God in his great wisdom, came to have personal relationships with each of the people created in his image. (You !)
The extent that he went to accomplish that was seen in the sacrifice on the cross and conquering death and sin. As a benefit to that relationship there are a whole host of life "keys" that God has offered his people that have committed their lives to him. One of the greatest is the invitation to pray to God for everything that concerns us. Read carefully the following verses from the writings of Paul.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The line "be anxious for nothing" expresses God's complete coverage of what concerns us, and the line"but in everything" expresses his desire to bring absolutely all of our thoughts and concerns before his throne. The peace of God is the reward of prayer and pouring our hearts concerns out before the Lord. His peace surpasses "All" or our human capacity to understand the bigger picture of God. God has designed his peace to guard the way you feel and the way you think to be protected by His eternal desires and plans for you.
May your week be guarded by God's peace as you relate to him fully with your concerns and feelings, and thank him for His faithful working in your behalf to draw you closer to Him.
God Bless and Pass this On if you wish.
His Servant,
Jeff Dyk
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Purpose in Adversity
Purpose in adversity
I first met Mike in the bank cafeteria where he and I frequently ate lunch. Mike was crippled with a body locked up by cereberal palsey. He could barely walk with a limp and had limited control of his speech. As I sat down and began to have lunch with Mike, I struggled to understand him. After several lunches with my new friend we began to be able to communicate well. As time unfolded our friendship, I would discover that Mike had gone through great pains to earn a B.S. of Computer Science at a State college in Kansas. Because of his disabilities, it was difficult to get a job or much less to be given a chance to even interview. For a couple of years, he would be placed in a capacity to build license plates with a position much less than his capacity. Then a break came with a large bank to get a key position as a programmer. Mike excelled and soon became one of their most valued employees. His boss once told me that Mike was critical to the programmers department and his determination to excel in his job was contageous to those around him. Mike always displayed a great deal of patience with those who would treat him as "challenged" and who did not take time to get to know the real person undeneath the wrapping God had given him.
One day I asked Mike how he dealt with his handicap and to this day have been inspired by his response.
"Jeff," he said, "God made me this way for a reason, and I just want to live out my life to honor his purpse in that."
Mike became known as "uncle Mike" to my children years later.
I have been challenged and encouraged by Mike's life and courage many times. I am encouraged to ask God to help me live with courage and excellance in any circumstance life may deliver. Like Mike, do we seek to honor God's purpose in our adversity? Can we trust that God is wise enough to sustain us in our condition ? Draw close to God in whatever adversity you face and allow his spirit to sustain you.
Thank you Mike for showing courage to trust and honor God in His purpose for your adversity. Your life has impacted mine for the better.
Courage comes in many forms. Courage can define History. Courage is strongest when adversity is highest. Courage has the long term outcome in mind and not the short term
Philippians2:13 "For it is God who worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure".
May God continue his work in you and may you be blessed richly by it. You are valuable to God!!
Peace to you and pass it on.
His servant,
Jeff
I first met Mike in the bank cafeteria where he and I frequently ate lunch. Mike was crippled with a body locked up by cereberal palsey. He could barely walk with a limp and had limited control of his speech. As I sat down and began to have lunch with Mike, I struggled to understand him. After several lunches with my new friend we began to be able to communicate well. As time unfolded our friendship, I would discover that Mike had gone through great pains to earn a B.S. of Computer Science at a State college in Kansas. Because of his disabilities, it was difficult to get a job or much less to be given a chance to even interview. For a couple of years, he would be placed in a capacity to build license plates with a position much less than his capacity. Then a break came with a large bank to get a key position as a programmer. Mike excelled and soon became one of their most valued employees. His boss once told me that Mike was critical to the programmers department and his determination to excel in his job was contageous to those around him. Mike always displayed a great deal of patience with those who would treat him as "challenged" and who did not take time to get to know the real person undeneath the wrapping God had given him.
One day I asked Mike how he dealt with his handicap and to this day have been inspired by his response.
