Category: Scripture

Quick Bible Thoughts: Light

What if the God of the universe could shine light on your situation today?

And God said, “Let there be light”. (Genesis 1:3)

Did you know that God has been bringing light into darkness since the opening verses of Genesis?

Did you know that in heaven there is eternal light…no darkness at all?

I love the passages like this:

He bowed the heavens and came down with thick darkness under His feet. (Psalm 18:9)

They almost always show God stomping out the darkness.

If God was able to speak and bring light into the universe. If the heavens are so bright there is no darkness. What if the God of the universe could shine light on your situation today?

I believe God can. I pray God brings light to you today.

Love and blessin’s,

Flatland Dave

Quick Bible Thoughts: Job’s Friends

Do I base my belief in God on my pocketbook? Or maybe on whether I have the right relationship(s)? Do I ignore my struggles, and potentially miss anything God may be teaching me? What if I determined that no matter what happens, I know that He is my God?

I enjoy looking up the meaning of different names in the Bible. In ancient eastern cultures a name meant something. Many times it defined the person.

When I look at the meaning of names I think of it as “interesting” (not really doctrine). However, it often brings ideas to my mind that make me wonder if God wants me to meditate on something related to their names.

Here is a simple example.

When Job was going through the most significant trial of his life, he had three friends come to his aid: Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar.

  • Eliphaz means “My God is fine gold”
  • Bildad means “Confusing Love”
  • Zophar means “Sparrow” which is rooted in the idea of “Impudece” or “lacking respect”

Then in Chapter 32, a young man enters the scene named Elihu.

  • Elihu means “He is my God.”

So I wonder, which of these friends come to comfort me when struggles come? Or, which of these friends am I to my brothers and sisters during their time of distress?

Do I base my belief in God on my pocketbook? Or maybe on whether I have the right relationship(s)? Do I ignore my struggles, and potentially miss anything God may be teaching me? What if I listened to my friend Elihu, and determined that no matter what happens, I know that He is my God?

What about you? What friends come to help you in time of need? What friend do you need right now?

I truly hope you put your trust in God above, who sent Jesus Christ to forgive you and give you everlasting life.

Love and blessin’s,

Flatland Dave

Quick Bible Thoughts: Bethel and Ai

Have you ever looked around and thought, “God, is this really where you called me?” I have.

Have you ever looked around and thought, “God, is this really where you called me?” I have.

Imagine that you are Abram for a moment. God called Abram out of his home country to show him the land God wanted to go give to him and his descendants. It had to be a amazing. And then we see this verse:

“From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord.” Genesis 12:8

I believe there is something spectacular for us in the location of Abram’s tent. He build his tent between two locations: Bethel and Ai

  • Bethel – which means “House of God”
  • Ai – which means “Heap of ruins”

On Abrams journey to the promised land, he found himself between God’s house and a heap of ruins.

Can you relate? I can. In fact, I think this is a truth for all believers on our way to heaven. While we live on this earth, we see that our “tent” is between God’s house (heaven) and a heap of ruins (this world). This is where God is calling us on our Journey.

In fact, when Abram would look at the sunrise to the east, he would see Ai. And at the end of the day he would see Bethel. Much like us.

When we find ourselves in this place we can do what Abram did: make an altar. We thank God for His promise, and we stand between these two worlds with the same message God had for Abram – leave your homeland and go to a place God designed for us.

My friends, thank the Lord for the journey, knowing that you are in between God’s house and a heap of ruins.

Happy New Year!

Love and blessin’s,

David

13 Fun Family Pandemic Projects

The 2020 pandemic has brought out a significant number of projects at my house. So, I thought I’d write a (satirical) post to give you 13 Fun Family Pandemic Projects.

1) Ration Snacks – In our house, we found that we can sit and eat a bag of chips or most snacks in one sitting. So, we rationed them.

2) Move the TV to the other side of the room – our TV used to be on the right, and we moved it to the left as you see below. Luckily, we didn’t have to move any cable!

3) Replace a broken sump pump – Definitely don’t want water overflowing.

  • Also had a little plumbing fix – see white PVC.

4) Tile an entryway – I have to give a shoutout to my friend Dan who helped tremendously with this (he basically did it – LOL!) While nobody will ever come in this door, this looks so much better!

5) Add new electrical outlets – All of our bedrooms have had at least one outlet added, often because the existing outlets were not in the best place.

  • Great plug design for a computer desk!

6) Dig and bury a sump drain – since we moved in the sump drain was an above ground tube that drained right out by the tree. This created a swamp by the tree. We could not even mow it and we were afraid about gators.

  • BMX pogo’s came in handy!
  • Finished product! There is a little pop-up at the end.

7) Build a closet computer desk – because…why not. Right?

