As the World Turns by Dan McDonald

They say that money "makes the world go around." Obviously, by this they mean that without money everything would come to a stand still. This, more than likely, is true because of our love and worship of the green "stuff." Well, maybe, just maybe if we could take our focus off mammon (worldly wealth, riches, and pleasures) and put it on the One who made the "world turn," our worship to God would take on a whole meaning. Hosea prophesied to Israel that they were only interested in worship that would entertain them and give them self-satisfaction. The focus was NOT on God. Wow! Sounds a lot like today's worship, huh?! It's a controversy over sound, instrumentation, specific song usage, or just personal choice. If we could make honoring God a higher priority than our own preferences, I believe our worship would not only be more meaningful to the One who created it, but also to our Christian community as a whole. Psalm 51:17 says that God will NOT reject sacrifices (of praise) from hearts full of humility and contrition. Instead of standing by and watching the world revolve around the unimportant things, let's guard our hearts and magnify the ALL important One...for without a genuine change of heart, our outward acts of worship are simply meaningless!

Keep Pace With God

As a half-marathon runner, I find one of the hardest things to do is just to keep up the pace. There are times when I feel my chest is going to burst, and I just want to stop and puke! But I understand if I rest, making up the time I lost while stopping will be almost impossible. Therefore, no matter how bad my stomach hurts; no matter how bad I want to stop and "catch my breath"; no matter what other people around me are doing, I keep up my (not someone else's) pace and find that in doing so, I reach the finish line - tired, yes, but fulfilled, stronger, and triumphant!

The following is an excerpt from a familiar book. Maybe this will help shed some light on keeping in pace with God. Please enjoy it and...keep up the pace!

"God is a planner, a strategist. He is incredibly organized and has a definite pace. More like a marathon runner than a sprinter, He has our whole lives in mind, not just tomorrow. Remember God is never late. Never try to hurry God. "He that believeth shall not make haste," the Bible says in Isaiah 28:6. Urgent matters are seldom urgent. Pressure usually accompanies us when we are out of God's pace.

Proverbs 16:9 says, 'We should make plans, counting on God to direct us.' Proverbs 16:3 tells us, 'Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.' Cowards never start, and the lukewarm die along the way. God is the original's hope and the copy's excuse. Is God your hope or your excuse?

Adopt the pace of God; His secret is patience. There is no time lost in waiting if you are waiting on the Lord. The road to success runs uphill, so don't expect to break any speed records. All great achievements require time. Happiness is a direction, not a destination.

Abraham Lincoln, during the darkest hours of the Civil War, said in response to the question whether he was sure God was on his side, 'I do not know: I have not thought about that. But I am very anxious to know whether we are on God's side.'

Walking in the pace of God helps establish us on the proper foundation. Nothing is permanent unless it is built on God's will and God's Word. "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it" (Ps. 127:1).

Every great person first learned how to obey, whom to obey, and when to obey. A famous anonymous poem says, 'The place I choose, or place I shun, my soul is satisfied with none; but when Thy will directs my way, 'tis equal joy to go or stay.'

God has your whole life in mind when He directs you..."

