Throwing stones or planting seeds ?
A major breakdown in Christian circles today is caused by Christians armed with stones to throw at each other and non believers when a problem is seen instead of biblically approaching a problem with the heart of heavenly wisdom.
We have named these stones well and have painted them to be our security blanket of attack when we or those around us sense our comfort zone has been breeched. Jesus however gained insight and brought heavely wisdom aimed at repentance and restoration. He guarded dignity of each person who was the target of reproach.
James 3:16 said it well. "But wisdom that is from heaven is first of all pure, then peace loving , kind , considerate. Full of mercy and good fruit. 17. Peacemakers who so on peace raise a harvest of righteousness. "
So how do we throw stones ? And how can we know the difference between stones of self righteousness and condemnation and a true standing against right and wrong ?
Furthermore if I am truly a follower of Christ, what am I called to. ?
Let me start with an observation. Well meaning people throw stones of hurt and condemnation without knowing it but also without a solid biblical mindset.
For instance I hear a lot of whisper's amongst adults who will say "Stay away from that kid because he / she is a bad influence". (When in reality it is a kid who needs to see a better way and someone who cares enough to sow some seeds in their heart in a rightful way) we need to be teaching our kids to reach out with biblical wisdom so they are prepared to reach others as they grow into adulthood.
When I examine the life of Christ my savior I am always amazed at how he approached people with problems and sins. The very same people we pick up our bag of well named stones for !
For example , Zacheus the tax collector. Many good people threw mental stones at the little tax man. But not our Lord. He invited him to eat with him. Just the opposite of the avoidance stone the people were tossing ( If we are honest we all have bags of well polished beautiful stones designed to hit the mark of our intention ).
Now Jesus Christ was always equipped to respond to people with Biblical wisdom from heaven. "Go and sin no more" he would say or come and eat with. Me. ". To their amazement.
The woman about to be stoned for her lifestyle was not condemned by Christ, but given mercy and protection with The Lord's confronting the religious accusers with wise writing in the ground. One by one they dropped their stones. Realizing when Christ knew tbeir intent was malicious and not righteous the stones became to heavy to bear.
What if we traded our stones for seeds.? What would happen if we were slower to throw stones and quicker to see the person as Christ did. What if we really took the time it takes to cultivate a seed into a human spirit and water it rather than throw our stones of preconceived opinions and judgments. How many lives would be changed like Zacheus or the woman about to be stoned?
It is inconvenient, takes time, and many times will be misunderstood by those around us. But the results glorify God who redeemed you from a place of despair.
Psalm 119:14. Let the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer.
His Servant
Jeff Dyk
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Giving Hope and Healing Hurt
The young lady would come to hear of His Mercy at the place called hope but the fear of reproach caused her to stay away. The sound bites she heard coming from inside the walls called "hope" frghtened her. She heard people say "That baby was born because of a sin". Or "She shouldn't have had that baby and she won't be able to take care of it". "That's what happens when you have sex out of wedlock. ". Talkers inside the place they called hope dashed hope with their arrows of well equipped words. Plenty of authoritative opinions, but no hands or heart to carry the message of the Hope giver who had indeed forgiven each of them of many things.
The I told you so's didn't help. Here she was with a baby she loved without the father to take care it in a place where she had no friends left. They all disappeared when the baby was born and she discovered most of her friends were there when life was fun and gone when it was hard.
But there was a friend that stayed close. She came and stayed nights and helped with the baby. She even helped with diapers and made sure she got the rest she needed. Then the unthinkable happened. The 17 year old father was tragically killed in a roadside accident. What was already difficult only got tougher The funeral, the condemning preacher pointing fingers of guilt and damnation. The loss of her fiance and father of their child suddenly separated forever. Crawling into the walls of her home with crushed hopes seemed her only alternative. But in the middle of it all was the friend who saw things differently Who wouldn't let her suffer alone A friend , who through other circumstances , knew the feeling of being judged wrongly by those inside the walls of the place called hope. Where others threw their righteous stones with cold and calculated accuracy, the friend saw differently In spite of criticism from the stone throwers she stayed persistant in being a friend Loving through the pain, seeking the joy, and pointing to a brighter future simply because her friend was a person of great worth and her new child precious in God's sight. Speaking from value , not judgement. The very foundation of God's love us. Value and relationship through his son. Saying in her deeds "I care and you and your baby are special to God".
