Heidi for your example. God will use it. You will be missed, but your life and faith will be remembered.
Will you finish well ? Will you examine the powerful love God has for you as an individual, and gain strength to finish well ? Do you know the peace of God as Heidi did ?
Take time to let God pour out his love to you. You are worth it. It will give you the strength and courage to Finish Well as Heidi did.
His servant,
Jeff Dyk
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Who do you say that I am ? A very personal question from Jesus Christ
Jesus was teaching his disciples while walking with them and demonstrating his power to perform many miracles. He was laying down the most important evidence of his identity by fulfilling prophecies made about the Christ, and by demonstrating his power over the created by the faith he had in the heavenly father. His obedience to God and his ways was flawless in front of his disciples and his Authority was clear. When it came to matters of need, he had healed the sick, miraculously fed the 5,000 people who were hungry with only 2 loaves and five fishes, he had walked on water, made the blind to see, healed the leper, turned the water to wine, and many more miracles that could not be done unless he had the power of God to do them.
After these miracles, and many object lessons along the way, Jesus came to a quiet place with his disciples where he could bring home the most important lessons of the day for them. There was much talk around the regions that resulted from all the signs and miracles that Jesus had performed, and his disciples had heard many assessments as to the identify of Christ. No doubt he was a changer, because even the winds obeyed him. No doubt he carried powerful messages from God, because few had such command of the scriptures, and his wisdom with even the greatest scholars was incredible. But who did people say that he was.. And why were the religious intimidated by him?
Then came the questions that would set the course for the disciples before Jesus suffered as he predicted here on earth.
Matthew 16:13-17
13. When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
14. They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
15. "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16. Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17. Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
Simon Peter got it right on the money… He said he was the Christ. It was personal. It was conviction. It was recognition of the things he had witnessed. Christ had asked that very personal question to his disciples, because he knew they must answer for themselves with faith and conviction as to the authenticity they had seen. Everything about following Christ was on the line. Either he was who he claimed to be, or they were wasting their time. Which was it ?
The thing about the question.. Who do you say I am?" is that it is a question that Jesus Christ asks of each of us. And our response to this question must come from the heart as we examine the evidence that God has wisely left for us to examine. There was so much evidence to the people around as they witnessed firsthand what Jesus could do, and yet they found another answer to the question. They devised ways around it. The religious tried to derail him. The busy ignored him, the intellectual explained him away by their own devices, but anyone who followed him for who he claimed himself to be, answered the question straight on in their mind and heart.
It is interesting how the Roman Soldier responded upon seeing the Lord die upon the cross, hearing him say,” Father forgive them, for they know not what they do” He responded “Surely this was the son of God”.. Imagine the conviction in his heart when he saw the Lord in his worst possible spot as he came and dwelt among us. He knew how to obey and respond even then, and showed his Love for us even then.
How will you respond to that question? …. Who do you say I am?" It comes at a number of points in our lives as we learn to walk by faith and not by sight. It is the beginning point of a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ, and a connection point to God. Many things, like pride, avoidance, sin, and worldly pursuits can detract us from personally answering Jesus Christ’s question to us. Is he the Christ, the Son of the Living God ? and if that is true, what will you do to respond to his call ?
God Bless and Pass this on .
His Servant,
Jeff Dyk
Saturday, July 4, 2009
My Substitue - An account of an American Soldier
There are countless stories of heroism in the American History, as our soldiers fought to keep our nation free, and to free up others from tyranny. One of the most inspiring books that gives a soldier’s account of the his experience in the Asiatic arm of World War II is the book, “Prisoner of Hope”, written by Jesse Miller, an uncle of mine. His story is a gripping story of God’s grace in the midst of unthinkable trials and facing death daily while in Japanese prison camps in both Japan and the Philippines. In honor of the 4th of July, and the independence we enjoy because of the sacrifice of our soldiers, I sending out an chapter on Prisoner of Hope called “My Substitute”. As a background to what you are about to read, many American soldiers served and died in these prison camps, and endured the Bataan death march during this war. For more than 3 to 4 years, without communication to loved ones, these men bravely lived and died for their country and paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. After Uncle Jesse’s ordeal in World War II, God led him to start a ministry to US Soldiers called Overseas Christian Servicemen’s Centers. They are a place where US soldiers can find a place at any military setting worldwide to enjoy Christian encouragement, fellowship, and training while serving our country. As you read this, I say “Happy 4th of July to all, and I hope this story gives you a sense of hope in God that the author, Jesse Miller, intended.
