Last Wednesday Bucky covered Psalm 37 and 1Samuel 24 (where David spares Saul’s life). Please take a few minutes and read both of those before you continue. Remember, your relationship with God is only as good as what you put into it. I like how Bucky has connected a Psalm each week to a part of David’s story. These two (now that you’ve read them) relate because David’s prayer in Psalm 37 revolves around not paying evil with evil but leaving the revenge to the Lord. And, as usual, David speaks from experience. David knows if we repay evil with evil, evil will come back to us (our moment of power will be short-lived). If we truly trust God then we will trust in the justice of God. Bucky made it clear this Psalm is about one-to-one situations; it generally does not apply to nations. In other words, we must turn the other check and pray for the person, not seek out our own vengeance. This applies to our families, work, neighbors, etc. Bucky really threw me when he said David showed meekness when Saul entered that cave to “relieve himself” giving David the chance to kill him (it is amazing the restraint David showed because his men were urging him to kill Saul – a sign of a true leader). The word meekness just didn’t seem to fit, you know, like,” themeek shall inherit the earth,” from the Beatitudes. I always thought of the meekas being the wimpy, quiet, nerdy types. Then Bucky gave the following definition of meekness: meekness is power and aggression under control and channeled in a different way. Wow! David was showing his controlled power by cutting Saul’s robe to let him know he could have killed him. He was channeling his aggression by pulling back and letting Saul know, “I am not the bad guy here.” Even though David was on the run from Saul; even though David lost everything (remember the five things he lost from Bucky’s message on Sunday – his job, his wife, his best friend, his spiritual leader and his self respect), David did not repay evil with evil when he had the chance. David left justice up to God, and even though Saul pulled back in tears this time, he still pursued David and David went through more gut-wrenching situations before God brought that justice. After all, it is in God’s time, not ours, right? Imagine if we lived this way in our jobs, with our families and in our neighborhoods.
Tag Archives: Christian walk
LIVING LIFE to the FULLEST
A friend just sent me this slide show. It is well worth watching, and it is filled with simple truths. ENJOY! And please share your thoughts/comments below with us.
Men’s Group January 7, 2009: What is your giant in 2009?
What is your giant in 2009? How can you make your giant into a dwarf?
We discussed David’s response to his giant-Goliath:
1. He relied on his past.
- Tool chest: God gives each of us a unique set of tools/gifts that we must use. David’s tools was his ability to fight lions and bears. With this unique skill, he was able to face his giant with confidence.
- God’s faithfulness: I know of some friends who keep a diary/journal logging all of God’s faithfulness in the peaks and pits of life so that they can look back on know that God is faithful.
2. He trusted God for his future. David fought his giant by trusting in God for the future.
3. Living in the present.
- my giant is FEAR. I fear the future.
- I can make my giant into a dwarf by living in His presence, trusting in God’s plan for the future, and praising God’s past faithfulness.
“But David said to Saul, “Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God.” And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine ” And Saul said to David, “Go, and may the LORD be with you.” Then Saul clothed David with his garments and put a bronze helmet on his head, and he clothed him with armor. David girded his sword over his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. So David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” And David took them off. He took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.”-1 Samuel 17:34-40
Insights from Dave:
Last Wednesday Bucky presented us with Psalm 20 and it’s “prequel,” the story of David and Goliath. Before going further please take a few moments and read both in that order.
What we learned was Psalm 20 was a prayer David prayed as an intercessory prayer over his army before battle. In this prayer, David tells his army some “May God” items:
May the Lord answer…
May he send you help…
May he remember…
May he give you the desire…
Then, David tells his army that he knows the Lord saves his anointed and that they need to trust in the Lord, not in chariots and horses. David knew God wasn’t in the background but on the frontlines with him and his men.
