Bethel Blog

New Fast

2012-02-02T15:53:00.000-08:00

So, I finished my previous juice fast over a week ago. The first few days off of it, I ate pretty dang good. I felt myself getting a little sloppy the last few days. I was starting to feel like I could potentially fall back into old habits. So, I decided I would go ahead and do a three day juice fast again. In fact, I am wanting to fast the first three days of each month. I am currently in day 2, and I feel pretty good. It is actually much easier this time around. This time however, I am adding a bit more of a spiritual component. My heart is thinking and praying about the AIDS sufferers and those laboring to stop this pandemic. There is something special about giving up food and tying it with connecting with others.

Onto a Healthy Lifestyle

2012-01-26T11:35:00.001-08:00

So, I went 6 days with nothing but juice. I made it another 4 days without dairy or meat. Things are so much different now. I honestly believe, and also know it would be easy to slip back into, the idol of food is being decimated. I had a piece of pizza the other day and only had one piece! Can you believe that? One piece and I was good to go. I had vegetarian chili last night that I really was looking forward to eating. Yesterday and today I have had fresh squeezed juice for breakfast and a salad for lunch. The most I have indulged is that I have had a medium bowl of ice cream the last two nights. This is crazy! Who am I?
I am nine pounds lighter and quite honestly think differently. This has been an interesting experience. Only time will tell if I truly slaughtered these idols or if so still live on.

Day 6: Juice Fast

2012-01-20T08:44:00.000-08:00

So, last night as I came home I wanted to watch some television. Everyone had gone to bed and I began looking for a documentary on my Netflix that somebody recommended called "Fork over Knife". Extremely fascinating and very informative. Now normally I would have chosen to shut the documentary off and gone on to something else, but just watching a show about food made me feel good.
Essentially, the gist of the documentary was following two doctors research and journey against the medical community that diet can reduce risk of cancer, heart disease, and all that stuff. Their hypothesis is that societies that rely less on meats and dairy have lower risks of cancer and other illnesses. Essentially, those who consume less than 5% of dairy or meat in their daily diet are much healthier. I know this should not be shocking to me, but I never listened with an open mind when it came to my food. It's something I have that is technically not bad and I ain't ever giving it up! However, my desire to consume anything that I get to chew at this point made my listen to what was said. I feel so healthy and clean just from the juice fast that I legitimately don't want to lose the effects, but I want to enjoy food again. So how do I do this?
Make fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds as my primary source of nutrients. Eat as big a portion as I want just keep it to fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Have one or two servings of rice, whole wheat noodles, or whole wheat pasta a day. Keep meats and dairy to only 2-3 servings a week. So the question would be... But you need protein to live! The answer, if I eat enough plants, nuts, and seeds I get plenty of protein. But you need calcium from dairy! Again, calcium is found in many products. I am going to try almond milk which has less fat, doesn't come from an animal, and oh yeah... has way more calcium than milk.
Am I becoming crazy! Perhaps, after all I have been deprived of food for six days. Food has controlled me for so long, I don't want it to anymore, but I also want to enjoy food the way I see people enjoying it in Scripture. So, moral of the story, our family is going to regulate what we eat and attempt not to throw our food ideals on others. I know how annoying that can be, but in all seriousness...
If I can avoid heart problems with a healthy diet, isn't that God pre-healing me from a disease I would beg him to heal me of? If I can avoid some forms of cancer with a healthy diet, isn't that God pre-healing me from the pain that goes with devastating news in a doctor's office? I am twenty-nine years old in the prime of my life and I am walking around with 40-50 extra pounds of fat on me, skin problems, and irregular sleep patterns. Wouldn't I be crazy for not trying the system that God gave us in the garden those thousands of years ago? I am a Son of God, so why don't I eat the same stuff my relatives Adam and Eve ate in the garden all those years ago?
Food for thought!

Juicing Fast: Day 5

2012-01-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

Well, I have made it to day 5 on my juice fast. My wife switched to eating whole fruits and vegetables after day 2. She wasn't responding well and needed to not have this be an issue. So, it is just me now. I miss chewing and hot stuff. I attempted to make a juice of tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spinach last night. I then warmed it up on the stove, but ended up putting salt into it to make the taste easier. I didn't each much. It is weird that I miss food so much even though I am technically not starving. I mean I get nutrients, but it is hard to switch the brain to thinking about food as a way to fuel one's body rather than a meal I must have to make my day better.
That's the reality. I literally depend on food to make my life more enjoyable. If I have a bad day, I want to go eat out and gorge. If I have a great day, I want to go out and gorge. If I have a normal day, why not spice it up with a trip and gorging. My happiness is far too dependent on food. The truth is... The Lord is the one who keeps me going, not food. I wonder how many other things I rely on to medicate my life.