This is sent on to you all in honor of all those who have laid down their lives for freedom’s sake, but most of all, as Uncle Jesse would have wanted, for all to know that Christ laid down his life and took your place, so you could live for him.
Anyone who would like a copy of this book, we would be happy to forward it to you, or purchase some in your behalf. Please email us back from this email if that is your desire.
MY SUBSTITUTE (Chapter 8 – Prisoner of Hope, by Jesse Miller, published by Jesse L. Miller (Cadence International, PO Box 1268, Englewood, CO. 80150)
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His live for us; and we should to lay down our lives for our brethren” I John 3:16
As the war progressed, the Japanese became more nervous about their prisoners of war. Talk of an American invasion of the Philippines was common. The warlords in Tokyo sent orders to begin a process of evacuating all able-bodied prisoners to Japan. Their idea of being able-bodied was very different from ours! If we were able to walk, we qualified to being sent to Japan. No one wanted this.
Everyone dreaded finding his name on the list for the next convoy to Japan. There came a day when my name was on the list. It happened when I was in Las Pinas prison camp. Life there became increasingly little more than barely existing, but it seemed far more secure than the thought of going to Japan.
One day while sitting on my bunk thinking about what might be ahead for me, one of my buddies noted my downcast spirit and commented, “Miller, I have never seen you so down in the mouth as you are today”
I mumbled, “Yes, it’s true.” I could say no more. I was indeed downhearted and feeling sorry for myself. The most horrible thing we thought could happen to us at this point as prisoners of war was to have our name on the draft for Japan. We have heard that the last convoy headed for the enemy’s homeland had no sooner gotten out of Manila Bay into the China Sea than one of Uncle Sam’s submarines had caught up with it. The entire convoy had been destroyed by the Americans. These “Cattle ships” (also called “hell ships”) sailed in convoy with other Japanese cargo ships, and carried no markings to indicate that the cargo was prisoners of war!! War is War. Our navy syunk those ships. Thousands of Americans made a watery grave.
There was another thing we dreaded in being sent to Japan. We had heard that the ships which had left a year before had made the journey safely, but that the majority of prisoners did not survive their first winter. They became slaves to the Japanese. Hard labor, insufficient food and inadequate clothing for a cold climate took a heavy toll on lives.
Yes! Yes! My name was on that draft. How could I ever forget it. The thought was most depressing.
“You know what I want to do?” It was my buddy trying to get my attention off of myself. I perked up.
“No, what do you want to do?” I asked, thinking he was going to tell me about an important decision he was about to make.
You see, many hours the two of us talked about Christ. He had listened carefully, and had acknowledged his own sinfulness but had never made the all-important decision to place his trust in Christ for salvation. He must have lived a rough life before the war, for I had never heard mor vulgar stories and words from any man. I now thought that maybe this was the time he had decided to take Christ into his life. I was so intent on thinking thes, that for the moment I forgot all about my name being on the draft list for Japan.
I asked again, this time more quietly, “Yes, tell me what it is you want to do ?”
He spoke unforgettable words, “ I want to take your place. Go, erase your name and write mine instead. I want to be able to say that I have done something for a Christian.”
I was stunned. My mind could not comprehend this. A man willing to take my place; willing to risk his life for mine; willing to erase my name and put his there instead ? How could it be?
“No! No! You can’t do that! I am ready to die, and you? Well, you don’t yet know the Saviour’s forgiveness. You don’t know the One who took your place!”
Before I could say more, he jumped from the bunk, rand down to the administration building and erased my name and put his down it its place.