How did David know these things? That is where the story of David and Goliath comes in. Couldn’t you say that David knew from experience that the Lord saves his anointed? There is so much to write about this story; like how the Lord was preparing David for that day through his sheparding of sheep (David was a “professional” with that slingshot), and how all of the Israelites judged Goliath by his outward appearance (Goliath was a giant); they didn’t realize God looks at the heart. David’s heart was in the right place because he had a relationship with God. His psalms are proof that David kept a journal and talked with God daily; David knew God was with him. When he decided to take on Goliath he wasn’t doing something careless. I believe he talked with God about it first; he prayed, meditated and listened for God’s voice.
Our discussion focused on two things – victories and giants. What victories has God given you in the past? What giants are you facing in the New Year? Take a few minutes and write down your thoughts on these two questions. If you have a journal you may want to record them there. Around our table, most folks talked about the economy as one of their giants. But, we were fortunate to have Patrick at our table; I like how God speaks to Patrick (and am thankful Patrick is listening for God’s voice). Patrick said God is probably smiling about our down economy because more people turn to God in tough times. So, financially, it may not be good for our nation, but in terms of salvation, it could be a booming time for God. This line has had me thinking the last few days. I thought, if I am thinking and worrying about the economy, I am selfishly thinking of myself and not the things of God; my trust is in horses and chariots and not in God. God takes care of His anointed – I need to put my focus on Him, not me; God has me covered.
Start the New Year with a Resolution: A Daily Devotional
Now is the time to start a yearly devotional. It is imperative to our walk with Christ to be in a devotional daily. The secret to the best devotionals? Reading the Bible (And if you do this every year, one way to motivate you to keep going is to read through the Bible in a different translation than one that you usually read e.g. New Living Translation, New American Standard, God’s Word, to name a few):
1. The Discipleship Journal has several options (I am doing this one this year) AND I am using a different Bible translation: Holman Christian Standard Bible AND I am reading the Bible using The Apologetics Study Bible which is excellent for those with a lot of questions.
2. A One Year Bible is a great way to go
A few GREAT options for those who want to do a daily devotion but not read through the Bible:
1. The One Year Book of Church History (I just finished this one, and it was AMAZING! I HIGHLY recommend it.)
2. Promises by Bill Bright (I did this one years ago. It is excellent, but I think it is out of print.)
3. Our Daily Bread: You can download it to your PDA, read it online, or order a paper copy. (I have done this one for years, and it is simple, concise and FREE! They will send you a free copy FOREVER–even tracked me down when I moved across the country!)
4. The One Year Book of Bible Prayer is another great option.
5. walkthru.org has a eDevotion that is sent to you via email, and they have some GREAT paper devotionals
(Their Daily Walk will walk you through the Bible in a year, and their Closer Walk will walk you through the New Testament in a year–both are excellent.)
Finally there are some GREAT audio options:
1. The Bible Experience (you can buy on itunes via audiobooks or at their website) I have bought the book of John and the Psalms and listened through it. They are VERY good.
2. The Bible Podcast is a FREE audio version of the Bible that is also excellent.
It doesn’t matter what you do as much as doing SOME form of daily devotion. Ideally you are reading the Bible daily.
Brennan Manning #2: Relentless Tenderness of God
This is part 2 of 4 in the Brennan Manning speaking series from Mariners Church in 1996. If you haven’t heard him speak or read any of his books please start NOW. It is AMAZING! I have been sharing these lectures with men from my men’s group for years, and they ALL have been AMAZED and changed by his beautiful insights, humor, and stories. If you haven’t heard him speak or read any of his books please start NOW.
Some of my favorites:
A Christmas & New Years Truth from Ephesians 1
Paul teaches in his letter to the Ephesians that we are ALL blameless, beloved, and eternally adopted by God through Jesus Christ. Listen to this brief summary of his teaching, and share your thoughts about this revolutionary teaching from Paul.
Why do I date other men?
Laughter is often the first response when I share with others that I “date” other men, but they soon realize that I am serious. I have developed deep, intimate, tell all relationships with several men in my life, and it has transformed my marriage, my parenting, and my life. It is a fundamental piece of being fully alive.
How do you do this?
