What is the standard of the follower of Jesus?

One of the things which cause doubt in Paul's ministry was the amount of suffering Paul endured for the faith. In other words, people began to ask how can God be with the Apostle, if he is forced to endure such hardships and suffering? The modern culture remains just as doubtful. Shouldn't the follower of God possess a special dispensation of grace which empowers the believer to avoid such pitfalls?

Paul responds to such accusations by turning the worldly view on it side and pointing to a crucified Jesus. It is through suffering which prove Paul's service. It is through surrender to the suffering Messiah comes the discovery of the power of God and the consequential conquering of death. Paul writes: "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." (NASB 2 Co 4:7–10). Paul's suffering is the mark of Jesus on his life.

Those who follow Jesus in a vocational work or in a volunteer work can relate to Paul's words. It is the believers mantra to agree with Paul in 2 Cor. 12.10: "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." (NASB 2 Co 12:10). In my weakness, I learn to trust in God's abilities to work on behalf.

God is not about to stop being God. I am glad and praise him for carrying us through each and every struggle. You know I love ya, Don

Busy Interstate ... busy life!

Proverbs 14:12 teaches, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

I am reminded of the funny story about a man that was driving along on the interstate when his cell phone rings and he recognizes it is wife. He answers the phone to hear her frantically saying in the phone, “Honey, be careful, I just saw on the news that a car is travelling the wrong direction on the interstate!”

The man responds, “Are you kidding? There isn’t just one car going the wrong way, there are hundreds of cars going the wrong way!”

John recorded in John 14:6, “Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus has given us a clear path to God by following Jesus and allowing him to bring transformation to our lives. My Friends, get on the path with Jesus and live life to the fullest.

You know I love ya, Don

How do I become a Christian? Part 2 Immersion

How do I become a Christian?

·      Hear the Word (Audibly & Spiritually)

·      Respond (Believe, Repent, & Confess)

·      Die to Self & Unite with Christ (Immersed in Water : Baptism)

Hear the Word ● Respond to the Word ● Do the Word

Baptism (ˈbapˌtizəm) - the religious rite of immersion of an individual in water, symbolizing purification, regeneration and admission to the Christian faith.

Baptism is a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ. It is the declaration of a believer that they have received Christ into their life and have become a “new Creation” in Him. Christian Baptism is … A Sacrament: A Outward and Visible Representation of a inward and invisible reality!

Sign of Conversion: Matthew 28:16-20

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing (immersing) them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Death to the former things: Colossians 2:12

“…having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”

As a way of Life and Eternal Life: Romans 6:1-7

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.”

As the means of Salvation: 1 Peter 3:19-22

“After being made alive, he (Jesus) went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— to (KJV – “Like unto”) those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.”

So, why wait ... become a follower of Jesus and let him bring hope to your life. If you would like to be baptized, call me at 317-966-1959 and we can chat about it. You know I love ya, Don

Where is the comfort in life and death?

Q: What is your only comfort in life and death?

A: That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready from now on to live unto him.

Because we belong to someone who loves us enough to give it all to save us, but are wanted and thus, we are comforted in life and in death. You know I love ya, Don






Ritzema, E. (Ed.). (2012). 300 Quotations for Preachers. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

The Book of Ephesians Overview - Introduction!

On Wednesday Night, September 10th, 2014 I will begin an 8 week class / bible study on Paul's letter to the Ephesian Church. How many of us truly believe in the Holiness of God?

God sees the church as a wonderful possession. For Jesus the church is a beautiful bride, for whom he gladly gave up his life. But how do we see the church?

Do we see the church as a community or those who joyfully share every spiritual blessing? Do we see God’s poetry, a people saved by grace and united in love? Do we see the saints of the long-hidden secret, now strengthen by the Spirit, indwelt by Christ, growing to be like Jesus and renewed daily into the image of God? Do we see the love, light, and wisdom that make God’s people so special? Do we see a marching army, fully equipped and competent to stand against any foe?

If God’s people can just view ourselves with heaven’s vision, we can begin to live the heaven-bound life. This 8 week study opens opportunities for living each day in more complete awareness of who we really are in Jesus. The goal is to live in holiness and in eager anticipation of the dawn of heaven in our current life; living a consummation of everything God has created us to be.

I find it amazing how God has truly blessed us beyond words. My prayer is that through this class we might discover His blessing and apply it in our daily journey toward heaven. I will be sharing some of the insights on this blog.

You know I love ya, Don

If you are in the area of Central PA - Howard Christian Church, Wednesday Nights, Sanctuary Annex – 7:00-8:00 PM 
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Requirements of a busy life!!!

I love this picture...ever feel like the woman at the desk. I am starting my Graduate Degree Project and at this moment, I am feeling a little like that woman at the desk....