Juicing Fast

2012-01-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

So, I thought it would be fun to journey in this blog about the current juice fast our family is on. Don't worry it is just me and my wife, we did not include our daughter on this one. We are not fasting for religious reasons, however this can't help but be a spiritual exercise because we are denying our bodies. So here is how this gets started...
We saw a documentary about the benefits of a juice cleanse for 10 days. Essentially, what you do is buy all the fruits and vegetables you can get your hands on and juice it. You only drink fruits and vegetables for 10 days. Your body processes the drink easily because there is little to digest, but you get all the nutrients as well. It's like you give your body a break and clean it all out. The hope is that a 10 day change in this lifestyle will lead to a change in the eating lifestyle after it is all over. Many people have done this and have significantly benefited from it.
Now, on to the spiritual part... I am pretty sure that food is an idol in our culture, at least an idol to me. I was watching a football game and the majority of commercials were for fast food and beer. Obesity in this country is so incredibly high. We have a problem, we love food, but I would argue that it is tied to some emotional wounding from the past.
This is how I know I have a problem... I love pizza, seriously I do. I cannot eat just one piece; it is the one food I horde; I spent most of my money growing up on ordering pizza. Pizza signifies happiness for me because we ate pizza when we celebrated and when times were good. I would eat pizza every day of my life if I was allowed to or people wouldn't notice. I will not stop eating pizza for the benefit of my health... and that's when you know there is a problem.
Many times we look forward to our meals each day and that is ok sometimes, but not for every moment. I am 29 years old, overweight, and frustrated that I just eat way too much food. I need to change, not just for my health, but because I don't feel I have the self-control on this issue.
So far Amanda and I have made it through one day of juicing. The first day was a little rough (not a big fan of juiced vegetables). We both relaxed and indulged in television and napping. We were extremely tempted by the pizza our kids at the church event were partaking of. It smelled delicious, but that is all we did. I personally don't feel that hungry, but my taste buds desperately want something other than liquid.
We'll let you know how it goes tomorrow...

Exercising for the right reasons

2011-11-29T04:45:00.000-08:00

Well, November has hit (and is almost gone). Invariably, my genetic makeup places this time of year as the time to improve on my habits. I become more conscience about what I eat, how I should exercise, and avoidance of my many American vices (i.e. television, sports, and consumerism). The bug has hit me harder this year because I skipped the bug altogether last November. It is actually a good time to get hit by it, because January is absolutely awful with all those people crowding the gym in hopes of actually keeping a New Years Resolution. I am attempting to make this year different. One key thing dawned on me as I summoned the courage to do things differently... I always attempt to become healthier, in better shape, and better looking out of my own brokenness. I want to change so people will like me better and somehow making these changes will confirm that I am not a pathetic loser. Its as if I would be saying to the world, "See... I told you I was worth something, I'm not a loser!"
How messed up is that? Especially since my mantra to every believer I come into contact with is... You are a friend not a slave. You are a son not an orphan. You are the Temple of the very Spirit of God. His love is not dependent on what you do, he simply loves!
After many conversations, sermons, and research I am attempting to really believe everything that has been said. Thus, I am looking to become more fit and take better care of my body, not out of my brokenness, but because I want to grow closer to Jesus. That's right! This is relational. I am not looking for the "easy" way to exercise or a "cheating" way to eat. I am looking for the right way, not to earn anything but to enjoy the free choice given to me by Jesus. I am looking to enjoy the beauty of true discipline and the joy of achieving goals. I am looking forward to the payoff not because other people will accept me more, but because I get to partner with Jesus to radically transform my life.

Suffering

2011-11-15T07:27:00.000-08:00

Americans don't suffer well. For the most part, we have access to food, shelter, and clothing. We have opportunities to pick what jobs we want and many of our decisions revolve around whether or not we are going to sign up for 120 channels or 260 channels. We have the ability to travel thousands of miles in just a few hours. We have global communications at our fingertips. If you make $25,000 a year, then you are richer than 90% of the world. We have been incredibly blessed to not suffer like so many in the world, but that does not exclude us from suffering. As a believer, we are told to share in sufferings with Jesus. These aren't normal life sufferings, this is a suffering that directly stems from our relationship with Jesus.
So how do we suffer for Jesus in a country that has religious freedom and the ability to isolate ourselves with those who think just like us? Very simply we go to the command of Jesus to love each other just as he loved us. And greater love is this... that we lay down our lives for each other. The law of love governs us to step into the rejection, messiness, and painful areas of relationship. When we love like we are suppose to it will lead many times to pain, but it will also lead to a greater freedom. How do you suffer for Christ? Pick a fight with an atheist? Nope. Just love as Jesus loved and suffering will be a natural byproduct. Sounds scary, but there is rejoicing that happens in suffering. Will you suffer as Jesus suffered because he loved so well?

Rest

2011-10-31T05:40:00.000-07:00

Work ethic is important. We must be willing to work hard, work with excellence, and never quit a job too early. Particularly this is true when we speak work involving the Kingdom of God. When you look out and you see all the people in the world suffering from lack of need with food, shelter, clothes, and medicine... When you look at the large giants that oppress many such as those suffering from the AIDS pandemic in Africa and the sex-trafficking that takes place all over the world... When you observe all the people groups that have yet to hear the good news... When you look at the spiritual oppression masked by material wealth in this country... When you zoom the lens and see all the people in front of you that our sick physically, hurting spiritually, and desperately want to taste life... When you observe the people in your own household that need to be cared for and loved... When you look in the mirror and see the pain a fallen world has set upon you... Then you begin to feel extremely overwhelmed.

I think for many of us, we are able to plow through for awhile, but at some point we simply need to rest. The reality is most of these problems are not going to get solved over night. Eventually, and this is true even with proper amount of time spent in prayer and listening, we need to take time to rest from the work of the Kingdom. God established a day of rest for us and even established festivals throughout the year that promoted extended periods of rest. To continue working nonstop promotes burn out and a failure to encourage those around us effectively.

So, I say to you today if you are weary and burdened, perhaps it is time for some extended rest. Rest in Jesus

A Personal Story...

2011-10-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

I begin this blog post by telling you that this is just as the title would lead you to believe: this is a personal story. It is not some deep theological dive into some topic I have chosen to rant about this week nor is it some uplifting devotion I have concockted to make you feel better about your own situation. It may do a number of things, however, it is simply a story I share with you. So, now that we have the formalities out of the way, here we go...