As far as I know, my buddy did not make it to Japan. As far as I know he died in my place.
I am still not over the impact of that! It made me clearly understand that Christ took my death that I might live eternally with Him. I am eternally grateful.
“Amazing Love! How can it be
That thou my God shouldst die for me” - Charles Wesley
“Christ also suffered for us leaving an example that ye should follow in His steps. I Peter 2:21
God’s Peace to All,
Jeff Dyk
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Prayer - A Very Personal Invitation From God to You
Prayer - A Very Personal Invitation From God to You
It was the fourth of July, 1991 when a relative's family in Oregon was attending a fireworks party. The 12 year old boy of the family always looked forward to this event and this year seemed no different. As the evening began to settle in and the anticipation of the fireworks was building, the young boy began to sense a strong urging to pray for someone that was going to be in a bad accident. He approached his father and told them they must leave the celebration and go home to pray. Wisely, the father recognized his son's determination to pray for what was on his mind and deemed it important to listen. Hastily, the family went home to pray that evening for whoever it was that was in a bad accident. Early the next morning (west coast time) the young man arose again and awakened his family to get up to pray yet again.
2000 miles away in Kansas it was 9:00 AM the Friday morning after the 4th of July and my office was closed, but I had to take drilling reports from the field, so I decided to pack my 2 young kids in the car with me to make an adventure for the day. My wife, Michelle, who was pregnant with our 3rd child, decided to stay home and visit with her mom who was in town. Routinely, I put the kids in the car seats and buckled them in. At the last moment before I took off, I decided to put my son Darren directly behind me, instead of the passenger side where I could look back and check on him. Meanwhile, Michelle felt uncomfortable with the glass bottle Chelsea had ( our 2 year old) and switched it out for a plastic bottle. With everyone in place I received a warm wave goodbye and we headed off on the route to work that I took everyday of the week. I knew the route well, and the lights on the main stretch of Douglas Avenue were always times just right to facilitate good traffic flow. As I approached downtown I anticipated the lights to change as they did every other day, but this day was different. Without expecting it, the light on Main Street did not change because of a different holiday traffic flow, and I ended up in the intersection of Main and Douglas on a red light. Everything went into slow motion for me as a 12 passenger van loaded with children slammed into the passenger side of our Ford Exolorer, crushing the side panel into the vehicle by 2 feet. As we began to roll, I remember hearing a voice saying "don't worry, everything will be alright ". The Explorer flipped sideways for a single roll, and then defied the law of physics and was lifted in the air the opposite direction, leaving my 2 year old in the middle of the street, having been jolted out of her child seat. Our car finished it's airborne journey accross the intersection, opposite the direction of the accident, on top of a third vehicle. The van that broadsided us was diverted 90 degrees opposite of the impact and landed yet opposite of my vehicle but left a 120 ft distance between it and my daughter in the middle of the road. When I landed, and looked over my shoulder to check on my kids, I began to panic when I did not see her. I heard a voice say "Don't worry, look to your left, I have protected her'. I looked out my window and saw my daughter with a bewildered look with no glass or car from the wreck within 120 feet of her. I had a broken rib and couldn't move. Since we were in the area of a fire house , medics were at the scene witin seconds. My son who was 5 got out of the car and went and sat by his sister until the help came. All the children in the passenger van that hit us were unharmed. Chelsea lost most of her baby teeth from the bottle that jammed her mouth during the accident. She had 60 stitches in her skull, yet no concushion the doctor said she would not have survived if she had been drinking from the glass bottle we changed at the last moment. Darren would have taken the brunt of the impact had I not changed his seating just before we left. If my wife had decided to come she too would have been crushed by the blow and likely our 3rd child Grace would have been lost. God was truly with us that day, and we are forever thankful for the young cousin who took the time to listen and pray. We named our 3rd child Grace Dawn, because we saw that God's grace was new every morning.
We are invited by God to boldly approach Him with our prayers. He loves to hear us, and promises to respond. Consider the following verses.