-John Mason, from the book, You're Born An Original Don't Die A Copy

"To Infinity...and Beyond!" by Dan McDonald

A popular children's Disney film starring some of our favorite actors and actresses introduces a super hero action figure who has supposedly come from outer space to rescue the world from its enemy...Zurg. Buzz Lightyear's most famous line is, "To infinity and beyond!" I'd never really stopped to examine the significance of this simple phrase that I have heard dozens of children repeat (even I have used it, while role playing with my boys) - not that it really needs examination. But today as I was thinking about this quip, I asked myself, what does this really mean or stand for? Now, please let me say in advance, I don't want to demean Disney for using such phrases, because I really enjoy a good Disney flick now and again. However, if we're not careful any role model and his/her famous quotes can distract us from the One True Hero - Jesus, and His sayings, the Bible. He (not Buzz) was always in "infinity," (eternity) and He came from "beyond," (heaven) or a place we could never imagine or dream. We as parents/teachers need to watch for clever phrases like these the media or movie industry inundates us with on a daily basis so we can teach our children Biblical truths that they will hold on to their entire lives. Anyway, let's get back to this exclamatory phrase Buzz Lightyear employs throughout the series, Toy Story. First, "to infinity": This obviously infers something endless, vast, or immeasurable. I can only think of eternity or the place where Christ has always existed, a place not bound by time. I have often tried to explain eternity/infinity only to end up with a brain fracture failing to elucidate the implications of an eternal/infinite state. Then, comes the next two words, "and Beyond": This, added to the already inconceivable thought about eternity, ultimately brings the reflecting brain to an abrupt halt! I mean, here's the concept of never-ending, and then, beyond that?! WOW! Well, here's what this phrase made me think of: the only thing that could possibly come close is Christ's return for His bride, and then sweeping us off into the "beyond," wherever that may be and whatever that will consist of - a place far "beyond" what are human eyes can see or hands grasp. So, imagine this, God the Father telling His Son, "It's time! Go get my sons and daughters!" Gabriel blows his trumpet, Jesus parts the clouds and shouts to His children, those in their graves first, "Come with me, to infinity and beyond!" Cool, huh?! Paul said in Thessalonians, "...comfort one another with these words." Well, maybe not these exact words...but the concept was to encourage each other because the Lord would be returning one day! So, let's all say that little phrase out loud and think of Christ...ready, set,..."To Infinity and Beyond!"

"Hello, Is Anyone Home?!"

I remember as a teen delivering newspapers and collecting the money the old fashioned way. I'd go up to a door, knock or ring the door bell. After thinking I'd heard someone, I'd call out, "Is anyone Home?!" Only to be disillusioned knowing I wouldn't get paid from them that week. After getting 5 or 6 "no homes" in a row, I'd often get discouraged, because I knew if I didn't collect the money, I wouldn't get paid. This scenario probably seems quite trivial compared to the situation the Israelites, David and King Saul were all facing in I Sam. 30 and 31. The Philistines were fighting against Israel and King Saul and pressing down "hard" on them. As a matter of fact, it was so bad King Saul saw little hope for his future, and so he fell on his sword, killing himself. His sons, including Jonathan, David's best friend, were already dead. Meanwhile, David and his army were in another part of the country and had just discovered that the Amalekites burned their city to the ground. Their wives and children were gone - the scriptures tell us they were taken captive, but, I'm sure by the way the men reacted, they didn't know that at the time. I Sam. 30:3,4 tells us that David and his men "cried aloud until there was NO strength to cry anymore." Pretty intense, huh? Well, I'm sure at this point David and his men were wondering if their God was anywhere to be found, you know, like "home?" To make matters worse, his men were talking about stoning David! I know we've had "low" points in our lives, and we've felt like we've had it bad, but imagine living in this situation. Talk about "throwing in the towel," this would have been a great time for it! However, although it may have seemed God's presence was no where to be found, the Bible tells us, "BUT David found strength in the Lord his God!" (30:6). David knocked on the door and found God "home," or rather, he realized God had been present the whole time........What about us? When it comes right down to you and me, do we remember how much God loves us and cares for us too much to leave us? If we call out to Him, we need not worry that He won't answer, for our God is ever present. So, you may be facing moments of darkness or insurmountable testing or temptation - turn to the trustworthiness of God's Word where Matthew shares with us, "...if we ask, seek, and knock, we will NOT be ignored," (7:7,8). OK, so what do we do now?...Well, go ahead and knock at the Lord's door, you won't have to scream, "IS ANYONE THERE?!" You'll always fin Him home!

