You deserve what?

Humility is the key to the Kingdom of God.

If that’s true, and I believe it is, what did Jesus mean when He warned to “Beware of the scribes, (religious leaders of the day) who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplace, the best seats in the synagogues, the best places at feasts, who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

And before we point a finger we need to ask ourselves, what do I think I deserve ?

4 Comments / Jun 07.09 / Blog / by Rick Dancer

Behavior Modification: I don’t think so.

He walked into the temple, knowing in His heart what He was about to find. The place designed to connect people to His father, had become a business. As He entered the doorway He saw a machine geared toward behavior modification not restoration of the relationship that had been broken so long ago.

Sin was a problem. It had been since faith was traded for a piece of fruit. Laws were designed as guideposts to lead people not whipping posts to hold over the heads of the people by those who thought they were in charge.

The machine had become more powerful than the message. The mantra had changed from how to love to how to successfully play by the rules of the system. Plans, precepts or programs covered the true purpose that is to find a personal relationship with God.

As He walked through the hallways tipping over tables and tee shirt stands there was something in His eyes. His anger couldn’t’ hide the tears that poured from His spirit and the spirit of His father. Why did His people always take it to this place? Why couldn’t they understand that behavior modification wasn’t the answer? The relationship would show them the truth and the truth would set them free. Righteousness isn’t for sale. You can’t buy or act your way to faith. It takes time, commitment, and understanding to truly trust.

As He shut the door behind Him you could tell His heart was broken. The religious leaders, feeling threatened, knew He had to be stopped. But the people were astonished at His teaching. This man and His message could not be stopped. When evening had come, He went out of the city.

No Comments / Jun 05.09 / Blog / by Rick Dancer

Revolutionary Road

How many of us buy into the American Dream and forget to listen to God? I think we’ve been programmed to believe the two are one in the same and that might not be true.

I watched the movie “Revolutionary Road” last night and was greatly disturbed and pleased with what I saw on my television screen.

How often do we settle for what we think is supposed to be instead of taking a risk on what could happen?

I think moments present themselves, giving us chances to jump out of the line and follow God instead of Wall Street or Hollywood.

Is it fear that holds us back? Is it trying to fit in? Do we simply not want to look stupid?

Maybe it’s those around us who convince us chances aren’t meant to be taken they are meant to be squelched. Practicality kills the spirit but gives us a false sense of security.

How many times, do those decisions bring on a dulling of our spirit and ultimately destruction?

The reason the movie pleased me is as I watched I realized I’m not them anymore. I’m no longer lining up behind the culture and taking my number waiting for life to move me along.

I’ve become counter culture and I’m not even a hippy. (Smile)

(okay my hair is a little longer an I do have a soul patch…..and I live in the Eugene area……maybe I am a hippy…..no I still eat meat)

1 Comment / Jun 04.09 / Blog / by Rick Dancer

Oopps He did it again.

Lying in bed, thinking about how free I am, wondering what I should say to God, and something occurs to me. I don’t ask God for a lot of things these days and sometimes I feel guilty about it.

As I started to pray, there in my big, soft bed I asked for protection but then stopped myself to ask why? I found myself smiling as I saw God’s finger on my heart. I saw Him causing each beat to happen and understood that He truly is in control of my every breath.

As I cracked open my Oswald Chambers book this morning the topic was this very thing. He talks about how much time we believers spend asking for things rather than listening to the secret joys of Gods’ heart.

When we first begin to follow, we ask to live in the consciousness of God. But as the relationship grows you don’t seem to have to try as much and instead understand the will of the father and simply live there.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t ask for stuff from God. I’m not saying we shouldn’t pray for protection for our family and friends. But I’m finding that my life is so much less about requests and so much more about adventure as I wait on Him, trust His will, and hold His hand as He manages each and every beat of my heart. Did you feel that? He just gave me another one.

3 Comments / Jun 03.09 / Blog / by Rick Dancer

The Best Seat In The House

The banquet is about to begin. Leaders, both political and religious, take their places at the head tables. Great excitement fills the banquet hall as the guests mill about strutting position and their perceived power. The best seats in the house are reserved for those with the greatest position or the most money.

As the messenger enters the room he finds his place in the corner, off to the side with others who have no position, no power and no real place. At first awkwardness and irritation stir in the messengers soul. He remembers a time when he too was seated at the best tables in a place of prominence. So much has changed since those days.

The man’s discomfort falls away making room for a slight smile as he realizes the irony of the situation. He remembers Jesus saying it would be like this. He remembers Christ criticizing the people of His day for trying to take the best seats in some effort to prove one’s value.

Then the verse comes to the messenger out of the book of Mark.

Mark 10:31 “But many who are first will be last, and last first.”

The messenger smiles as he realizes his position is at the end of the line.

What a perfect place to sit.

No Comments / Jun 02.09 / Blog / by Rick Dancer