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
Saturday, October 24, 2009
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
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