"Get Out of the Nest!" by Dan McDonald

From the time an eagle is an embryo safe inside its egg to the time of its departure from home, the nest provides a place of love, security and freedom. The mother and father, mates for life by the way, nurture and guard their young until they know their baby is safe to take its first flight, usually around 10 - 13 weeks after birth. The eaglet often gets comfortable in the nest and would just stay there and let its parents keep feeding it. But the parents know unless their young (which now is the same size as they are) gets out on its own, it will not survive the brutality of the wild. So when the time comes, the adult eagles fly over the nest, hear their child call for food, but do not provide any for it. The eaglet grows thinner, and often pulls meat scraps from the "old" carcasses lying around in the nest. It may even capture a live bug or two - its first kill! It still does not venture outside the safety of the nest, however. So, many times, the mother will have to come and remove all the "soft" stuff from the nest exposing only sharp sticks making the nest an uncomfortable place to be. Stories have been told of mother eagles actually pushing their young out, forcing them to fly...or fall - not to worry, though; the FATHER is always close by to provide security in case the young is not strong enough on its first few flights. But eventually, usually six to nine weeks after it learns to fly and hunt its own food, the eaglet leaves the nest for good....... Our Father, God Jehovah provides comfortable places for us to live, dwell, learn, serve, exist for a while. Then, when it is time, He gently tells us to "Go. I have more for you to do besides sit, soak, and sour!" Well, we eventually get so comfortable in our little nests (church seats) that we forget about His call. So He must urge us in other ways, sometimes painful, much like the mother eagle and its little fledgling. As Christians we often lack faith on our part to "take flight." But, we must remember that the Father is ALWAYS near watching every move we make...ready to protect, keep, shelter, and help should his little ones need it. Comfort is good, but not at the expense of losing God's very best for us. So, spread those wings and fly - and for heaven's sake, get out of the nest!

In the "Nick of Time" by Dan McDonald

How many times have you heard or seen the phrase, "in the nick of time" in a movie or book, or maybe even experienced it yourself? We live in an extremely fast-paced society that has everything to us speedily...fast food, fast cash, speedy gas, express mail, high-speed internet, prompt service, and the list goes on. However, when these things fail, we often find ourselves in a quandary trying to gasp our next breath, because our pizza was delivered two minutes late, our internet has taken 30 seconds longer to respond, or our mail is a day late. Too many times, we throw up our hands in despair when confronted with these or similar circumstances. Perhaps you have situations in your life right now that tempt you to give up on God: a loved one who continues to reject God's Word; a difficult coworker who shows no sign of change; a child whose behavior takes you to your limits? You tell God, "I need your help, like, yesterday!!" Remember, we have a God who is in complete control and hears His children when they pray and cry out for help. He saves them repeatedly...often, "in the nick of time." Obviously, in God's frame of reference there is no "nick of time." His time is always ON TIME. Unfortunately, since our lives our governed by hours and minutes - even seconds, time is of the essence to us. Consequently, if something doesn't happen according to our "watch" we may often consider God to be late, and we fall into the trap of discouragement or frustration, most times the latter of the two. My mind my goes back to the story of when Saul first becomes the king of Israel, I Samuel 11. Just before he becomes king, the Israelites are confronted with Nahash the leader of the Ammonite army who has besieged Jabesh Gilead and is threatening to annihilate the whole city. The men of the Jabesh Gilead try and make a peace treaty with this tyrant, and in response Nahash gives them one condition, "that all the men pluck out their right eyes so that I can bring disgrace on the whole nation of Israel." Talk about being discouraged or frustrated!! They only have seven days to respond to his request. They scramble, fumble, and almost crumble until...God shows up - you guessed it - "in the nick of time." In short, God's spirit falls upon Saul and gives him the words to say to "encourage" the people to fight with him and allows Israel a huge victory. We could search the scriptures and find a plethora of examples of God's "nick of time" accomplishments. But, we have to remember - God's timing is never late or early it's always on time! So, take these situations that dishearten you and make you think God is not listening...allow Him to work His way, in His time.