(NIV) John 15:7
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
(NIV) Philippians 4:6-7
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.
When Christ died on the cross for our sins, His intent was to reconcile us to a vital relationship with God. The event of the death , burial, and ressurection of Jesus was to allow us to be clothed in Christ's robe of righteousness and have full access to Him to get to know his heart intimately.
I encourage you to bend your knee and approach the throne of God with boldness because of the finished work of Christ. You will be heard. He wants you to hear him also. Your life will be changed by it.
God bless and pass this on.
Jeff Dyk
President
Upstream Professionals, Inc.
281-750-9104
It was the fourth of July, 1991 when a relative's family in Oregon was attending a fireworks party. The 12 year old boy of the family always looked forward to this event and this year seemed no different. As the evening began to settle in and the anticipation of the fireworks was building, the young boy began to sense a strong urging to pray for someone that was going to be in a bad accident. He approached his father and told them they must leave the celebration and go home to pray. Wisely, the father recognized his son's determination to pray for what was on his mind and deemed it important to listen. Hastily, the family went home to pray that evening for whoever it was that was in a bad accident. Early the next morning (west coast time) the young man arose again and awakened his family to get up to pray yet again.
2000 miles away in Kansas it was 9:00 AM the Friday morning after the 4th of July and my office was closed, but I had to take drilling reports from the field, so I decided to pack my 2 young kids in the car with me to make an adventure for the day. My wife, Michelle, who was pregnant with our 3rd child, decided to stay home and visit with her mom who was in town. Routinely, I put the kids in the car seats and buckled them in. At the last moment before I took off, I decided to put my son Darren directly behind me, instead of the passenger side where I could look back and check on him. Meanwhile, Michelle felt uncomfortable with the glass bottle Chelsea had ( our 2 year old) and switched it out for a plastic bottle. With everyone in place I received a warm wave goodbye and we headed off on the route to work that I took everyday of the week. I knew the route well, and the lights on the main stretch of Douglas Avenue were always times just right to facilitate good traffic flow. As I approached downtown I anticipated the lights to change as they did every other day, but this day was different. Without expecting it, the light on Main Street did not change because of a different holiday traffic flow, and I ended up in the intersection of Main and Douglas on a red light. Everything went into slow motion for me as a 12 passenger van loaded with children slammed into the passenger side of our Ford Exolorer, crushing the side panel into the vehicle by 2 feet. As we began to roll, I remember hearing a voice saying "don't worry, everything will be alright ". The Explorer flipped sideways for a single roll, and then defied the law of physics and was lifted in the air the opposite direction, leaving my 2 year old in the middle of the street, having been jolted out of her child seat. Our car finished it's airborne journey accross the intersection, opposite the direction of the accident, on top of a third vehicle. The van that broadsided us was diverted 90 degrees opposite of the impact and landed yet opposite of my vehicle but left a 120 ft distance between it and my daughter in the middle of the road. When I landed, and looked over my shoulder to check on my kids, I began to panic when I did not see her. I heard a voice say "Don't worry, look to your left, I have protected her'. I looked out my window and saw my daughter with a bewildered look with no glass or car from the wreck within 120 feet of her. I had a broken rib and couldn't move. Since we were in the area of a fire house , medics were at the scene witin seconds. My son who was 5 got out of the car and went and sat by his sister until the help came. All the children in the passenger van that hit us were unharmed. Chelsea lost most of her baby teeth from the bottle that jammed her mouth during the accident. She had 60 stitches in her skull, yet no concushion the doctor said she would not have survived if she had been drinking from the glass bottle we changed at the last moment. Darren would have taken the brunt of the impact had I not changed his seating just before we left. If my wife had decided to come she too would have been crushed by the blow and likely our 3rd child Grace would have been lost. God was truly with us that day, and we are forever thankful for the young cousin who took the time to listen and pray. We named our 3rd child Grace Dawn, because we saw that God's grace was new every morning.
We are invited by God to boldly approach Him with our prayers. He loves to hear us, and promises to respond. Consider the following verses.