In the summer of 2001, I was an 18 year old young man with the world at my feet. That is, until that world got pulled out from underneath me. I lost a major portion of my sight that summer, bringing my life to an abrupt halt. It was like when you are driving just a little too fast and you have to slam on the brakes to barely make the red light. Well, in my case, I slammed, but didn't make the light. Over the last ten years, I have gone through many ups and downs in my struggle with being a blind person. It is still hard today to even type those words-"blind person". But, that is what I am. I am blind. I may not love it nor speak it over my life as a curse, but it is the truth that stares me in the face every morning. I have always done my best to keep an open mind with God and told myself cheesy things such as "God has a plan for this" or "God will get glory in my distress". True? Maybe, but not very helpful in the dark times.

Until recently, I never really struggled with the thought of God healing me. I thought it was His timing so I would leave it up to Him. But, (and here is where the personal part comes in) just the other day, I heard a voice that I wasn't very familiar with. A voice that seemed to echo in my head. A voice that screamed at me and hit me like firey darts. What did the voice say? "God has failed you. You will never trust God until you are healed. And you will NEVER be healed because God has failed you." Strong words, huh? It made me scared to hear this, because I thought to myself, "What if that is true?" I mean, what if I couldn't ever fully trust my all knowing, all loving Father? Scarey stuff.

So, what did I do? Well, I did what I have been told to do over this last year or so. I told my brothers. I have an awesome group of guys that I meet with each week that I sahre my life with. I immediately shared what I had heared and felt. That shared life with me and gave me some advice. Then, I shared with my brother Jaman. (Not Bro. Jaman, my brother whose name is Jaman. Just don't want to get that confused...) He and I entred into the realm of the Father and really had a breakthrough that basically ended up with Him giving me hope. What better thing to have when you can't trust then hope? It was very powerful and I consistantly go back to that picture now to remind myself of the love the Father has for me.

What does this have to do with you? Well, like I started with, this is personal story. Take from it what you want. Is it a lesson about trusting God? Maybe a devotion of why sharing our sorrows with each is important? Is it a time to reflect on your own stuff? Answer: D. All of the above. If nothing else, take a moment to thank God for His love and truestworthyness. He is faithful, we simply must believe.

Father--thanks for loving me and all those that read this. You are awesoe...Amen.

Festival of the Blowing of the Trumpets

2011-09-25T22:20:00.000-07:00

This week Jewish people will celebrate Rosh Hashana, which means "head of year". It's like the Jewish New Year. The holiday is based off the Scriptures referring to the Festival of the Blowing of the Trumpets (Leviticus 23, Numbers 29). Not much is said about it, but trumpets and/or shofars were major parts of the Hebrew culture. One main point I will share from the Bethel celebration...

When the trumpets blow are you inside the walls or outside the walls? Does the trumpet excite your soul or scare the poo out of you?

Secret Place

2011-09-10T13:02:00.001-07:00

Have you ever met my wife? One the surface, you could attribute many things to her. She is a mother and a very good mother at that. She is a devoted wife. She is a daughter and she is also a sister. She is a nurse and is good with technical writing. She is a pastor's wife, teacher of adults and children, and helps organize so many of the activities at Bethel. She enjoys superhero movies, reading books, and candy. She has Irish and Jewish ancestry. I could go on with a bunch of other facts that many people may not know about her. Strangers would not know these things about her. Close friends and family probably would. However, none of them know her like I know her. I have been intimate with her in the secret place and believe me that goes far beyond the basic idea of sex. I know her and she knows me in ways that nobody else ever will know us.
God desires this same thing with us and this only becomes possible in the secret place. There are some who know very little about Him. There are others that are relatively close to Him and know much about Him. Then, there are others who go into the secret place and experience Him on the deepest of levels. This is the place we should strive to go. Enough with reciting facts about the Bible and ideas about God. Show me a person who knows God and I guarantee they are in the secret place regularly. Are you in the secret place?

Pain Sucks

2011-08-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

I recently heard from one of my friends about a tragedy that happened. One of her close friends (that I am not really connected with on a personal level) lost her husband in a car accident a couple of days ago. He had three children and his wife that he left behind. This was, of course, very unexpected and a shock to all involved. Before I continue, please allow me to say that I cannot imagine the pain she is in and we are praying for her in this situation. God's love reaches into the dark spots in our hearts and brings comfort, but this is a rough time for anyone who would go through this.

As I think about this, I realize that many of us go through tragedy in life. From the death of someone very close to us to loss of a job to many other things that affect on such a core level. In our culture, we are designed to "bounce back" very quickly. Have a funeral, take a couple of bereavement days and then back into life. However, our souls do not work that way. It is like a chunk has been torn off and expect to heal in a day or two. It would be like if our arm was ripped off and was expected to put it back on, slap a couple of staples on there and go back to regular use in a couple of days. Seems absurd, doesn't it? But that is basically what we are required to do. It is no wonder that we have the highest rates of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome in the world. We don't know how to hurt and grieve!