1. First: Finding the right man for you. What does this future confidant look like?
a. CHEMISTRY: We all know that there are certain people that we have ‘chemistry’ with. There are some guys that you know that you really enjoy their company, and their personalities mesh with yours. How do you find them? You have to get involved! Go to men’s group!
b. VOLUNTERABILITY: It takes stepping out–moving beyond your comfort zone and removing your mask. This is the toughest step. It will take time to break down the walls that we as men construct to keep everyone away. You have to start with small forays into sharing a little carve out of your struggles and pains to see how it goes. If you find the right guy, he will respond in kind, and you both will continue to grow deeper in your friendship.
c. TRUST: You have to set up a wall around your relationship with this guy. Once you establish that this may be the right guy, and you have started the process of volunterability. You will need at some point to establish boundaries to protect your ‘secrets’. This is a verbal agreement to keep what you each share confidential.
2. Second: What do you do with the right guy?
a. TIME: You have to carve out the time to meet. It is essential that you have an agreement to meet weekly or biweekly. I have also developed a habit of calling (yes often daily) to check in and catch up when I can’t meet that week or so.
b. TALK: What usually happens when you have the time to meet or talk on the phone? Men talk about…..NOTHING! The weather, sports, etc. STOP! I need to intentially STOP, and get on subject. This is key because I STILL do this with my confidants! I find that we have burned through the time we have together by talking about nothing substantial. Don’t get me wrong, these topics are fun and important commaradirie…BUT it is just what they say it is: SMALL talk. The BIG talk must be done, and it can be hard work. Ask and Listen. How is your marriage going? What was the last fight about with your bride? How are each of your kids? How are you doing with your struggles? etc.
3. Third: Why?
Deep, intimate fellowship with a brother WILL transform your life! It will make you a better husband, father, friend, co-worker, and ‘little’ Christ.
A friend sent me a link to an entry on his blog that describes the importance and power of joining a group of men: “Some Honest Men”
Try it! And let us know your thoughts.
What is the Trinity?
There has been much controversy over the concept of the Trinity. It has been tried to be explained in many ways using many analogies that ALL fall short. It has been said that philosophically God is ‘one what’ and ‘three whos’.
It is clear that throughout Scripture God is 3 and 1 at the same time held in a paradoxical tension never to be fully understood this side of heaven.
Much of the recent controversy has been from the depiction of the Trinity by Paul Young in his book The Shack despite the fact that Paul Young has made it very clear that it is a work of fiction and an allegory. In The Shack, Paul Young describes the Trinity as: “I am one God and I am three persons, and each of the three is fully and entirely the one.” God or ‘Papa’ in the story goes on to say: “Love and relationship. All love and relationship is possible for you only because it already exists within Me, within God myself. Love is not the limitation; love is the flying. I am love.”
Here is a pictorial representation of the Trinity:
I don’t think we will every fully grasp nor understand the Trinity this side of heaven. I love what A.W. Tozer has said: “The doctrine of the Trinity…is truth for the heart. The fact that it cannot be satisfactorily explained, instead of being against it, is in its favor. Such a truth had to be revealed; no one could imagine it.” This quote from a GREAT book explaining basic tenets of Christianity: Without a Doubt by Samples
I have added this brief video clip of my 2 cents from a scientific and theoretical perspective to help us get our mind around the concept. (see also Beyond the Cosmos by Hugh Ross) As always please leave your comments!
If you had ONE word to describe Jesus what would it be?
During this CRAZY financial time, this is a GREAT message from my friend Bill’s newsletter:
One Word
Christian Soul Care Devotional
Bill Gaultiere
Some time ago I was meeting with Dallas Willard and in the course of our conversation he asked me, “If you had one word to describe Jesus what would it be?”
How would you answer that question? Close your eyes for a moment and consider this. Write down the first words that come to mind. If you could only use one word to describe Jesus what would it be?
Have you stopped reading this devotional so you can give your own answer?! Go ahead take a moment now….
Jesus is the Word of all words! His is the name above all names. He is so magnificent and multi-faceted how could we pin him down to just one word! And yet, I found this to be a very meaningful exercise. The words we pick and the ones we don’t pick may have something to say about our relationship with him.