I have several irons in the fire... raising the four children, being a husband, Grad School, preaching next Sunday, Worship responsibilities, getting ready for winter, DADS group, and trying to maintain this blog. Lots of things in the works and some more important than others, yet there is a special need in each one. It has become more and more apparent to me that in order to maintain a good schedule for each of item I must maintain my relationship with God. H. Cecil Pawson in England wrote:

FEW are called to be leaders like Moses, but all are called to make things; for God who is our maker gave us this instinct. And soon we begin with bricks, sand, and blocks to express this desire.

We were made for full employment. Some make laws; others ships, cars, homes, and gardens. More important, in all our making of things, we are being made ourselves for better or for worse.

Are we consciously working, day by day, in accordance with God's design? In obedience to God's command, Moses rose up early in the morning to be alone with God. The result of his keeping that appointment was the glory of God upon his way and upon his face and knowledge concerning his life's work.

God made this world and saw that it was good. We seek, through Christ, to find and to do God's will in all things in this world that God created. In this way, we help fulfill God's redemptive love and purpose, both in us as individuals and in the world around us.

Even Jesus as God new how important it was to pray and to have connection with God, the Father. In Mark 1:35 we read; "In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there." Being connected to God is what I am made for. It is also essential in order to complete the purposes and the goals that are laid out for me.

Striving to be connected to Jesus...you know I love ya, Don

Equation for Intentional & Effect Leadership (& Living)

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,” Hebrews 12:28

This verse has always inspired me to be a better citizen in God's kingdom. I see it as an equation for leadership and for productive living. Think of all the times you and I take advantage of the gifts being a Christ-follower brings to everyday life. Let me list a few...security in a great future, blessings of abundant life in joy and sorrow, relational gifts of love and mercy, eternal treasures that will never end, and knowing the creator of all the universe is in love with me. These are just a few of the benefits of God's Kingdom. I also like to notice in the verse that all these benefits and the benefits I didn't mention are "unshakable." In other words, they will never end nor can they be taken away.

Church leadership would do well to connect with this verse as well. Too many times church leadership pushes and pulls to gain position. In my experience, the best and most effective leadership I have had the joy and honor of serving beside has a humble and reverence for God. I think of Bob Russell of Southeast Christian Church. One of the largest church in the United States and Bob is one of the humblest men I know. I think of David Jeremiah and the same applies. Then there is the people in my life such at Lloyd Menning, Bob Kelly, Ronnie Jones and David Woods. Each of these men and their wives served with humility, with awe, with reverence, and a security in knowing their God and His Kingdom was unshakable. I wish there was space, I could go on and on about the effect Christ-followers such as these in my life.

Karen and I have tried to be ministers and Christ-followers after their example. The equation is given out in this verse of Hebrews. First: give thanks...saying thank you to God, His Son, and to others. Second: worship...declare on a public and personal level how much God is worth everything in our lives. Third: live in awe and reverence...allowing the Spirit to grant your heart, soul, mind, and strength an over-powering, over-whelming sense of God's greatness and might. As an intentional leader, I make it my goal to live this equation.

Giving Thanks + Declaring God's Worth + Living in Awe = Effective, Intentional Kingdom Leadership

For those of us that are not leaders, this is also a great equation for daily productive living. A result of the equation is a keen awareness of how unshakable God's Kingdom truly is. The awareness of God's power granted to the humble of heart brings a new and heightened level of God. Although, we may not be leaders in a large scale of the church, every Christ-Follower must always remember their leadership influence on those around them. The world is watching and waiting to point out how Christ does not work. So, we can all say we are leaders of some sort or another. Thus, the equation of Hebrews 12:28 is important to all of us. It is important so that Jesus will be praised and the non-believing world will see that He is Lord.

"Lord, Thank you for this equation that brings benefits to us all. Thank You for the wonderful examples in my life that have made this equation real to me. Please bring thanks, worship, and awe to my life so that I may return it to you and you alone. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Thank You for sharing this with me and reading it. You are a joy and you know I love ya, Don

Why do you seek the life among the dead?

The angel said to the women in Luke 24, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? Don't you remember what He (Jesus) said when He was with you?" Yet, we still ask the same questions today in 2011. In other words, "Why do you think everything can be explained in the old terms of cause and effect." Why are you putting your faith in science and the laws of nature and the decomposition of human cells? Why are you trying to explain everything in ways you can understand?

The angel may have been thinking that they were holding the vials of perfume to anoint His feet again as they did at Simon's house. That angel could have said, "He can't be far. Then again, he could be halfway around the world, come to thing of it nothing is the same as it was. Why do you go on living your life the way it was. Why are you trying to live in a world without miracles?" Faith always breaks in on us like the angel at the Resurrection. As a God-conscious Christ-follower, it is our task to live as the people we profess to be...living among the living and not as if death has its control over our lives.