And so the healing began. In a quiet walk with her new friend explaining how God desired a permanent relationship with her and her child. How moving forward on the promise of God's not man's was the place to find hope and help. She was interested in being the arms legs and feet to bring the message of hope . You see the friend saw the message was more than opinions and judgements. It was digging in and weeping and laughing through the pain. It was being there just because she was of great value. It wasn't easy and convenient. But her heart wouldn't let her friend struggle alone. She let herself feel the hurt and yet hold her grip with God and to be his hand to restore the broken hearted.
Jesus came to us in the desparate places we find ourselves in. He understood the pain of separation and held out hope for us in spite of our sin. He suffered and died for us. May we all view those around us in the light of that. Before we make a judgement let's look through the eyes of Christ. Let's apply His Word in the way that brings hope and healing not separation. Let's come out from the place called hope and be the hands and feet that deliver hope. That is the spirit of Christ. Our feet hands and hearts the agents of His abiding hope.
Peace to you.
Jeff Dyk
Feel free to pass this on. :).
The I told you so's didn't help. Here she was with a baby she loved without the father to take care it in a place where she had no friends left. They all disappeared when the baby was born and she discovered most of her friends were there when life was fun and gone when it was hard.
But there was a friend that stayed close. She came and stayed nights and helped with the baby. She even helped with diapers and made sure she got the rest she needed. Then the unthinkable happened. The 17 year old father was tragically killed in a roadside accident. What was already difficult only got tougher The funeral, the condemning preacher pointing fingers of guilt and damnation. The loss of her fiance and father of their child suddenly separated forever. Crawling into the walls of her home with crushed hopes seemed her only alternative. But in the middle of it all was the friend who saw things differently Who wouldn't let her suffer alone A friend , who through other circumstances , knew the feeling of being judged wrongly by those inside the walls of the place called hope. Where others threw their righteous stones with cold and calculated accuracy, the friend saw differently In spite of criticism from the stone throwers she stayed persistant in being a friend Loving through the pain, seeking the joy, and pointing to a brighter future simply because her friend was a person of great worth and her new child precious in God's sight. Speaking from value , not judgement. The very foundation of God's love us. Value and relationship through his son. Saying in her deeds "I care and you and your baby are special to God".
And so the healing began. In a quiet walk with her new friend explaining how God desired a permanent relationship with her and her child. How moving forward on the promise of God's not man's was the place to find hope and help. She was interested in being the arms legs and feet to bring the message of hope . You see the friend saw the message was more than opinions and judgements. It was digging in and weeping and laughing through the pain. It was being there just because she was of great value. It wasn't easy and convenient. But her heart wouldn't let her friend struggle alone. She let herself feel the hurt and yet hold her grip with God and to be his hand to restore the broken hearted.
Jesus came to us in the desparate places we find ourselves in. He understood the pain of separation and held out hope for us in spite of our sin. He suffered and died for us. May we all view those around us in the light of that. Before we make a judgement let's look through the eyes of Christ. Let's apply His Word in the way that brings hope and healing not separation. Let's come out from the place called hope and be the hands and feet that deliver hope. That is the spirit of Christ. Our feet hands and hearts the agents of His abiding hope.
Peace to you.
Jeff Dyk
Feel free to pass this on. :).