8) Replace the lights on your porch – Do you like wasps? I don’t. Our lights before had a gap between the light and the can. When we pulled out a bulb to replace it, there were three wasp nests inside. We have 6 lights like this that we needed to replace. All had nests in them! We replaced them with lights that do not have any slit for a wasp or bug to get into. Totally worth it!

  • Sorry I didn’t get a before pic of the wasp nests. Overall, we cleared out over 20 wasp nests across 6 lights and a small attic area. WOWZERS!

9) Sign your will – We have wanted to do this for almost 20 years. Last year we went through Financial Peace University (recommended) and we committed to getting our wills done. We were supposed to sign the week we were shut down due to COVID-19. Once Phase 1 opened we were finally able to sign our wills. Huge for us!

10) Build stairs to the bunk bed – my daughter has been asking for this since we moved in…finally got to it. It used to have a ladder like thing…but this is better.

11) Build tool hangers – Have tools…why not use them? This was actually a bit easier than I thought, and turned out pretty nice. I used most of my tools to build these. Good thing I had them. 🙂

12) Build a fire-pit – The family had a fire-pit night and noticed some rust in there. This started a conversation about alternatives. One thing led to another. New fire pit! Hope to have you over soon. 🙂

13) Paint a dresser – We have one child who reorganized and got rid of a dresser, and another who needed a dresser. Worked out great. But, it did need a paint job…primarily on the drawers.

I am hopeful that we will not have another quarantine. But, if we do, you now have 13 Fun Family Pandemic Projects! Don’t do them all in one day!

Love and blessin’s,

David

I never expected a pandemic

Seven weeks of quarantine because of a pandemic has given me a new perspective on some things I have never noticed before, especially in the Scriptures.

  • Adam was initially alone, and God said “it is not good.” – I pray for my single friends who may feel alone in this time. Please reach out. We know this isn’t good.
  • Noah and his family spent a year on the ark in quarantine – eight people in a boat for a year, without cards, board games, phones, neighborhood walks, zoom.
  • The plagues in Egypt – I have a new appreciation for how they must have felt on those nights when they had to stay inside, wondering if the plague would get them.
  • Elijah hiding from Jezebel – how quickly I can think that I’m the only one left.
  • Jesus 40 days of temptation in the wilderness – this time of quarantine has opened doors of temptation that were closed when more options existed.

We know that plagues have and will come upon the earth. History has shown us and the Bible has confirmed this. Even still, I have found myself saying, “But I didn’t think it would happen in my time.” It seems odd to think like that given the historical and biblical promises. I guess I’ve been naive to this reality.

I didn’t think it would happen in my time.

The opening words of Psalm 91 have been a great comfort to me in this time. I should note that this Psalm was likely written by Moses who understood plagues and pestilence.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.  Psalm 91:1-3

I think this passage tells us where to “shelter in place”. It tells us the specific location to quarantine during a time of pestilence, or even when you are being tracked down by an enemy.  This text points us to find shelter in God’s protective shadow. God is a welcoming refuge to those in danger, and He has a secure fortress for us.

There are so many opinions right now about the COVID-19 pandemic. Some want to quickly get back to “normal”, others want to stay sheltered until this passes. Some believe this is a hoax while others believe it is worse than the government and media are presenting. Some think this will essentially be like the flu while others believe this will be a recurring plague with much more severe implications. Other debates are: inside only or primarily inside, mask or no mask, vaccine or no vaccine (or no vaccine until it’s been tested), or whether the President told people to drink bleach. It truly is interesting times.

Honestly, I think depending on the day, I’m not sure where I stand on each of these debates. But, I know this, the Lord is my refuge and fortress, my God, in whom I trust.

Trust our deliverer.

Father, help us make our home in Your presence. Cover us with safety. May we lead others into Your shelter also, where they can find You. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.

Love and blessin’s,

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Dave

Raise your hand if you trust God

Several years ago our family was at a pool party. At the time we had two children, the oldest was six and the youngest was four.

I was in the shallow end of the pool, which was about four feet deep. My youngest was in front of me sitting in a circle floaty. She could not swim.

My oldest was at the other end of the pool on the diving board. He was still learning to jump in and swim.

“Daddy watch!” as he jumps into the water.

I was so proud. When we first got there he was scared to jump in. Now he was doing it all by himself. I watched him climb out, run around, and jump back into the pool. He was having a blast!

Then, I turned around and saw an empty circle floaty! My daughter had slid through the circle and was completely under water, except for one hand. It is amazing how quickly a person can go from excitement to terror.

Terrified I grabbed her hand and pulled her up as quickly as I could. I carried her out of the water and quickly got to a place to check on her.

It is amazing how quickly a person can go from excitement to terror.

“Baby! Are you okay?!” I cried! At least she was breathing.

She smiled and said, “I knew if I just raised my hand you would help me.”

WOW!

“I knew if I just raised my hand my daddy would help me.”

As I reflect on this, I pray that we will trust God in this way.