Pain sucks, therefore we do our best to avoid it. No big surprise there, but what are the effects of this? What happens when we simply get busy doing things instead of sitting and feeling the hurt that our heart is going through. In this person's case, she could easily get caught up in arrangements, meals, planning for what to do now, and so forth. Instead, what would it look like to simply...hurt? Do we even know? And, if she did that, would she be labeled as "Not dealing well with it" or "Having a rougher time then expected"? What a sad stae of affairs when we are put down for allowing our hearts to feel the pain that is there instead of masking it with work, only to have a breakdown at some point int he future. Let me see if I can give you a couple of ideas for these situations:

1. FEEL. We do our best not to feel pain in our lives. If it hurts, don't do it. If it hurts, don't feel it. But, we miss out on so much when we do this. I encourage you to feel the pain and suffering that is involved in life. Christ did not avoid the pain and suffering that went with his sacrifice for us. Even in the garden as he prayed, he sweat drops of blood from the great pain he was in. We are called to share in his suffereings, so don't simply avoid the hurt...feel it.

2. FACE. Face the things and questions that are giong on in your life. "Why did God allow my husband to die?" or "What am I supposed to do now?" are hard questions to answer, so we don't face them at all. We put our blinders on and pretend all is well. The hurt, anger and frustration are bottled up and placed on a shelf for later. But you never go back to that bottle until it falls off the shelf and explodes. Face the pain...it won't kil you. It might feel like it at first, but it won't.

3. GO TO GOD. We often times know that God is there, but never go to him as a source of comfort or hope. We run to many other things to seek out the rescue we desire. But, if he is truly our source, , he will be the one to provide what we need. It might not be a quick fix, but that is not what we need anyway. A bandaid only covers the surface. If we have a internal wound, no bandaid will heal us. Only the Blood that was hed for us. Let Him heal us. That's what he does...

I pray these words give you support and encouragement. God is here for you, in the good and the bad. Let him do what he does best. Allow the pain to hurt and allow the Master to heal.

Jealous

2011-08-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

I was taking a jog through the neighborhood today. I'd been going hard for about 2 miles and then I felt like I needed to stop. Partially because I was tired and because I needed to have a good conversation with God. He began to speak to me and there was one major thing that stood out from our conversation. "I am jealous for you, Jaman. I am not jealous for your ministry."
I pondered that for quite some time. Pastors have been known to use working in the ministry as an excuse for legitimate relationship. If your busy serving the master, serving his creation, pouring blood and sweat, then somehow that is relationship. This is simply not true. I am guilty of this. I am a doer and as such feel much more adequate doing, then spending quality time with him. Is doing important? Yes. Is spending quality time with him more important? Yes. So, I have been blowing that; I repent; and I spend more time with him.
Secondly, it improves the quality of work that I do. God is jealous for me and he is jealous for you too. He is not jealous for the ministry that does the work to help the people know that He is jealous for them, he is simply jealous for them. (Good luck figuring that sentence out). He delights in you and is jealous for you!

Kingdom Conversation-Community

2011-06-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

Church...What's the point?

2011-05-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

I recently heard someone make the comment that they "Don't go to church for the people." Granted, I was not the one who was involved in this conversation, so I don't know the context, but this statement really bugged me. "I don't go to church for the people...". Well, then that begs the obvious question, "Why do you go to church?" Since I was not there to ask this person that question, let's digress and see if we can't figure out why we do go to church...

First of all, let's clear something up right off the bat. The term "Church" has become synonymous with large buildings, professionally done services and events that are meant to draw you in to a certain brand of people. Most of the time, if you ask somebody to describe "church", they will talking about getting up Sunday morning, dressing up and going to a bulding that they don't see but once or maybe twice a week. They talk to people they only see at this building and sing songs they only get an emotional connection to in this building. They act a certain way, dress a certain way, look a certain way and say and do certain things to "go to church". So, is this "church"? Answer: NO! The church is not the building, service, event or club. It is the people that attend all of these tings. Wait...people? Are you saying the church is the people? What a revolutionary idea! I know, right?

Ok, so we have defined "church" as the people, not the place. So, to say "I don't go to church for the people" is a condridiction within itself. We say things like "have church" or "go to church", but what we really need to understand is that we are "part" of the church. Not a single location on Main St. that meets every Sunday and Wednesday. But, part of the greater body of Christ. Yes, I do believe it is important to belong to a...what we call a "local body"....for community reasons. Don't worry, I will save the commninity discussion for later...But, if we do not understand that being part of the church is much more then going to a place to worship God. If that is the only reason we go, we should simply stay home and watch some good 'ole Christian television. If we truly believe we only show up at a certain building each week is to "worship God", we need to check our values. Actually, that gets into a whole other discussion about "What is worship to God"...wow, what a huge topic I have opened up...I am not sure I can finish this in one blog....

Ok, let's just make a point for this blog and continue this next time. Generalized statements like "I don't go to church for the people" drive me crazy! If you take people out of the church, what do you have? Nothing. Church=People...People=Church. Church is not pews, bulletins, offerings, songs, sermons and so forth. Those are all things that have become known as "church things", but the bottom line is church is the people. Oh, did I mention that people is what the church is? Just checking....

So, I want you to know that while my calling to be "part of A church" has different elements in it, such as being connected in a community, my calling to be "part of THE church" came when I accepted Jesus into my life as Father, Friend and Savior. As we end this blog, ask yourself that quesion: "Why do I go to church?" How much of a role do the people play in your answer? If it is low, check out why.

Thank you Father for the chance to be part of your people--to be a member of your church. It is an awesome privilege...

PD

Just Relax...

2011-05-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

An audio blog discussing how important it is to relax in the midst of our hustle and bustle lifestyles.

I know how you feel...