Christmas - the Word became Flesh
Christmas - the Word became Flesh and God reconciled man to Himself. The Relevance of the Scriptures part 4
Christmas brings out a time of year when family is important and a spirit of giving is in the air. Most importantly the season presents an opportunity to reflect on the greatest gift of all. The living breathing Word of God sent to us in Jesus Christ. The relevance of God's Word to you is just this. God sent his Son to live a life of obedience and Servanthood so that you could be a part of God's family. John 1 says "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory, the glory of the only begotten son of God, full of grace and truth.
It goes on to say "But as many as received him to them He gave the right to be called the children of God. "
The fact that God sent his Son in the wrapping of man and the humility of a manger to be a living example for life' journey, an obedient sacrifice for sin, and a victor over death is the greatest gesture ever known to man. In fact it the scriptures say it is the exclusive way to be forgiven of your sins and reconciled to God.
How busy is your Christmas season ? Too busy to quiet yourself and consider the real gift of God to you ? Take some time today and enjoy the message God sent in the form of his Son and how he came.
1. In a lowly manger
2. A vulnerable child yet completely God
3. Knowing he would one day die for our sins
4. Focused on having a relationship with you
5 A complete message from God with a living example of how to live out life to thee fullest
6. Knowing after his death for our sins, he would conquer death for all time.
7. That He would ascend to heaven to prepare a place for those who simply confess him as saviour and Lord.
Merry Christmas
Christmas brings out a time of year when family is important and a spirit of giving is in the air. Most importantly the season presents an opportunity to reflect on the greatest gift of all. The living breathing Word of God sent to us in Jesus Christ. The relevance of God's Word to you is just this. God sent his Son to live a life of obedience and Servanthood so that you could be a part of God's family. John 1 says "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory, the glory of the only begotten son of God, full of grace and truth.
It goes on to say "But as many as received him to them He gave the right to be called the children of God. "
The fact that God sent his Son in the wrapping of man and the humility of a manger to be a living example for life' journey, an obedient sacrifice for sin, and a victor over death is the greatest gesture ever known to man. In fact it the scriptures say it is the exclusive way to be forgiven of your sins and reconciled to God.
How busy is your Christmas season ? Too busy to quiet yourself and consider the real gift of God to you ? Take some time today and enjoy the message God sent in the form of his Son and how he came.
1. In a lowly manger
2. A vulnerable child yet completely God
3. Knowing he would one day die for our sins
4. Focused on having a relationship with you
5 A complete message from God with a living example of how to live out life to thee fullest
6. Knowing after his death for our sins, he would conquer death for all time.
7. That He would ascend to heaven to prepare a place for those who simply confess him as saviour and Lord.
Merry Christmas
Facing Uncertainty
Facing Uncertainty
When we don't know the future
and we fear the worst is yet to come. Take comfort in the loving arms of Jesus
who welcomes us to his home.
When the storm comes rolling in
And a shelter is a must
Take refuge in the Love of Christ
His peace the fruit of trust.
When the toils of life have sapped my strength yet further I must go
I will draw upon the Living Word
The anchor for my soul.
In the midst of rocky roads of life
That take so many turns
I'll keep my eyes fixed on him
And my heart's distractions will be spurned.
When we don't know the future
and we fear the worst is yet to come. Take comfort in the loving arms of Jesus
who welcomes us to his home.
When the storm comes rolling in
And a shelter is a must
Take refuge in the Love of Christ
His peace the fruit of trust.
When the toils of life have sapped my strength yet further I must go
I will draw upon the Living Word
The anchor for my soul.
In the midst of rocky roads of life
That take so many turns
I'll keep my eyes fixed on him
And my heart's distractions will be spurned.
The kindness shown by the homeless man.
The kindness shown by the homeless man.