Here are the words I thought of… Jesus is… Love… Holy… Lord… Teacher… Risen… Healer… (These areall good words to describe Jesus.)
Then Dallas looked into my eyes and shared with me his word. You need to know that this was a special moment for me. He’s my key mentor. I’ve read every book he’s written more than once. I’ve listened (many times) to every audio teaching series of his I can find. In the last six years he has discipled me to Jesus in ways that have impacted all that I am and everything that I do as a Christian, husband, father, friend, psychologist, minister, writer…
What one word would Dallas Willard use to describe Jesus? “Relaxed.”
Relaxed?
I would have never thought of that word! But ever since that conversation I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Jesus being relaxed.
Think about it. Jesus had far and away the most important and dangerous mission that any human being has ever had or ever will have. He had to wait 18 years to begin working on his calling and then he had just three years of public ministry to fulfill it. And yet Jesus was relaxed!
Jesus needed to convince a large number people that although he was merely a man he was also the unique Son of God. And his followers needed to be so confident in him as their Lord and Savior that they would give their lives to lead other people to know him – even to the point of torture and death. And yet Jesus was relaxed!
Jesus could only be in one location at a time. And when he left one city to go to another he left behind people that hadn’t been healed or discipled (Matthew 13:58). Most people – even his own family at first – rejected him and his message (Luke 4:28-30, Mark 3:20, 31-34). Many of the people he discipled deserted him (John 6:66). And even his faithful disciples didn’t understand who he was until after he rose from the dead (Mark 8:31-33)! And yet Jesus was relaxed!
The fate of all humankind – past, present, and future – depended on Jesus successfully completing his gospel mission! And yet Jesus remained relaxed!
When I have big responsibilities I start to feel overwhelmed… When I am stressed by situations anxious feelings rise up within me… When I am criticized or rejected I am tempted to react by feeling bad about myself or getting angry… When I have lots to do I tend to hurry…
How did Jesus remain at peace when he was under pressures much, much harder than I face? He practiced what he preached! He lived in the same “easy yoke” that he offers to us. Jesus was the first disciple: he apprenticed himself to the Father, learning to live out the things he would later teach (think of Jesus’ 18 hidden years from ages 12 to 30 as his discipleship training program).
Our sinless Lord “grew” (Luke 2:52); he “learned” (Hebrews 5:8) how to…
· Maintain moment-by-moment submission to God’s will, never saying or doing anything except as the Father directed him (John 6:38, 12:50).
· Pray without ceasing (John 11:42, 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
· Be so dependent upon the Holy Spirit as to be filled with his presence and power without limit (John 3:34).
· Bless those that cursed him (Luke 22:34).
In my discipleship to Jesus I am learning how to follow his example and walk with him in his “easy yoke,” his “unforced rhythms of grace” (Matthew 11:28, MSG). And so more and more I too am relaxed!
If Kristi or I can offer you counseling or spiritual direction call us at 949-262-3699.
Dave K interview Part #3
This is the 3rd and final part of the 3 part interview with Dave. This is the grand finale! Dave shares with us the conclusion to his incredible journey into the open arms of Jesus.
Please share with us your thoughts/comments below.
Dave K interview Part #2
Here is PART 2 of 3. This is the story of Dave. In this part, Dave shares the truth about sin and his journey to reaching ‘rock bottom’. Sin starts small and grows and grows. Please share with us your thoughts about this PART 2 of Dave’s journey.
Dave K interview Part #1
Please enjoy listening to Dave tell his AMAZING faith journey. This first of three parts points out the OC lifestyle as seen by a Jersey boy (and the world). A helpful reminder that we live in an incredibly materialistic place. Dave has become an incredible man of faith through his journey. Here are a few words from Dave:
“I was thinking about how much my present day situation fits with today’s lesson of “are you enough?” If you think about it, if I paid attention to the world around me, the OC lifestyle would definitely tell me I wasn’t nearly enough. I…have no assets other than a 2001 Nissan Sentra and live pretty much paycheck to paycheck (mainly due to restitution). But, because I follow God and not the world, I have a genuine smile on face and countless blessings. It is amazing how little you really need. If we look back only about 50 years, how big were our parents’ and grandparents’ homes? How many baths did they have? Life was smaller and better but Satan is out there convincing many that bigger is better and what they have isn’t good enough. People take their eyes off of God and look at what others have…”
Please share with us your thoughts.