"Jeff," he said, "God made me this way for a reason, and I just want to live out my life to honor his purpse in that."
Mike became known as "uncle Mike" to my children years later.
I have been challenged and encouraged by Mike's life and courage many times. I am encouraged to ask God to help me live with courage and excellance in any circumstance life may deliver. Like Mike, do we seek to honor God's purpose in our adversity? Can we trust that God is wise enough to sustain us in our condition ? Draw close to God in whatever adversity you face and allow his spirit to sustain you.
Thank you Mike for showing courage to trust and honor God in His purpose for your adversity. Your life has impacted mine for the better.
Courage comes in many forms. Courage can define History. Courage is strongest when adversity is highest. Courage has the long term outcome in mind and not the short term
Philippians2:13 "For it is God who worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure".
May God continue his work in you and may you be blessed richly by it. You are valuable to God!!
Peace to you and pass it on.
His servant,
Jeff
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Stimulus plan - He is Risen !!! Part 8 of 8
Easter -- The greatest day in History
All was a blur for the followers of Christ for the last few days. They all witnessed the brutal crucifixion of their Lord and Master. They were in grief that the one they put their hope in was dead. They were being scorned for their beliefs and had the feeling that they were the next target.
The religeous wanted anything to do with Christ squashed because it effected the power they had mustered over people. They went so far as to place powerful guards at the sight to insure no one would take the body of Christ and sealed the tomb. They did not want rumors to fly about any resurrection so that the followers of Christ could carry on.
Why did it have to end when everything pointed to Jesus being their new redeemer and master forever ? For some it caused anger, for some confusion, for all who followed Christ it brought grief. What would they do next? How would they know what to believe ? Still deep in their hearts Jesus Christ had planted seeds of hope that went above earthly concerns. An anticipation of something only God could pull off. Something that could once and for all time separate the temporary woes in this world from what God plans for us eternally to those who place their trust in Him.
It was the third day from the crucifixion and the hint of dawn was beginning to present itself on the morning sky. The Roman guards were standing alertly to insure no one could possibly move the massive stone from in front of the tomb and remove the body. Everything seemed routine and secure. Then the earth began to shake at the first light of day. The stone was rolled back by the heavely hosts, the best of the Roman guard fell back as if lifeless, and the Son of God rose up having paid the price for the sin of man. He had promised this. The robes he had been wrapped in lay empty and unscathed. A sign that our Saviour and Lord is not bound by anything man puts in the way . He came to die in our place, take our penalty of separation from God, and to conquer the only enemy of man (sin and subsequent death)
Jesus Christ is Risen! Real Hope! Sustaining peace! Victory.in the face of defeat ! Yea God Almoghty !
Revelations 3:20 says "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and eat with him and he with me "
What will you do today with the Risen Lord? You are valued. You are invited.
Happy Easter and pass it on.
His servant,
Jeff Dyk
All was a blur for the followers of Christ for the last few days. They all witnessed the brutal crucifixion of their Lord and Master. They were in grief that the one they put their hope in was dead. They were being scorned for their beliefs and had the feeling that they were the next target.
The religeous wanted anything to do with Christ squashed because it effected the power they had mustered over people. They went so far as to place powerful guards at the sight to insure no one would take the body of Christ and sealed the tomb. They did not want rumors to fly about any resurrection so that the followers of Christ could carry on.
Why did it have to end when everything pointed to Jesus being their new redeemer and master forever ? For some it caused anger, for some confusion, for all who followed Christ it brought grief. What would they do next? How would they know what to believe ? Still deep in their hearts Jesus Christ had planted seeds of hope that went above earthly concerns. An anticipation of something only God could pull off. Something that could once and for all time separate the temporary woes in this world from what God plans for us eternally to those who place their trust in Him.