2011-05-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

It has been nearly a decade ago since I lost my sight. It was in 2001, which was a bad year for me and for our country. Over these past nearly 10 years, I have heard many people say many thing to "bring me comfort". I put those words in italics, because they rarely do. I mean, come on, you have probably heard them all as well: "All things work together for the good...", "Let go and let God", "God has a plan...", and a really good one is always "God needs to be blind to receive glory". Now, in all of these, I do think their heart is in the right place, but by the time it reaches their mouth it just comes off...well...kinda jerk-like! Not that these aren't true (well, except that whole "needing to be blind to gain glory" one), but they are just words. However, the one that strikes me the most is the classic "I know how you feel". Really? That's what your going with? One quick question: Are you blind? Oh, you're not? So then, you have no idea how I feel, right? Ok then. Now, as you can tell, this hasn't made me bitter or anything...lol...But, seriously, think about that statement. I know how you feel...

I have really pondered that in the last few months of my life. Do we know how people feel? Actually, the better question is do we WANT to know how people feel? Some would say sure...as long as it doesn't interfere with my own life. Sounds selfish, yes, but how many of us say that same thing in actions. When we have to go out of our own way to assist someone and it bugs us. I mean, we can't say it does because then we would look like jerks, but nonetheless, it does. I think if we were honst, we would say it outloud. "Your problem doesn't bother me...until it affects me directly." Wow, bold statement, huh? But, many of us would be honst if we said that right now.

So, if we WANT to know how people truly feel, how do we do that? Let's say there is a person who loses a child. Now, I have never gone through that tragedy and pray God watches over my children everyday, so does that mean I cannot relate to this person? On the contrary. Let's look at it from a core standpoint: This person has had something stolen from them that they did not freely give up. When I lost my sight, I went trhgouh something similar. My sight was stolen from me. I did not freely give it up. It felt very powerless and like I had no control over my own life. Sounds like familar feelings to the person who lost a child. Now, in saying this, please don't misunderstand me. I would never walk into their home and say, "I lost my sight, so I know exactly how you feel." Talk is cheap. I would never bring them comfort by telling them all of my problems. But, if I sit and truly reflect on my own loss, I can share in theirs. Doesn't mean I totally "get it" but it doesn help me draw closer to them in their time of need.

God has a plan for our lives. We don't always understand it (most time we don't), but His love and grace guide us and direct us. Remember, Christ's death was part of the plan. All the things we go through are not simply for our suffering. They are, on a basic level, to bring us closer to Jesus and, if we can weed through it all, to bring us closer to each other. We are not here to fix everyone's problems--just to be a part of them. Don't think you have nothing to offer someone. Your life is a testimony to God's goodness. So, if you do want to feel how someone else feels, search your heart. And, if you have nothing to relate it to, go to God. It says He has been touched with infirmity of us, so He truly knows how it feels and that is the best news of all.

"Love them like Jesus, carry them to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don't need the answers, to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus..." -Casting Crowns

PD

Easter...What's it all about?

2011-04-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

I heard a story once of man. A man who loved everyone around him. This man loved people so much, he did his best to end their sufferings. He halped them walk, talk, hear, see and live again. He never asked for an offering, a donation a position or a title in a church. Actually, he never had a bed to lay in. Well, after a while, his "love" began to worry some people. Maybe it scared them or maybe they had their own heart issues. No matter the case, they knew something must be done. Now at this point, you may ask yourself, "Why would they want to stop a man who was doing so much good? Why would they want to stop the flow of love that he was handing out?" Good questions. But, understand, there were "greater forces" at work here. Anyway, They hatched a plan to get this man "taken out". In all actuality, it was the "mob hit" of their day. Through a course of events, he was arrest, illegally tried, convicted of nothing basically and sentenced to die on a cross. That sentenced was carried out, he did die on that cross and was buried in a tomb and sealed with a stone.

Now, This story seems so basic and clear cut. But, you are missing two thing. The fist is the ending. Yes, that man did die. However, on the third day, he rose from the dead! Yes, that's what I said...ROSE FROM THE DEAD!! He appeared to people after that and fellowshipped with them. Now, the second thing you are missing is all the stuff that is between the lines. More then just the story and words, but what is most impactful...well, for me anyway.

I watched part of "Passion of the Christ" the other night. In the midst of the gore and violence, I saw something. While being beaten, mocked, spit upon, taunted, whipped and all other manner of foul things, Jesus never responded. He didn't cuss at them. He didn't "flip them the bird". He didn't even give them a dirty look. Actually, the only response he had for them was to pray for God the forgive them. What a man. What a Savior. He had all the power in teh world to destroy these men on the spot and yet, did nothing. Basically, these men beat him and beat him and everytime they hit him, he would say, "I Love You". Can you imagine? Beating someone so hard and them telling you that they love you? How could he have done that? Why did he not tell them that they would "get theirs" someday? I mean, I would have made sure they were the first ones in line when the lighting bolt came and took everyone out. But, that is not what happened.

You see, when you simply tell the story of Jesus, you can get the facts and information. But, you miss the one thing it was about: LOVE. His love for you and me. His love for those Roman soldiers. His love for the disciples that fled from the place. His love that placed him on the cross and more importantly, kept him on the cross. It was his death that defeated the evil, but it is his love that even made that way possible.

During this easter season, I do invite you to reflect on his death, burial and resurrection. Remember all that he went through. Pull out a copy on "The Passion of the Christ" and let the tears roll as you recall what your Savior did for you. But, this time, look deeper into his eyes. In fact, close your eys and allow yourself to feel his love. With every hit and mock, let his love penatrate you. It is what Easter is all about...