To Be A Leader

Today there are many so-called "leaders." But, of those, which ones are TRUE leaders? We've heard that some people are "born" leaders. Well, this is true and consoling; especially if we understand the sovereignty of God. It is God who decides who will be the next leader - Think of the Old Testament and the many Kings Israel "went through." God didn't make a mistake by putting those people in charge...it was a all a part of His plan and purpose for the ages to come. Let's bring it on home to where we are today. God has already chosen who will be the next leader of country! You say, "No way! Dan, you've really gone off the deep end now!" Hang tight, I know this may be really baffling to some. However, remember who is Sovereign?! Now, I'm right there with you every night as we all watch the news and observe how the media pick apart each candidate, speculating who will be the next president and why. I just have to laugh inside as I watch them propose all the reasoning behind their assumptions. Then, I watch as, all of a sudden, something "unexpected" happens - and you know what I'm talking about...the twists and turns of this whole candidacy - and these experts scramble to figure out where they must have gone wrong. We, as Christians, must remember that God is in ultimate control and there are no "mistakes" or "oopsies" in His sovereign will. He uses ordinary men and women, boys and girls like you and me to fulfill His plan. So, don't lose hope when you see things seemingly fall apart. The same God who holds each atom in place is holding the stars, planets, and yes, even this present presidential race in His omniscient hands! I've often thought to myself over the past few months who I'd want to see be our next president from the nominees we have. "None!" is always my first response; however, at this point, "none" is not a viable option. Any and all of these candidates as a future president will only do this country more harm than good because their lives are so consumed with pride, deception and other sins that, I believe, will only desecrate our God-given land even more!...hmmmmm, the last time I checked, my life also had sin in it. And I'm a leader...well, I guess we all have a few options here: we can all just turn a "blind" eye to this whole drama, we can fall into deep despair and believe that even God can't fix this mess, or we can choose II Chronicles 7:14, which pleads, "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." I choose option number 3. Don't turn away or give up hope - Pray and seek His face! Then you also will become the leader God wants YOU to be.

"Fraidy Cat!"

How many times my brother would call me a "fraidy cat" I can't tell you, but I can certainly say there were times in my life when I was truly scared! What are you afraid of today as you sit and read this blog? Is it of heights, dogs, closed in spaces, spiders, or how about the dark?! Are you afraid of failure, losing, the recession we're going through right now, or maybe even dying? Well, whatever your fears may be today I'm here to tell you that there's a God who saves, comforts, and keeps you safe! As a matter of fact there's a passage in the book of Psalms that King David (my favorite Bible character) wrote when he was captured by the Philistines. OK, here's the man who killed their "secret weapon" Goliath, not to mention the thousands of men David and his army had slaughtered. Imagine how the Philistines must have felt after all the damage David had done to their army - what a prize to have this king's head on a "platter"! And put yourself In David's place - Knowing this is probably the end of your life. However, God had other plans for this man, (I Samuel 21, 22). After the Lord had delivered him he praised God and wrote Psalm 56, highlighting verses 3 and 4, "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?" So, here we are discussing the issue of fear. What do you do? Where do you go to find peace and safety? On whom do you call when you're afraid? Let's echo that phrase once again from Psalm 56, "I will not be afraid of what man can do to me!" Again, what are you running from right now that is making your life miserable and, basically, just unbearable? I encourage you to sprint to the arms of Jesus - He WILL rescue you, keep you, and protect you - for He is our Abba Father, (Daddy).