It was the third day from the crucifixion and the hint of dawn was beginning to present itself on the morning sky. The Roman guards were standing alertly to insure no one could possibly move the massive stone from in front of the tomb and remove the body. Everything seemed routine and secure. Then the earth began to shake at the first light of day. The stone was rolled back by the heavely hosts, the best of the Roman guard fell back as if lifeless, and the Son of God rose up having paid the price for the sin of man. He had promised this. The robes he had been wrapped in lay empty and unscathed. A sign that our Saviour and Lord is not bound by anything man puts in the way . He came to die in our place, take our penalty of separation from God, and to conquer the only enemy of man (sin and subsequent death)
Jesus Christ is Risen! Real Hope! Sustaining peace! Victory.in the face of defeat ! Yea God Almoghty !
Revelations 3:20 says "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and eat with him and he with me "
What will you do today with the Risen Lord? You are valued. You are invited.
Happy Easter and pass it on.
His servant,
Jeff Dyk
Friday, April 10, 2009
A day to remember -- Good Friday
"Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."
The roar of the crowd yelling " Crucify Him".
The silence of the Lamb of God before his accusers was heard loudly that day.
The beating with a whip on His back
.
The crown of thorns placed on our creators head.
The burden of the cross up the long hill knowing full well the destiny of that journey.
The banging of hammers driving nails into His hands and feet.
The thud of the cross landing in the post hole with the taunting crowd.
The wailing of Mary for her Son
The mocking challenge of the soldiers to remove himself from the cross. (knowing full well He had the authority to do so)
The pride of the thief refusing forgiveness and dying.
The humility of the second thief seeing his condition and repenting.
The grace of the thorn crowned Christ assuring that convicted thief of his place in heaven.
The agonizing cry of the Lord saying "my God, my God why has thou forsaken me?"
The Lord's last words of "It is finished" before He gave up his life for us.
The quiet voice of the nearby soldier who spoke for all of us when he said "Surely this was the Son of God"
The sound of the thick temple curtain being torn from the top to the bottom symbolizing that the sacrifice of Christ just witnessed satisfied the holiness of God for the penalty of sin.
The darkness setting in over the earth. A reflection of the mourning of the heavens for the death of the Son.
The stone being rolled in place to seal off the body.
All of this with you in mind.
Easter is coming. Pass it on.
His Servant,
Jeff Dyk
The roar of the crowd yelling " Crucify Him".
The silence of the Lamb of God before his accusers was heard loudly that day.
The beating with a whip on His back
.
The crown of thorns placed on our creators head.
The burden of the cross up the long hill knowing full well the destiny of that journey.
The banging of hammers driving nails into His hands and feet.
The thud of the cross landing in the post hole with the taunting crowd.
The wailing of Mary for her Son
The mocking challenge of the soldiers to remove himself from the cross. (knowing full well He had the authority to do so)
The pride of the thief refusing forgiveness and dying.
The humility of the second thief seeing his condition and repenting.
The grace of the thorn crowned Christ assuring that convicted thief of his place in heaven.
The agonizing cry of the Lord saying "my God, my God why has thou forsaken me?"
The Lord's last words of "It is finished" before He gave up his life for us.
The quiet voice of the nearby soldier who spoke for all of us when he said "Surely this was the Son of God"
The sound of the thick temple curtain being torn from the top to the bottom symbolizing that the sacrifice of Christ just witnessed satisfied the holiness of God for the penalty of sin.
The darkness setting in over the earth. A reflection of the mourning of the heavens for the death of the Son.
The stone being rolled in place to seal off the body.
All of this with you in mind.
Easter is coming. Pass it on.
His Servant,
Jeff Dyk
Saturday, April 4, 2009
The Loneliest Walk
The Loneliest Walk
During this week before Easter, thoughts often turn toward family, vacation, friends, and thoughts of a nice dinner come Sunday after church. These are truly memorable things and have value. As we approach Easter Sunday, however, I think of the lonliest walk known to man that Jesus Christ took on our behalf.