PD

Walking

2011-04-02T05:55:00.001-07:00

I recently experienced the countryside of Haiti. There were many things to see, hear, smell, and enjoy. One of the things that made me think the most was how people get there and back. If you have to go on a really long journey to a major city you can ride the bus. Its an overpacked, tin box that goes about 25 mph on roads that are rough at 10 miles per hour. Oh, but you must save up some good money to ride this. Or if you need to get somewhere relatively fast then you either ride the tap-tap or motor bike. A tap-tap is a pickup truck that everyone sits in the back of. How many people can fit? Always one more. Motor bike is probably the quickest but it is also the most expensive because they can only carry 1-3 people at a time. Some will ride horses or mules, but again this is expensive.
Money is not in adundance for most of the people so they do this strange thing called "walking". They don't do it for leisure, they do it out of necessity. Between walking to the river for water, walking to town to trade goods, walking to the local church, and walking to market, they walk quite a bit. They don't have cd players or other means of distraction. They walk and they can observe the things around them, they can think, they can sing, they can hum. I wonder how different our view of God and the world would be if we would slow down and not distract ourselves for a bit and walk to and from. I hate to walk for the sake of walking, I can do it if there is a purpose. Perhaps we need to take some time and walk with God. Our culture misses so much because we sit and distract ourselves with useless information and mindless entertainment.
WALK people, WALK!

Storms of Life

2011-03-08T18:01:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed that when bad things happen it is never a good time. I mean, sorrow and sad times come at just the point in your life when you need it the least. Why can't tragedy call you ahead of time to make some plans? Why is it that it comes in and messes up everything you have worked so hard to keep together? It's like a really bad storm. You work hard your whole life to build up nice things, such as our house and in an instant, a tornado can come in and rip the roof right off the house. Then, as if that isn't bad enough, it begins to rain...and not just a light sprinkle, but a downpour that makes even Noah say, "Wow...now that's a lot of rain."...and it floods your now roofless house. And, to top everything off, your favorite family pet, the one you have nurtured and taken such good care of for years and years, goes missing in the chaos of the storm. Any of this sound familiar?

Ever heard the expression "When it rains it pours"? Basically, some really negative guy who had a really bad outlook on the world said this one day and it stuck. It always seems like tragedy comes in waves...wait,...I just noticed that a lot of tragedy is referred to with water. Rain...Waves...etc. But, in the Scripture, many times water is a sign of the Spirit. So, let's look at this a different way...

If I say that "When it rains it pours" and I am referencing the Spirit, that would be awesome!! The power of God moving in our lives like a downpour that covers everything. If a flood is so much water that it destroys, then a "flood" of the spirit would be so much that it brings to life. And, instead of tragedy coming in waves, the Spirit would come in waves, washing over us and refreshing us. So, that doesn't sound too bad, huh?

Ok, so it is true that there is no good time for bad things to happen. But, the next time things don't go your way, think about this: If tragedy can come any time and interrupt your life in a terrible fashion, just imagine that the Spirit of God can come in any time and turn it all around. Just as if you would look over the horizon and see a storm brewing, let's look over the horizon and see that God is stirring. I look forward to God invading my life like bad weather. You can't control it. You can't escape. But, unlike the weather, you will long for it to stick around and change your life forever.

Father--may you rain on us and change us from the inside out. May your power and might do what we cannot do on our own. And may your love and mercy invade our lives in the very moment we least expect it. You are awesome! In Jesus Name, Amen.

-PD

Another Year Gone

2011-03-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

Today is March 1st. Why is that a big? Well, my birthday is in March. So, that means we have now entered the month of my birthday. Not following? We have begun the countdown to the day that I become a year older. Yeah, I know I am basically ther now, but until the day is here, I can hold on to this age. Of course, I am holding onto it like I am playing a game of tug of war, but I am the only one on my side with the other side having 10 burly men who look like they could pull my arms out along with the rope.But, why is this important? How does this apply to God? I am glad you asked...

As many of us do when a birthday roles around, I look back on the years prior to this one. All the great tiems I've had, all the sad times I've had and even all the times I'd like to forget. And, as the scenes play on the screen in my mind, I realize so many things. How much my life has changed over these years. How much I have grown as a person. But, most importantly, how much grace God has given me through these years. From the beginning of my life when He open the doors to to home that I was not born into. Then, to allow me to meet a wonderful woman who would become my wife and helping me not mess it. Until now, when he has placed me in a place where my relationship with Him and others are growing and amazing me everyday. Yes, so much grace over these years...

This day, even if your birthday isn't approaching, take some time to look back over the years of your life. Play the scenes and sit back and watch. Look and see how much grace God has shown upon you. I believe you find that grace has abounded even more then you realize. Then, take that moment when you realize how much grace you have received to thank God for it all. He truly is the author and finisher of our faith. He has been there since the beginning of our lives and will remain until the end.

Father, thank you for grace. For allowing me to live such an amazing life, have such an amazing family and serve such an amazing God. You are turly awesome and I am so grateful to be called your child. Amen...

Love Thy Neighbor

2011-01-21T10:01:00.001-08:00

I just watched a classic movie with Jimmy Stewart called "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington". Great stuff! I was a little sad when I was done watching it because I think things are even more ridiculous than they were in 1939 when the movie was made. In Jimmy Stewart's famous philibuster sequences. He makes mention of the fundamental principle of "Loving Thy Neighbor". Obviously taken from the Bible, this line is exactly what Bethel is going to be focusing on over the next several weeks.
We will be having some "Kingdom Conversations" on this topic and will be highlighting several ministries who are currently loving their neighbor. Stay tuned!