(NIV) John 15:7
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
(NIV) Philippians 4:6-7
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.
When Christ died on the cross for our sins, His intent was to reconcile us to a vital relationship with God. The event of the death , burial, and ressurection of Jesus was to allow us to be clothed in Christ's robe of righteousness and have full access to Him to get to know his heart intimately.
I encourage you to bend your knee and approach the throne of God with boldness because of the finished work of Christ. You will be heard. He wants you to hear him also. Your life will be changed by it.
God bless and pass this on.
Jeff Dyk
President
Upstream Professionals, Inc.
281-750-9104
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Enduring for Joy !!
Many years back (and a few pounds ago) I used to have to run a 4 mile course early in the morning for basketball in college. We played at an altitude of 5600 feet above sea level, so air was thin and the course grueling up and down many hills. I clearly remember the very last hill of the run was very steep and 1/2 mile in total length. At the top of the hill you would get an incredible view of the sun peaking over the mountain in the east, and a good look at the entire city of Butte, Montana as it woke up to the morning sky. I remember working hard on that last hill, thinking just a few more steps, and the view would be worth the struggle. And it was... 6:00 AM when I would reach the top, it was an amazing feeling looking out over God's creation in all of the morning light. It was truly a great feeling.
Often times, as I think of the struggle of that run, and the exhilarating feeling and view at the end of the long struggle, I am reminded of Philippians 2:5-11
You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had,
When Jesus Christ left the luxuries of heaven, as the Son of God, and even equal to God, and in fact was God (the trinity) he left behind so much to endure his life here on earth, being shamed by those he created, and killed by those he loved on a cross. In doing so, he demonstrated God's love for us and that no cost was to much to go through for the view of restoring a relationship with you because of the paid penalty of sin. It wasn't the pain that drove his sacrifice, it was the JOY of eradicating the eternal punishment for sin for you ... What a view from the Top.
When I observe fellow believers sacrifice in a number of ways in order to love one another and to spread the message of Christ at great sacrifice to themselves, I am reminded of the view that is their reward. The view of new friends knowing the love of God... The view of people's lives turned toward their creator in new found hope, The view of a generation who have passed on the message of God's love and hope to a new generation... What a view, and how much it is worth the struggle.
I hope this week, that you know that Christ's journey of suffering for you was for the JOY of knowing you closely and paying for your sins in full. I hope also, that as you consider the struggle it may be to find a way to communicate that same message of hope to another, that you will consider the view from the TOP more than the struggle to get there.
God Bless and Pass this on..
His Servant
Jeff Dyk
Often times, as I think of the struggle of that run, and the exhilarating feeling and view at the end of the long struggle, I am reminded of Philippians 2:5-11
You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had,
who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled himself,by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross! As a result God exalted him and gave him the namethat is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow – in heaven and on earth and under the earth – and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
When Jesus Christ left the luxuries of heaven, as the Son of God, and even equal to God, and in fact was God (the trinity) he left behind so much to endure his life here on earth, being shamed by those he created, and killed by those he loved on a cross. In doing so, he demonstrated God's love for us and that no cost was to much to go through for the view of restoring a relationship with you because of the paid penalty of sin. It wasn't the pain that drove his sacrifice, it was the JOY of eradicating the eternal punishment for sin for you ... What a view from the Top.
When I observe fellow believers sacrifice in a number of ways in order to love one another and to spread the message of Christ at great sacrifice to themselves, I am reminded of the view that is their reward. The view of new friends knowing the love of God... The view of people's lives turned toward their creator in new found hope, The view of a generation who have passed on the message of God's love and hope to a new generation... What a view, and how much it is worth the struggle.
I hope this week, that you know that Christ's journey of suffering for you was for the JOY of knowing you closely and paying for your sins in full. I hope also, that as you consider the struggle it may be to find a way to communicate that same message of hope to another, that you will consider the view from the TOP more than the struggle to get there.
God Bless and Pass this on..
His Servant
Jeff Dyk
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