He had already demonstrated His rightful position as God to the religeous and non-religeous alike. His miracles showed that He had authority over sickness, as proven by the lepers, the blind, and the crippled that he healed. He waved his hand and commanded the sea and wind obey him. He had changed water into wine, and twice He had restored the dead to life. He fed the hungry by multiplying the child's small gift. He showed he knew every mind and heart like the woman at the well. He caused men to change their evil intent to stone a woman while displaying His authority to forgive.
No angle of insight into His purpose was left in doubt and people marveled at the power.
But His greatest act of service was yet to be displayed. He knew this time would come and even sought the face of the Heavenly Father to take the burden away. The miracles were the easy part. They were just part of Jesus Christ's God nature. He had that authority. The Lord's biggest display to man was that He willingly humbled himself to come to us in the form of a man to die in our place.
So imagine the thoughts of Jesus as He began the walk up the Calgary where He would be nailed to a cross to suffer in our place. The place that we have earned by our sin against God. How He took on the shame and torture by those He created, healed, and forgave during that walk is hard to comprehend. But even more amazing is how He took it on. While on the cross, he forgave the thief , but also cried to His heavenly father to forgive us. The last thing before He said "It is finished" was "My God, My God why have you forsaken me". That comment rivets through our souls like a deep sword. The Holy Father turning away from the obedient Son because of our sin. That was the lonliest moment ever recorded. Christ could have come off the cross but chose it for your sake and mine.
I would challenge everyone reading this note to invest good time thinking of Christ's lonely walk for you. He gave up more than his earthly life for us. He was separated by our sin from His rightful place in the Heavens. For you this was done. How much are you worth? Your value goes beyond measure.
John 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever beleives on Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
Peace to you and pass this on.
His Servant,
Jeff
During this week before Easter, thoughts often turn toward family, vacation, friends, and thoughts of a nice dinner come Sunday after church. These are truly memorable things and have value. As we approach Easter Sunday, however, I think of the lonliest walk known to man that Jesus Christ took on our behalf.
He had already demonstrated His rightful position as God to the religeous and non-religeous alike. His miracles showed that He had authority over sickness, as proven by the lepers, the blind, and the crippled that he healed. He waved his hand and commanded the sea and wind obey him. He had changed water into wine, and twice He had restored the dead to life. He fed the hungry by multiplying the child's small gift. He showed he knew every mind and heart like the woman at the well. He caused men to change their evil intent to stone a woman while displaying His authority to forgive.
No angle of insight into His purpose was left in doubt and people marveled at the power.
But His greatest act of service was yet to be displayed. He knew this time would come and even sought the face of the Heavenly Father to take the burden away. The miracles were the easy part. They were just part of Jesus Christ's God nature. He had that authority. The Lord's biggest display to man was that He willingly humbled himself to come to us in the form of a man to die in our place.
So imagine the thoughts of Jesus as He began the walk up the Calgary where He would be nailed to a cross to suffer in our place. The place that we have earned by our sin against God. How He took on the shame and torture by those He created, healed, and forgave during that walk is hard to comprehend. But even more amazing is how He took it on. While on the cross, he forgave the thief , but also cried to His heavenly father to forgive us. The last thing before He said "It is finished" was "My God, My God why have you forsaken me". That comment rivets through our souls like a deep sword. The Holy Father turning away from the obedient Son because of our sin. That was the lonliest moment ever recorded. Christ could have come off the cross but chose it for your sake and mine.
I would challenge everyone reading this note to invest good time thinking of Christ's lonely walk for you. He gave up more than his earthly life for us. He was separated by our sin from His rightful place in the Heavens. For you this was done. How much are you worth? Your value goes beyond measure.
John 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever beleives on Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
Peace to you and pass this on.
His Servant,
Jeff
Friday, April 3, 2009
JI Packer Comments to new believers.....
This was a post I found on "Chosen" website, and thought it would be a great encouragement from a person whom I highly respect as a Christian Leader. His Book, Knowing God is a great read for a challenge to your understanding of God and his love for you.... Enjoy..
JI Packer Speaks To New Christians from Mike Anderson on Vimeo.
JI Packer Speaks To New Christians from Mike Anderson on Vimeo.
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