The night was cold and damp in Portland as I sat outside in my wheelchair (feet exposed) outside the Clackamus Barnes and Noble waiting for my ride. Quietly a bearded homeless man pushing his shopping cart full of rags and coats approached from my backside and placed his dirt stained hand on my shoulder and said with the kindest smile "Sir your feet look cold. Can I give you one of my blankets to warm them ?". He proceeded back to his cart before I could answer and began digging out a blanket. I thanked him and said my ride would be there soon. He nodded and smiled , then pulled out his umbrella and strolled off in the drizzly darkness his cart of rag gifts in tow.
I sat there dumbfounded. I honestly thought he would ask me for money or give me a story , but all he did was show me a kindness with what he had and then sauntered off with a satisfied grin on his grungy face , placing an umbrella over his head.
Not much else to say here, but I thought that I should share this story because so often the homeless are viewed as being in capable of helping others but for this moment in time this man with his basket filled with rags simply blessed me. Value displayed. Thank you Lord for showing me kindness in the most unexpected way.
Pass it on and pay it forward. :)
Jeff Dyk.
The night was cold and damp in Portland as I sat outside in my wheelchair (feet exposed) outside the Clackamus Barnes and Noble waiting for my ride. Quietly a bearded homeless man pushing his shopping cart full of rags and coats approached from my backside and placed his dirt stained hand on my shoulder and said with the kindest smile "Sir your feet look cold. Can I give you one of my blankets to warm them ?". He proceeded back to his cart before I could answer and began digging out a blanket. I thanked him and said my ride would be there soon. He nodded and smiled , then pulled out his umbrella and strolled off in the drizzly darkness his cart of rag gifts in tow.
I sat there dumbfounded. I honestly thought he would ask me for money or give me a story , but all he did was show me a kindness with what he had and then sauntered off with a satisfied grin on his grungy face , placing an umbrella over his head.
Not much else to say here, but I thought that I should share this story because so often the homeless are viewed as being in capable of helping others but for this moment in time this man with his basket filled with rags simply blessed me. Value displayed. Thank you Lord for showing me kindness in the most unexpected way.
Pass it on and pay it forward. :)
Jeff Dyk.
The power of words
The power of words
Words have power
to build or destroy.
to love or hate.
To heal or hurt.
To create light or confusion.
To define or deceive
To delight or depress
To inspire or mislead.
Consider the following words and what simply stating the words does in your mind.
Iraq.
September
Vietnam
Yellowstone Park
Hawaii
Mother Theresa
Billy Graham
Adolph Hitler
Jesus Christ
Words are both the connection to the soul and the reflector of heart and mind.
Words must find their way into our mind to be used in what comes out of our lives and heart. Study God's Word.
God has spoken. He gave us His Word. He delivered a message. He embodied His Word in Christ and made sure that His message to us was clear.
John Chapter 1 says "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God " it also says "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. "
God has revealed His Love and will for us in the fabric of the scriptures. And that should inspire hope in our heart and action in our feet !
Jeremiah 33:3 says. "Thy Words were found and I did eat them and thy Words were unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart. "
Psalm 119:105 says " Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path"
Psalm 1:2. "But his delight is in the law of the Lord and His law does he meditate day and night and he shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water that bringeth fort fruit in His season His leaf also shall not either and whatsoever he forth shall prosper. "
Hebrews 4:12. "The Word of God is Quick and powerful , sharper than any two edged sword. Dividing asunder soul and spirit And joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. "
Matthew says " Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words will never pass away. "
I hope these Words have
Built
Loved
Healed
Created light
Defined
Delighted
And inspired you to pick up your Bible and soak in some words from your creator.
Psalm 19:14. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, oh Lord my strenght and my redeemer. "
Peace to you and yours,
Jeff Dyk
Feel free to pass this on. And if it helped you spend some time soaking in God's Word then I am delighted. :)
Words have power
to build or destroy.
to love or hate.
To heal or hurt.
To create light or confusion.
To define or deceive
To delight or depress
To inspire or mislead.
Consider the following words and what simply stating the words does in your mind.
Iraq.