What's Your Worth? by Dan McDonald

If asked whether you could have a penny or a hundred dollar bill, the answer would, more than likely, be quite obvious. Undoudtedly, we would all choose the latter! That's because it's value is so great. Well, when it comes right down to you and me, who is of greater value? From God's frame of reference there is no difference between a penny or hundred dollar bill (he owns it all)- there is no difference between you and me as people (he created us all). However, humanly speaking, we place a higher value on certain people and choose to view others lower. It ought not to be that way - but it just is. More often than not, we blame this sort of thinking on our "flesh" or our human sinful nature. Well, no matter where we choose to place the blame, it is still sin. It doesn't matter what the excuse may be. Jesus was very clear on this issue when He said to love those who use and abuse you; Peter said to be subject even to those who are harsh; and James said not to be nice and respectful to the wealthy while dehumanizing the poor. I've learned in the past few years of ministry how important people really are - from the Pastor all the way to the "pew." We may say we appreciate someone - but how much do we truly value him/her as a person? There are times that I have carelessly hurt people because I've not honored them as I should; even my own family members. If you have ever felt dejected due to someone's words, actions, or lack thereof, that have made you feel worthless, believe me, you're not alone! Just remember our Lord's words in this beautiful passage: Matthew 6:25-30...25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you..." The next time you feel devalued, remember how much you mean to the One who created you - if our Father loves birds and flowers this much imagine how much more He loves you! You are of worth to Him

Storms! by Dan McDonald

Hail, snow, ice, rain, flood, fire, wind, sleet, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, cyclones, thunder, lightning, and many more are words we use to describe nature's storms and disasters. No matter who we are or where we live we have all experienced one or more of these. The Bible tells us that the rain falls on the just and the unjust...no one is exempt from the elements of the atmosphere. The same is true of "spiritual" storms or disasters in our lives. Saved or unsaved everyone will face a valley of despair. The question is, are we prepared? We must first know and understand that God's presence is all over the face of the earth and there is no place I can go where I don't feel it. Therefore, He is aware and even orchestrating the trials I face. This is quite a difficult concept for some to accept - I'm reminded of a song written by Matt and Beth Redman that echo the words of King David and is such a comfort when facing a situation too devastating for me to accept:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
Your perfect love is casting out fear.
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life,
I won't turn back, I know You are near.
And I will fear no evil, for my God is with me.
And if my God is with me, whom then I shall fear?

Oh no, You never let go, through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go, in every high and every low.
Oh no, You never let go, Lord, You never let go of me.

It's wonderful that these words, although not new (Ps. 23), can be repeated over and over as a song of comfort and peace. I can rest assured that my Savior's arms are there to protect and guide me through worst of times and yes, even the best of times!

God's Promises

How many times has someone promised you something, then let you down...I know it happens all the time. It seems like some of us don't care about people's feelings anymore at all. I, for one, fall into that category. I've let down many people, especially those I love. Oh no, not on purpose - or maliciously; however, after all is said and done, what does that matter? I've still broken a promise. Well, I'm here to tell you that God's promises are REAL and NEVER broken. Wow! Finally someone on whom I can depend?! Imagine that. His Word is full of promises...one right after another. As a matter of fact, you can hardly turn one page of the Inspired Scriptures without finding at least two or three per page! Incredible! There are so many I could share; but one in particular comes to mind found in II Thessalonians 3. Have you ever desired to be free from evil influences and wanted to escape the darts of the wicked? Well, here's a special promise just for you (and me), verse 3, "But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one." Search an area of your life that you may need a victory in or maybe just encouragement. Claim His promises, every one of them. Go to the word and then stake that claim my friend. How happy and joyful will be your day, not to mention, your life!

Open or Shut? by Dan McDonald

"Open the door for your little brother!" "Shut the door behind you! Were you raised in a barn?" "You should have opened your mouth if you wanted something!" Why can't you just shut your mouth?!" These are only a few examples of the many mixed signals we're given on a daily basis...and most of the time they're directed to our kids. Is it any wonder they are confused?! Maybe the reason is that we're not sure when to open our mouths or just keep them shut! Proverbs talks a lot about wise men and women knowing when to speak and when to hold their tongues. James is even clearer on the matter. But somehow we just keep missing it! I'm right in there with everyone else. It is sometimes very difficult to hold back the truth especially when we know someone is in the wrong. God tells us that it is His responsibility to care of such matters...oh, yes, sometimes he does use human intervention - but get this: He doesn't need us! He can do a much better job without us sticking our noses into His business. I heard a really neat statement on the radio the other day: "...even in the midst of our deepest darkest storms, God is still in control." Well, the truth is, in EVERYTHING God has control. It doesn't matter if you believe it or not. God said it and that settles it. SO the next time we feel like opening our "traps" let's remember that controlling our speech is an important part of showing our faith to others. The discipline of our words is part of what it means to follow Jesus (James 3:1-12). However; controlling our tongues is impossible without the work of the Holy Spirit. So, when we are tempted to say something we know is not right, let's yield that "muscle" to the Holy Spirit's power, and let Him take control - lest we lose control!