Men’s Topic #5: PRAYER
| Here are the notes from Dave on Men’s Group Topic #5: Prayer
On Wednesday we reviewed Luke 11:5-13 and Luke 18:1-7 (please read, or re-read them before continuing). Bucky makes so many great points each week it is a challenge to write about just one or two. I selfishly get to pick the ones that touch my heart and pray they will touch yours, too. We all know where Bucky’s heart is on the subject of prayer because he stated on Wednesday, “the best thing we could do is pray.” I’ve been blessed to be able to attend a few events with Bucky and one thing he makes sure happens is that prayer is part of the event. For example, after serving those in need at the City of Hope shelter a couple of months ago we stood in front of the door and Bucky led us in prayer. Bucky often says how he walks around the Northwood neighborhood and prays before service. So it did not surprise me when our discussion this week focused on prayer. When all is said and done if we do not become men of prayer we will never know God. We can “study” His word all we want but we will never know Him. Prayer is nothing more than talking to God; it is not ceremonial or ritualistic; it is a conversation with our Lord and Savior. Bucky said we can go through the routine of prayer but if it is just rote that is disconnected from your heart it will not accomplish anything. Prayer needs a willing and wanting heart. Getting on your knees at the beginning and/or end of each day and praying is something to be done not out of “duty” but out of desire. How else can you get to know God if you do not talk to Him? Another point Bucky made was that each morning when the disciples awoke they usually found Jesus out alone, praying. He was talking to His Abba. Jesus’ Abba is our Abba, too. The point of Luke 11:5-13, is to show us God isn’t a grouchy Father, but a Good Neighbor; the One we can talk to anytime, anywhere. If we knock, He will answer. God is always there for us. A little while back Bill Gaultiere had Cynthia and me demonstrate the “prayer hug” we do almost every morning. It is amazing how Cynthia looks forward to starting her day knowing I’ve cared enough to embrace her and whisper my prayer to God in her ear. As men, God wants us to be the spiritual heads of our households. The best thing we can do for our families doesn’t involve anything in this world (no college funds, hedge funds, mutual funds, etc.); it is prayer. Try it, and like the woman in Luke 18:1-7, do not give up; continue to pray. Remember it is in His timing not ours. |
Prayer is Invading the Impossible
I had the honor to teach at Men of Influence this week. This is the men’s group at Mariners Church that I used to go to until I moved over to Men on the Path at Pathways Church. It is an amazing group of men, and they have chosen an AMAZING book to go through: Prayer is Invading the Impossible by Hayford. We discussed these questions:
- Is God good? How do you know that God is good?
- Does Satan exist? How do you know?
- Why do bad things happen to good people? Where do bad things come from?
- What role do your prayers have in accomplishing God’s will?
I mentioned these 2 books as GREAT resources:
- Never Give Up! by Nancy Missler: A LIVE CHANGING book concerning trials and tribulations
- The Invisible War by Chip Ingram: What Every Believer Needs to Know about Satan, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare
Please enjoy my brief audio teaching and slides, and as always, please share your comments!
Men’s Topic #4: Servanthood
Please enjoy this audio of Bucky’s teaching about servanthood and here is Dave’s summary:
Please take a few minutes and re-read John 13. Then use your remaining time to reflect on what we learned from each other today:
- Verse 1 says, “…he showed them the full extent of his love.” Love always gives itself away for the benefit of another.