Anger, Sorrow and Other Feelings We Don't Talk About

2011-01-15T07:33:00.000-08:00

Being a Christian, the subject of "LOVE" comes up quite a bit. How much God loves us. How much we should love God. How much God wants us to love each other. You know, all the usual stuff. It is a very popular topic and one that is readily discussed inside of a "church" setting. In fact, it is almost a default, making it seem like to experience any other emotion is...well...wrong. However, God designed us with a plethora of other emotions that we rarely discuss. Let me explain...

Take anger for instance. Many times, anger is seen as weakness or like you have no self control. The second you get a little angry, someone tells you to just "calm down" or "take a deep breath". Now, I would agree that too much anger is not a good thing, but think about this: Jesus got angry. There is a story in the Bible in which Jesus went into the temple, saw people selling goods and such, and got very upset. In fact, He turned over all their tables, started yelling and drove them out with a whip. Sound like anger to anyone?

Another good one is sorrow or sadness. Again, it is seen as a sign of weakness. People say stupid things like "Just have Joy!" or "Let it go. God will take it!". Again, while these things are true, in the midst of sorrow we really don't want to hear these cheesy, ineffective quotes. Think about this: Jesus had to experience sorrow. He had a friend named Lazarus pass away. Jesus went to see the family and, as it is recorded, "Jesus Wept". I believe his heart broke for the loss of his friend and for the effect it had on the people around him. I mean sure, five minutes later He raised Lazarus from the dead, but He didn't go in there with guns blazing. He took time with the family. The writer was so moved by Jesus' emotion that he had to write it down. Sounds like sorrow to me. Anyone else?

There are other things we face on a day-by-day basis that often times never get discussed. We hide behind the mask of "Self Righteousness". We think if we talk about it, we will get funny looks from folks. As if to say we are weak, frail and faithless. We also have come to believe if we don't talk about it, it will simply go away. News Flash: IT WON'T!! It only gets worse. So, I would encourage you this day to look at yourself and the life that flows around you. Is there anger? Sorrow? Other unspeakable emotions? Let me tell you...it is ok. God is not mad. God is not disappointed. In fact, and this is just me talking here, but God is excited to see you developing as He designed you. He made you special and never forget that.

Now, after saying all of that, I would encourage you, that if you have anger, sorrow or other such things, you can take them to Jesus. He completely understand. The Bible says that He is touched with every infirmity that we are, meaning He understands how it feels. When you think no one else does, He does. Be encouraged that you don't have to bear these things alone. God and His people are here for you. And, to come back around to where we began, He loves us very much. He loves us--even when we are angry or sad. In fact, He loves us in the midst of those things.

I bless you and encourage you today. (to steal a line from our armed forces), be all that you can be in Christ. It is a pretty awesome thing....

PD

Kingdom Conversation-Hanukkah

2010-12-10T18:22:00.000-08:00

Here is what will be hopefully the first of many episodes of "Kingdom Conversation"'s. This week is about Hanukkah. Please let us know what you think and if you have any ideas. Thanks!!

Not Jack Frost...It's Jesus!

2010-12-06T19:47:00.000-08:00

Tonight my son and I were watching the old movie "Jack Frost". While I don't think he was following the plot very well, let me give all of you a quick recap: Basically, Jack Frost wants to become human for a bit. He has to get a house, a horse, a bag of gold and a wife to remain human. (Sounds like the total package, huh?) Anyway, through a course of odd events that didn't really make sense, he is forced to give up his humanity to go back. Basically, he had to go and cause a major winter to stop the bad guy. It was quite odd, but I digress. My son, who again wasn't following the plot very well, asked why he went back. I told him it was because he had to make it snow. He said, "He doesn't make it snow. Jesus does!", to which I replied, "You are correct."

During this time of year, there are many "make-believe" things that take place. I will not discuss them all here, but suffice it to say that some things can get a little hazy. I am very glad that my son is beginning to see through the haze.Granted, he is still a kid and is holding tight to his make-believe ideals and his strong imagination. But, that is not such a bad thing. Jesus said himself that unless we became like little children, we could not enter the kingdom of God. Why? Children believe without question. If they are told something is true, they believe it is unless proven otherwise. And, even when presented with certain questions (like how does a man fly around the entire world in one night) they still cling to their beliefs. We, as adults, can learn something from our kids during this time of year. Many kids have plenty of faith to believe that when they wake up on Christmas morning, there will be presents under that tree. There is no doubt in their minds. And, why should there be? Presents are there. What's the problem?

The question is: Where is our faith? Do we have the faith to see those proverbial presents under the tree? Do we believe our God is capable of what He says He is? Or, is he simply a myth that has been passed down through the ages, only to evaporate as we get older and "wiser"? No my friends, God is much more then a myth or a legend. Much more then a man who simply loved children. He is the one who spoke the world into existence. The one who loved the world so much that He gave his only son for you and me. He is seated on the throne. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He is God.

Let's put our child like faith into action today. Let's take God at his words and put our who trust in Him. Let's remember that it is Jesus who makes it snow and not Jack Frost. Sorry Jack, my faith is in Jesus.

So, Jesus....Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow.....

A Man's Dream

2010-12-01T11:27:00.000-08:00

There is a famous line coined by the late Martin Luther King, Jr. that simply says, "I Have A Dream!" Dr. King went on to speak about how his dream was to see all people of every race and every religion live in peace and harmony. That we may all be "free at last". Sadly, he never got to see his dream fulfilled. He was gunned down one night, stealing the hope for his dream to come to life. Though I am not sure we are living his dream yet, he did hope and stand firm in that dream. My question is today: What is your dream?