When you are sinking in the trouble this world brings, raise your hand with complete confidence, knowing that your Father will help you.

“Save me, O God, for the waters have threatened my life.” Psalm 69:1

Love and blessin’s,

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People > Arguments

Hey friends, I want to share a 3 minute devotion with you. I pray you are staying safe and keeping in touch with those you love.

Below is a the summary.

There is a story of a man who was once known as a serious Christian. He:
  • Ready his Bible every day.
  • Memorized scriptures.
  • Was at church every time the doors were open.
  • Fed the homeless.
  • Prayed for others to receive Christ.
Then, something changed, and he no longer believed in Christ. He stopped doing all those things he was doing before. He began resenting the church, Jesus and everything to do with God.
Three of his Christian friends were discussing his situation to decide the best way to reach out to their friend. That is when an argument broke out. You may have heard this argument before:
  • Friend one said the man was never a believer to begin with.
  • Friend two said the man was once a Christian, but had given up his salvation when he denied Christ.
The argument got heated as the friends shared their reasoning. They backed up their views with Scripture.
Just as the argument was about to get physical, the friend three stepped in and said:
“Friends, please stop. We all agree that our friend needs the love of God in his life. He needs to know Jesus Christ. What can we do to bring that to him?”
And just like that he changed the conversation, the focus, and the perspective.
This friend knew that people are greater our arguments.
This story reminds me of the story in the book of Mark chapter 3, when Jesus healed the man with the withered hand.
“And He entered again into a synagogue
and a man was there with a withered hand.
And they (Pharisees) were watching Him
to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath,
in order that they might accuse Him.
And He said to the man with the withered hand,
“Rise and come forward.”
And He said to them (Pharisees),
“Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm,
to save a life or to kill?”
But they kept silent.
After looking around at them with anger,
grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man,
“Stretch out your hand.”
And He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
We must understand that Jesus was not angry or grieved at the Pharisees because they wanted to honor the Sabbath. The text says He was angry and grieved because their heart was hardened.
Jesus wasn’t angry about whether they had their doctrine right.
Jesus was angry because they did not see the hurting human being right in front of them.
Don’t misunderstand me (or Jesus). An accurate understanding of God’s teaching is very important. But remember, our ultimate calling is to Love God and Love Others.
This reminds me of times when I have a hard heart. Even in my pursuit to know and serve God, I can totally miss the people around me. In those times, I’m sure that Jesus was grieved as well.
—————–
God, soften our hearts to really see the needs of those around us. Let us be the one who brings life, hope, health and healing to those around us. And, may we also pursue Your truth in the process. In Jesus name. Amen!
—————–
You have your whole life to master God’s doctrines, but you may only have one moment to heal a life.
Until next time.

Love and blessin’s,

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David

Quarantine: Rest or Work? Yes!

Hey Friends, I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted, and this one will be different.

Right now I am about to start the fourth week of Quarantine due to COVID-19.

The youth pastor at our church asked several of the youth leaders if we would do a 3 minute devotional for the students. I did one, and I thought I would just share it here for you.  Below the video I’m adding a few more comments that may be helpful

Work: Produces something and benefits someone.

Examples (besides the things people do where they get paid by an employer or someone else for doing):

  • Chores – whether you are asked to do them, or you do them because they are needed.
  • Homework/schoolwork – you probably didn’t want to do it, but it produces a grade that should benefit you (hopefully) 🙂
  • Serving – even at church – I suppose you might categorize serving as an act of worship, which is fine, but if we are honest, serving can be hard, and sometimes not what we wanted to do. But, it does produce something and benefit someone.

My point about what is neither work or rest is also important. There are simply things that are vital to life: eating, exercising, sleeping for instance. God clearly does not tell us we can only sleep one day a week. That isn’t the type of rest he was talking about on the Sabbath.

Similarly, reading the bible, praying, and worshiping God are vital to our life. They are not work. Well, you might say, well don’t you benefit when you read the Bible. Yes, but I also benefit when I eat and drink and sleep. This is a benefit that is vital to my existence. Therefore, I would not say that is “work”.

And, I love how Jesus covered the topic of the Sabbath in Mark 2 when he said:

27 Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” 

I pray you pick up the heart of what this devotion is about.

Work and rest are not the totality of life. God does say that we should have more work than rest, which does not make work more important, or rest less important. I think God just knows how we are designed.

Please take care of yourself. I love and miss you, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Love and blessin’s,

Flatland Dave

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Quarantine: Trapped inside? Lie!

Hey friends, I know it’s been a bit since I’ve shared. Since we have been in quarantine these last few weeks, our youth pastor asked some adults to do a video devotion for the teens. This is one that I put out there. I pray this blesses you.

I also pray you and yours are staying safe and well in this time!

Just wanted to give you a link to this text Proverbs 17:24, or even to Proverbs.

Love and blessin’s,

Flatland Dave

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