The Price Tag of a Mother by Laurie McDonald

Being a mother of five kids, I find myself scrambling from one event to another, frantically trying to be the chauffeur, cook, home maker and musician that I am called to be at this time. From the earliest A.M. moments (often starting in the middle of the night) until midnight my time is being used for keeping our family knit together in a million different ways. On occasional days, when no one is hurt and meaningful conversation takes place around the dinner table I feel so worth while and find delight in striving to be a Proverbs 31 woman (thinking it IS possible for my children to one day call me “blessed”). Other times, far too often, I find myself wanting to just forget about even trying to be a good mom. The noise level is inwardly provoking my stress level to go higher and lose control. Between the sicknesses and injuries, not to mention the deliberate disobedience, I’m not sure what the best response should be - should I feel pity or anger? Frustration usually sums it up right around bedtime when I’m suppose to be having these sweet moments with my children while tucking them in at night. I’m not sure how my children view me as a mother now, but I bribe myself that it’s worth it all because eventually they will understand my sacrifices and will grow up to be responsible and wise adults that God intends for them to become. In this modern, self-indulgent era that we find ourselves a part of, it’s fearful to consider what type of sin Satan will use to try to ensnare them. My prayer goes out to my children to make wise choices. I know how easy it would have been for me to make a mess of my life, thanks be to God for preserving me from the consequences of making wrong choices. I find myself trying to glean as much wise council as I can put to practice from woman who I look to as being successful mothers. (one’s whose children have amounted to something for the Lord). This is my desire and as the circle of life plays on I want to be able to share the wisdom that comes from God's word, having applied it to my own life, in hopes of giving encouragement to younger mothers. This Mother's Day, even though I know it will be hectic, I’m choosing to remember that the cost of motherhood will one day be repaid.

All the Things I Know

In this day of technology, there are so many things we know how to do, yet so much more we need to know. When it comes to "our" areas of expertise, we "really" know our stuff. But when it is all said and done, what of this is essential and pertinent in my life right now? I would venture to say that most of us do not know God as we should - the essential element of life. At Messiah College a few nights ago, Senators Obama and Clinton were asked some pointed questions about faith and religion. Although their rhetoric may have "seemed" eloquent, we who know Christ, could easily see how their answers skirted around the truth and actually fell way short of displaying a knowledge of the One true God. Sadly, our country which was founded on the One True God and His precepts, is run by a bunch of people who claim to know, but have NOT the knowledge of Christ. Let's not be so hasty to judge, though. I'm reminded of three passages (there are many more) which speak specifically about knowing Him. Ps. 9:10, "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You." Jer. 9:24, "'But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,' says the LORD." Phil. 3:10, "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death." Believe me, I don't think for one moment that I have "arrived" and feel that I know God, JEHOVAH as I ought. However; I strive on a daily basis to do what Paul was yearning for in his own life while he was suffering horribly in prison and under great persecution, "I want to know Christ!" Let's each of us ask a question of ourselves, "Do I really want to know Him?" Steve Green once wrote and recorded a song that goes like this:

Oh, I want to know You more!
Deep within my soul I want to know You,
Oh, I want to know You.
To feel Your Heart and know Your Mind,
looking in Your eyes stirs up within me,
cries that says I want to know You
Oh, I want to know You more.
Oh, I want to know You more.

How often do we find ourselves looking into the eyes of Jesus pleading with Him, "Oh, how I want to know You more!"?....Well, you can do that today, right now and get to know who Jesus really is.