- You must receive service (from God and others) before you can serve others. You cannot give what you have not received. Bucky gave us a few great personal examples that would take up too much space here (if you’d like to know ask Bucky or someone that attended on Wednesday). God serves us by His grace in allowing us to enter into a relationship with Him now, as we are. We must spend time with God to further that relationship. No relationship lasts if time isn’t spent with the other person in the relationship. God is no different – if we want to know Him better, we must make time for Him.
- As usual, Jesus led by example. He did not ask His disciples to do anything He hadn’t already done. And, of course, it was done in complete humility. Humility is the absence of pride.
Can you see the correlation between our teacher and the disciples’ Teacher? Bucky leads by personal example with humility. That is why we all love and respect Bucky. He is transparent; he is not afraid to make his life an open book. We don’t see Bucky as “Super Pastor,” but as one of us. Well, Jesus desires that same love and respect from us. It just takes time guys; are you ready to give it?
Share what you learned this week with a friend, co-worker, neighbor or family member. When they see you lead with humility they will want what you have.
Men’s Topic #3: 3 Attacks on our Identity as men
Bucky taught us from Matthew 4:1-11. Jesus prepared Himself for his encounter with satan by fasting for 40 days and nights! We lose sight of the fact that ‘fasting IS feasting’ on God and His word. Fasting and prayer and meditation on His word doesn’t weaken us but strengthens us for battle.
There are 3 temptations/3 attacks that the world and satan use to attack our identity:
- performance trap: world tries to convince us that our identity is linked to our performance
- control trap: world tries to convince us that our identity is linked to how much power/control we have
- worldly possession trap: world tries to convince us that we are what we own
What is the cure for this pack of lies, attacks, temptations?
- Our identity DOES NOT come from what we do but who we are to God. We are His beloved!
- Our identity DOES NOT come from our power and control but our job is to submit and put our trust in God. We must give over our control to God.
- Our identity DOES NOT come from our stuff. We are NOT what we own!
note: we also talked about how the world and satan love to isolate men. Being in community, in fellowship with other men is essential!
As always PLEASE leave us your thoughts/insights etc by clicking on the “0 comments” in yellow at the bottom of this post and leave a comment.
Men on the Path: September 24
I hope to have a weekly summary post (hopefully with some audio) of our time together at our men’s group. I missed yesterday, but Dave has sent me a great summary! (Don’t forget to go to uberlumen.com and sign up for the updates by email and itunes podcasting):
As soon as I saw the scripture reading for the Men of the Path was about Peter walking on water (when Peter temporarily trusted in God and forgot about his fears) it reminded me of the John Ortberg book, “If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat.” What a title, huh? If you haven’t read the book, I highly recommend it. Bucky took that passage on fear and turned it into a positive by leading us into a discussion about risk. As one member at our table so aptly put it, you have to be willing to give something up when you take a risk. Getting to know God personally, enjoying His presence here and now is a risk. Most of us are afraid of what God might do. Another person at our table reminded us that everything we have (career, family, etc.) belongs to God. God wants us to have those things (not to excess) but also know He can take it at anytime. So we are to worship and honor Him first; everything else (yes, even that thing that just crossed your mind) is secondary. So, how do you spend your day, your week? What are your priorities in life? Write down your schedule for a typical week. What are you willing to give up for God?
In His Service,
Dave
What is Men’s Group all about?
Join me in a GREAT interview with Pastor Bucky. He shares with us what we are going to be talking about this season at Men on the Path, and he shares why he goes to a men’s group.
Listen, enjoy, and as always please share with us your comments to this post.
Why Go to Men’s Group? What is in it for me?
Join me in listening to an interview with Gene who gives a GREAT example and IMPORTANT reasons to join us at Men on the Path this coming Wednesday morning at 6:45am-8:00am.
- WHEN: Wednesday’s from 6:45am-8:00am
- WHAT: We are going to be looking at the TOP 10 things men need to know
- WHERE: North Park Community Center
Note: it is best to enter the housing complex off of Portolla because then when you go through the gate the club house where we are meeting is straight ahead of you. When you enter at the Portola gate tell Jim, the guard there, that you are attending the Pathways meeting.
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