The reality I am living today is that I have two wonderful children in Matthew and Alice. I still have a wonderful little boy in Nicholas, we are just apart for now. Then as I see the cross of Christ, I realize whatever is keeping my world small and manageable is a little like the women clutching vials of perfume for anointing a dead body at the tomb of the missing Christ. My faith takes me beyond the tomb and into the new normal of hope in a blessing of abundant life in the here and now. The question of the angel changes with faith..."what are you going to do with your new normal of a resurrected Christ?"

Missing him terribly, yet looking forward to a great day to come that will never end. You know I love ya, Don

Life, More Life, the Most Life - reprint

I was reviewing some of my old blogs and ran across the following from October 2008. It struck me again. Thus, I probably aught to post it again. Still love the following quote:

"You only live once - but if you work it right, once is enough." - Joe Lewis

I love this quote. I think it brings a biblical truth to the reality of what life is all about. Another quote I remember came from my Mom as a plaque in our home as I was growing up. It read, "Only one life will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last."

Taking an inventory of my working, serving, and giving to the Lord is an important task we all share as Christians. What more can we give? He gave everything to us. Our Worship Choir sings a song titled, "Everything", words and music By Caleb Collins and Marty Funderburk;

Here in the stillness I can hear Your spirit Call.
Here in the moment, Lord, You're asking for my all.
How could Your holiness require any less than all I am and
All I'll ever be.

Here in the quiet I recall Your sacrifice,
And how You suffered; how You paid love's greatest price.
So, when You call my name, Lord, I will do the same,
Because of Calvary.

My heart, my mind, my soul, my life;
Today and tomorrow, for all eternity,
I'll give you everything,
Because You gave everything for me.

Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). My prayer today is that I will never take advantage of the reality of work in life. My service, my giving, my all...are the means God gives to declare His worth in my life. Therefore, this life is not long enough, but if I work and serve Jesus and His Kingdom, then it will be eternal and full. How could I respond any other way other than everything.

You know I love ya - Don

Touching Lives

I believe that one of the greatest opportunities we have as Christians is to make a profound difference in the lives of others. Over the years of ministry, I have had great opportunities to enter the lives of many people who need Jesus. There have been many people that touched me in return. In fact, every time someone read this blog, I am touched.

I don' believe this is a special opportunity reserved just for me. Every one of us has the ability to influence someone. When you take the time to reach out to others and invest in someone's spiritual life, you are impacting the world...yours and theirs.

Galatians 6:10 states, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

I believe one of the reasons we NOT are transported to heaven at our baptism is to be a blessing and God influence in this world. We are called to bring encouragement and build up others in the faith. We are not called to be afraid to say the tough stuff and speak the truth in love.

I don't believe God wants us to just be spectators in life. He wants us to be people who really love others and care enough to be willing to pour into their lives. We need to be building up others in Jesus' name so they can grow and reach even more people.

You know I love ya and I am grateful for your touch on my life - Don

Testing By Fire!

James 1:2-5 - The Vine develops our Perseverance

²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

This verse reminds me of the Daniel story of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego from Daniel 3. The king's governors and advisers did not like that the Hebrews would not worship their gods. So, they tricked the king into setting up a new law that forced the people to bow down to false gods. These three Hebrews were workers in the king's court and were liked by the king...but the law is the law and they were forced to comply. They were facing a trial and a testing of their faith. They refused again and the king declared he would throw them into the fire...literally an oven and cook them. They responded with perseverance, maturity, and wisdom...Daniel 3:17-18 is the record of their response, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

Bearing more fruit requires courage to face the trials and it requires our willingness to submit to God's authority. God is generous in giving wisdom and it will usually comes with a fiery furnace...the great part of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's response is their willingness to persevere even if God does not save them. That is true fruit...therefore, we persevere through our trials and testing with simple faith that God is faithful and will provide...He always does! He also tags along for the ride...if you read on in the Daniel story ...the King looks in the fire and sees four people in the fire and the fourth person looks like the Son of God.

Dear Lord, please give me the faith to be strong when the trials of life and the testing of this world head my direction. I want to bare more fruit for you. May I always be found faithful and steadfast so that you might receive the glory. Amen.

check out....http://www.parkchapel.org/thevine

You know I love ya - Don (P.S. - thanks for all the birthday wishes...)

Tail Spin - Friday Funny

There was a young lion who wandered from his father to test whether or not he would get the same respect from the other animals as his father did. As the young lion approached some monkeys, he roared and asked, "WHO IS THE KING OF THE JUNGLE?" The monkeys, being afraid, responded, "YOU are!" The lion replied, "And don't you forget it!" The lion repeated this to each animal in the jungle and got the same response until he came across a herd of elephants. The little lion roared and asked, "WHO IS THE KING OF THE JUNGLE?" The big bull elephant walked closer to the lion, swooped him up in his trunk, swung him around and around and threw him in the river. Battered and wet, the little lion replied, "Just because you didn't know the answer to the question didn't mean you had to get nasty about it!"

Most of us roar through life without God in the same way - as if we are kings of the jungle - until life throws us in a tail spin and shows us that we are not. Have a great Friday! - Don