Vanishing Before Our Very Eyes - By Dan McDonald

James 4:13-17 tells us how short our lives are, and he compares them to "a vapor." We see the mist for mere seconds, then it vanishes before our eyes! Our lives are given to us for a few years...then we're gone. J.I. Packer once wrote, "we are all children of our age, and the spirit of OUR age is a spirit of tearing hurry. And it is a pragmatic spirit; it is a spirit that demands quick results." God has made us stewards over our lives. A day of reckoning will come when God will check up on us and evaluate our management skills. I think what happens so many times is that we tend to have the attitude James was talking about in verse 13 of chapter 4: "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit." He goes on to say/ask how can you even make such decisions when you don't know whether you'll be here tomorrow or not? This is not to say we aren't to set goals - God is very clear on "counting the cost," Prov. 4:26: "ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established." However, the problem comes when we tend to fall in love with an ability to maximize resources, instead of remembering that the point of stewardship is NOT productivity but accountability. In other words, we are not to do more "maximizing" until we have been faithful and productive with what God has given to us at this very moment. Businesses often fall apart because their visions become so great, yet they fail to manage, take care of, nurture, etc. what's right in front of them. This can apply to all areas of life: our families, friends, and yes, even our fellowships (our churches). Let's be prudent with what God has given to us right now - at this very moment before it vanishes...then if the Lord wills or God willing when we have appropriately managed what He has given, "go to such and such a city...and make a profit."

I Will Never Leave You!

by Dan McDonald..."My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” John 10:27-30. This is one of the most awesome passages in the Bible dealing with our security in Christ, a truth with which so many Christians struggle today. I vividly remember as a teen battling with the thoughts about NOT being be saved because my life didn't reflect one of Christ-likeness, but rather one of an "unsaved" person. Therefore, because of my "works" I didn't think I was a child of God. As a result, I constantly prayed the "sinner's prayer" probably to the tune of a thousand times throughout my high school years. Oh, I had made a profession earlier on in my life and believed on Jesus as the scriptures teach - but I just didn't "feel" saved at this time in my life. Not until my mid to late 20's did I realize the significance of the afore mentioned words of Christ, "No one is able to snatch or steal you from My hand or My Father's hand because We are one." A few misleading sayings like: "You didn't truly believe," "You really didn't mean it," "By your fruits you will know them," "A true Christian would NEVER do anything like that," and many more dispiriting idioms we commonly hear based soley on WORKS, led to my doubting of Christ's one-time work in my life. However; Bible verses such as Titus 3:5 "Not by works of righteousness..." Eph. 2:9 "Not of works, lest anyone should boast." and Rom. 10:9 "If you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved," are all clear on what constitutes a believer. All those years of doubt, discouragement and reckless abandon because of a distorted view of salvation made me quite an insecure individual! Needless!...How about you? Are there days you don't quite "feel" saved because of some comment someone has made about you, or because of some work or deed you've done or participated in that you know was inappropriate? We are ALL sinners saved by our Savior's wonderful grace (undeserved favor). If you have believed on the name of the Lord, whatever age you were, as the scriptures so clearly teach, you ARE saved! Now, go away from where you are with this renewed hope, faith and vision - Your Father will NEVER leave you or disown you!

I Wanna Be Ready! by Dan McDonald

The words of an 80's gospel song go like this: "When the time comes, I want Him to know me. When the time comes, I want to be there; and when the time comes I want to be ready, when Jesus comes to take me home." I hear these same words echoed through out the New Testament as Christ addresses His disciples about this same truth. He tells them to be in a state of watchfulness for the Lord's coming, for they do not know the time or day He will come back. Are we like them? I mean, are we so caught up in the things of this world that our hearts' desires are wrapped around what can make us happy? Or are we looking toward heaven, Jesus and the Kingdom? (Matt. 6:33) The Bible tells us in Luke 12:34 that where your treasure is, there your heart will be as well. I don't know about you, but sometimes I find that I struggle daily with "setting my affection/desire/deep longings on things above" (Col. 3:2). Let's not get so busy multi-tasking and filling our agendas/appointment books/things-to-do lists with what we call "important" things, when in actuality they are non-essentials. As Scott Krippaine sings, "The main thing is to keep the MAIN THING the main THING"; Jesus! Let's rehearse once again those words of the 80's song I began with: "When the time comes, I want Him to know me. When the time comes, I want to be there; and when the time comes I want to be ready, when Jesus comes to take me home."