In Joel 2:28 it says that "...your old men shall dream dreams; your young men shall see visions...". In the Hebrew, the word "dream" has different meanings, but one of them is "to restore to health". It's interesting to think about restoration when you think of dreaming. When I think of restoring, I think of bringing something back. Whether it's the point of death or simply an old clunker that you are fixing up, restoration is important. In essence, it is giving life to something or someone. Therefore, how do your dreams "restore"? Do you simply have dreams that fulfill your own selfish dsires? Such as a new house, new car and all the things that go along with that? Or, like Martin Luther King, do your dreams go beyond your own front door?

As this Christmas season gets rolling, let's evaluate what dreams that we are dreaming. As you sit and stare at the lights around town, how do your dreams light up your community? Better yet, where does God fit into your dreams? Is he the focal point or just a supporting role? Let's take timeout of our busy holiday schedule and dreama better dream. A dream that affects more then just the four walls of our home. A dream that will last beyond ourselves. A dream that changes the people around us. A Godly dream.

So close your eyes, and dream...

Family

2010-11-25T21:13:00.000-08:00

Today was Thanksgiving. I am sure that all of you went to your family's homes and sat around a table with a bunch of people that you only see maybe 3-4 times a year if you are lucky. You probably made small talk about all of the fun and exciting things that have been going on during the last year. You probably ate way too much food and were miserable for the rest of the day. And, all of these things were very normal and quite expected. I mean, after all...it's Thanksgiving!

My family and I did something on this day that was not normal or expected. We have always done the things that I mentioned before. However, this year, we are in a new city and about 3 1/2 hours away from our family. Because of schedule and such, we did not make the trip home today. So, we had a vacancy in our social calendar. We were invited by Pastor Jaman's dad and mom, Scott and Gina, to come to their house and celebrate Thanksgiving with them. We graciously accepted, feeling privledged to be asked. So, today was the big day. It was like it always was at home. The food was delicious and the dinner table as awkward as my own family! lol...It was a great day...

I must say, I am so honored to be a part of this family here in Indianapolis. God has brought us here and realized what we would need--A Family. And, that is just what he has given us. People to love and care for us; people to give us a hard time; people to pick us up when we are down; people to cry with us; people to laugh with us. I thank God on this day of giving thanks for my family. The family that has always loved me and watched out for me. The ones who took me into their home and made me a Daniel. And also my new family. The ones who have taken me into their hearts and made me a member of them.

Thank you Father......

-PD

Christmas Eve...Eve?

2010-11-19T13:30:00.000-08:00

So, the wife, I and the kids took a trip to Wal-Mart last night to pick up a few items that we couldn't live without for another day. When we walked in, I couldn't help but notice that there was a Christmas song playing in the store. I thought at first they were advertising for a CD they were selling for the upcoming season. As we walked around the store a little more, I realized that all they were playing was Christmas music. Everything from "Santa Baby" to "Joy to the World". Now, please understand that I love Christmas music. I love playing it around the house. I love to hear it in stores while buying that perfect gift. I love to sing it in church. I just really love it. However, in saying that, let me say this...IT IS THE MIDDLE OF NOVEMBER!!! It is a week until Thanksgiving! Why is it that we skip over this holiday? Actually, Thanksgiving has become "Christmas Eve Eve". We treat it as a "poor man's holiday" It doesn't seem important. But, it is a national holiday. It is important...

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect. A time to honor what you have been given. Sure, it is connected with turkey, cranberry sauce and football, but it is so much more then that. The Bible says things like "Enter His gates with Thanksgiving in your heart" and "Give thanks". There is even a story in which Jesus heals 10 lepers and only one comes back to thank him. He was not pleased to say the least. Being grateful and giving thanks is very important to God. We should take time during this time of year to say "Thank You" to God for all the things we have and who we are. We also need to take time and thank those around us who have given so much to us. We don't take enough time to stop and reflect on all the wonderful things we have and we are a part of.

So, there is my little rant. I do very much look forward to Christmas and all the lights, festivities, and especially the music. But, for now and the next week or so, let's put that on the back burner and take time to be Thankful for all that turkey, family you never see except for holidays, the football game that will make you stand up and yell at the T.v. and for all the other wonderful things God has given. For this, we say....Thank You.

More to Come!

2010-11-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody! Well, as Jaman said we are up and running on our new blog, aptly named the "Bethel Blog". We encourage all of you who read this to send us ideas and comments about what you would like to see. We plan to have something up often, so please check back soon. As Pastor Jaman mentioned, we will be doing more of our audio show entitled "Kingdom Conversation" as well as text and videos. We hope this can be a place to spark deep, intelligent conversations, so please comment on what you see and let's get things going!

If you have any questions regarding the blog or the website, feel free to contact us. Just click here and it will take you to our contact page. There you will find ways to contact both Pastor Jaman and myself.

Thanks so much for reading our blog and taking time out of your day to share with us. We value you and all God has made you to be. May God bless you and we look forward to hearing from you soon!!

-PD

I leave you this week with a song a band whose name is PFR (Pray for Rain). They are an older band who has since gone their separate ways, but the song is great. Here is "Forever"...

A New Blog

2010-11-17T06:21:00.000-08:00

Welcome Bethel & Community members. Hopefully, this is the first of many posts to encourage, edify, and challenge the Body of Christ. Pastor Derek will primarily be in charge of this and he will have some awesome things going on. Specifically, be on the look out for our audio conversation entitled: "Kingdom Conversations". Additionally, we will have various links to other ministries and thinkers that we support. We look forward to having a fruitful relationship with you!