September
Vietnam
Yellowstone Park
Hawaii
Mother Theresa
Billy Graham
Adolph Hitler
Jesus Christ
Words are both the connection to the soul and the reflector of heart and mind.
Words must find their way into our mind to be used in what comes out of our lives and heart. Study God's Word.
God has spoken. He gave us His Word. He delivered a message. He embodied His Word in Christ and made sure that His message to us was clear.
John Chapter 1 says "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God " it also says "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. "
God has revealed His Love and will for us in the fabric of the scriptures. And that should inspire hope in our heart and action in our feet !
Jeremiah 33:3 says. "Thy Words were found and I did eat them and thy Words were unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart. "
Psalm 119:105 says " Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path"
Psalm 1:2. "But his delight is in the law of the Lord and His law does he meditate day and night and he shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water that bringeth fort fruit in His season His leaf also shall not either and whatsoever he forth shall prosper. "
Hebrews 4:12. "The Word of God is Quick and powerful , sharper than any two edged sword. Dividing asunder soul and spirit And joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. "
Matthew says " Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words will never pass away. "
I hope these Words have
Built
Loved
Healed
Created light
Defined
Delighted
And inspired you to pick up your Bible and soak in some words from your creator.
Psalm 19:14. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, oh Lord my strenght and my redeemer. "
Peace to you and yours,
Jeff Dyk
Feel free to pass this on. And if it helped you spend some time soaking in God's Word then I am delighted. :)
Aptly his name is Peter
Aptly his name is Peter. A delightful downs syndrome child 7 years old. Peter has the typical challenges of many downs kids, but full of zest for life. A realness with emotions and expressions that is refreshing.
This Christmas God used this young boy to send a message to those in His circle that will carry on for years
When shown the manger scene on top of the mantle in my sister Lori's livingroom, and told the Christmas message , Peter quietly went to the mantle and picked up the baby Jesus figure and kissed the head. He then kneeled and crossed his heart while bowing and whispered "Thankyou God for Jesus".
Later that Day Peter got to attend a candlelight service and sat near the front of the auditorium. As the pastor gave his message , Peter began cheering him on with his enthusiastic "Rock On" in a voice loud enough to be heard by all. Smiling , the pastor recognized the moment of Peter's excitement as unfettered love for Jesus. He paused his message and told the congregation this is my friend Peter and he loves Jesus ! When the service was done and in another moment that had to bring a smile to the face of God , Peter walked up to the front where he had been eyeing the manger scene and threw himself face down in front of the baby Jesus and said "Thankyou God for Jesus, Thankyou "
The Bible says "Every knee will bow and every toungue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ". I personally was inspired by Peter to take a quiet moment and simply thank God for the gift of his Son.
I am passing this story along hoping Peter will inspire you to do the same.
Serving Him ,
Jeff Dyk
This Christmas God used this young boy to send a message to those in His circle that will carry on for years
When shown the manger scene on top of the mantle in my sister Lori's livingroom, and told the Christmas message , Peter quietly went to the mantle and picked up the baby Jesus figure and kissed the head. He then kneeled and crossed his heart while bowing and whispered "Thankyou God for Jesus".
Later that Day Peter got to attend a candlelight service and sat near the front of the auditorium. As the pastor gave his message , Peter began cheering him on with his enthusiastic "Rock On" in a voice loud enough to be heard by all. Smiling , the pastor recognized the moment of Peter's excitement as unfettered love for Jesus. He paused his message and told the congregation this is my friend Peter and he loves Jesus ! When the service was done and in another moment that had to bring a smile to the face of God , Peter walked up to the front where he had been eyeing the manger scene and threw himself face down in front of the baby Jesus and said "Thankyou God for Jesus, Thankyou "
The Bible says "Every knee will bow and every toungue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ". I personally was inspired by Peter to take a quiet moment and simply thank God for the gift of his Son.
I am passing this story along hoping Peter will inspire you to do the same.
Serving Him ,
Jeff Dyk
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