Can You Forgive?

by Dan McDonald...The concept of forgiveness seems to be often overlooked. Jesus was pretty straight-forward when 'forgiving others' was the issue at hand. Let's take a look at children; this is exactly what Jesus did. He said that unless we humble ourselves as "these precious little ones, we will not enter the Kingdom" (rest). Examine the innocence of children and how they trust and forgive readily...unfortunately many of them reach a certain age and and this virtuousness seems to vanish, and they can be downright mean, sometimes! We can blame it on anything we want; however, when the truth 'be told,' these blameless children are just mere reflections of those who've raised them. Let's take a retrospective look at our own lives and make sure we are holding nothing against another person. For, in Matthew 18, the Lord shares a poignant parable about someone who didn't forgive. His punishment was quite cruel and rather tortuous(verses 21 - 34). Verse 35 of that chapter says this: "So my heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does NOT forgive his brother (or sister) his trespasses.".....On a positive note, let's forgive and love one another as the Lord has loved and forgiven us.

It's Just a "Little Thing!"

by Dan McDonald...Many of us have heard or even used the above saying many times before; However, have we ever taken the time to evaluate the implications of such "a little thing"? The Bible tells us in Matthew 10 about some things that really matter, and that there are specific consequences and rewards for those who do those "things." Yes, Christ is speaking to the 12 disciples whom He has just called, yet we as believers can also take these same truths and apply them to our lives as well. He calls them to take the good news of the Kingdom to everyone they meet. "If they accept it give them your peace, if they don't, keep your peace with you." Notice Christ doesn't say to curse them, gossip about them, talk about them maliciously, or even turn a proud nose up to them. He goes on to say later in the chapter, that if we just give a cup of water to one of His own, that man will "certainly not lose his reward." I guess the converse might be true as well; if we hold something back from or offend one of His own - even if it may only seem a "little thing" - that man will certainly lose his reward. I know one BIG thing is I do not want to lose my reward, and I believe if we admit it, we would all rather hold onto our rewards that Christ has for us. Next time you think, "Aw, it's just a little thing," think about this passage of scripture and what the Lord taught his disciples....and us about our actions and words. I leave you with this verse: II Corinthians 5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."

What is True Worship?

Many people believe worship is singing some songs on Sunday morning or evening. Some people think if they lift their hands, blurt out in unknown tongues, or fall to their knees crying, they've worshiped. Paul tells us in Romans 12:1 that when we have presented our bodies as holy, set-apart, living sacrifices to Jesus, we have completed a spiritual act of worship. Notice, I said "a" spiritual act of worship. This MUST be done on a regular, daily basis to be complete. Imagine our corporate worship on the first day of the week if we have spent 6 other days worshipping like this?!

The joy of worship

by Dan McDonald --

Many people believe worship is singing some songs on Sunday morning or evening. Some people think if they lift their hands, blurt out in unknown tongues, or fall to their knees crying, they've worshiped. Paul tells us in Romans 12:1 that when we have presented our bodies as holy, set-apart, living sacrifices to Jesus, we have completed a spiritual act of worship. Notice, I said "a" spiritual act of worship. This MUST be done on a regular, daily basis to be complete. Imagine our corporate worship on the first day of the week if we have spent 6 other days worshipping like this?!

Dan McDonald's weekly insight

Dan McDonald ministry includes that of Magnification and Mission Pastor at Indianapolis Baptist Temple. Dan will be posting insightful commentary each week.