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.