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March 15th, 2019

3/15/2019

Elders at CWC

What an exciting God we serve...but you knew that didn't you? Truly we are living in exciting times as there is an increasing awareness of darkness and light. John 1 tells us that the Light was coming into the world and the darkness could not overtake (comprehend) it. I believe we are being set up to be real demonstrations of Jesus to many who are hurting, hopeless, or having everything...but peace!

We just finished a wonderful prayer conference with Dr. John Juneman,including Ron Edwards a very special friend presenting. The messages were truly outstanding and John is such a good friend to Clearwater First Nazarene. He is here every year to bless. We get to be incredibly blessed by housing them and spending time together. Their children are embedded in our family. Carey, John and Trina's son, has a Coast Guard appointment and is waiting for other offers pending. Chaili their daughter is flourishing in her job and spiritual development. Our ministry together comes from the friendship, not the other way around.

What an exciting God we serve...but you knew that didn't you? Truly we are living in exciting times as there is an increasing awareness of darkness and light. John 1 tells us that the Light was coming into the world and the darkness could not overtake (comprehend) it. I believe we are being set up to be real demonstrations of Jesus to many who are hurting, hopeless, or having everything...but peace!

We just finished a wonderful prayer conference with Dr. John Juneman,including Ron Edwards a very special friend presenting. The messages were truly outstanding and John is such a good friend to Clearwater First Nazarene. He is here every year to bless. We get to be incredibly blessed by housing them and spending time together. Their children are embedded in our family. Carey, John

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Affirmation

4/1/2012

17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

Some intrinsic needs of almost all humanity are to know love of a heavenly kind, to have a unique and “forever” relationship, and to have the assurance that our lives bring delight to someone who knows perfectly what makes us priceless. Imagine the moving confirmation in the mind and heart of Jesus when the heavens opened and He heard that He was loved, in unique relationship (My beloved Son), and a delight (well pleasing), to the most important Person in His life, His Father God. This kind of experience would cause us to love back almost uncontrollably, which is another need placed in us…not only to be loved but to love. There is no real relationship of the heavenly kind without both. Your heavenly Father wants you to have a real confirmation in your life, even now, of real love, real relationship, and real delight in your life…

The irony is that our secular world gives us the exact wrong prescription for achieving the things above. The advice of the day is to live for ourselves, seek our own pleasure, and use relationships for our own comfort and purposes. On this road, at journey’s end we will still be searching for something higher or we will have given up in bitter hopelessness…used and using, or both.

Did you know that God “so loves” you and desires to open an announcement from the heavens along the lines of what Jesus heard that day long ago? That announcement did not come to Jesus by self-seeking, but by self-surrender to the love and purposes of the One He was “one” with. Losing the wrong kind of life and love, which is temporary anyway, in order to win the right kind of life and love, which is eternal, seems to be most sensible. The difficulty is the truth that there are times we indeed will be giving up the “seen” for the “unseen…” but remember, that the unseen is not really unseen it is just not yet seen.

Dances with Jesus, Sam

The Signature

3/20/2012

THE SIGNATURE
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. Matthew 4:1 (New Living Translation)

Hello family: I want you to remember that the authorized “Signature” on the life of authentic Christian service and ministry is not in the public image, number of followers, or in achievements, however impressive. The “Signature” is neither in the number of great deeds done, nor found in religious position or prominence. The “Signature” is simply…”was led by the Spirit.” Never head into any spiritual endeavor of service or ministry, and certainly not encounter with the enemy because you feel adequate and ready. Even Jesus was not led by self. If you go off on your own into the best arenas you can choose and run into the enemy, though you may possess great spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities; you will be on very dangerous ground. However, If you are “led by the Spirit” into the worst of the wilderness to face the enemy’s taunts and temptations, you can rest assured that it is the enemy who is on dangerous ground. The enemy knows when he is facing the self-led or the Spirit-led. The former is familiar to him for he is filled with it; the latter is frightening because he possess none of it.

Do not throw terms like “Spirit-filled” or “Spirit-led” around lightly. “Self” may often appear as if it is the “Spirit,” even as counterfeit money or art may appear genuine. The counterfeit of “self-led” has no real value no matter who it impresses because it bears no authorized signature. You can usually identify the “self-led” because they respond to the temptation to demonstrate what they are capable of as opposed to the Spirit-led response of living by every word proceeding from the mouth of God. There is only one authorized “Signature” for a Christian life of service…”led by the Spirit.” May we find that authenticity increasingly written on the portraits of our lives, for it is the Spirit’s signature that brings immeasurable eternal value to our lives in the heavenly market place. No earthly rewards that “self” can obtain compares with our value to the Father when we are Spirit-led.

From "your father's heart with love"

Wilderness Ways

3/18/2012

Matthew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

John the Baptist proclaimed the life changing revelation of the Kingdom of Heaven (Jesus), arriving…in the wilderness of Judea. Revelation is often in the wilderness. That same wilderness is where John’s own life had been shaped and prepared for what God had designed and called him to be. Preparation is often in the wilderness.

In the Greek, (the language of the Scriptures), the meaning of wilderness is desert, lonely or quiet place, or even wasteland. These descriptions seem the most unlikely places for the preparation of a person, and certainly not where one would expect life changing revelations to be announced in. Would not some great university, church hierarchy, or group of elite religious leaders with titles and clothing to match be a greater source and means of preparation and revelation? Yet, was it not in the night fields of Judea where angels met shepherds to reveal the birth of our King? Are you starting to see a pattern here?

Have you found yourself before, or even now in a kind of wilderness…a lonely or quiet place? Friends, I urge, I beg you; do not seek to run from it. Perhaps you need to run to it. Jesus by need and leading of the Spirit went to the wilderness. Perhaps in the wilderness distractions are less and definition of voices more clear. Perhaps most important is that the wilderness may go beyond terrain to your environment or where you position yourself. My older brother has a difficult time hearing so there are two things he needs if he really wants to hear me. First, distractions, (like background noise), have to be lessoned or eliminated, and then he turns his best ear towards me so my voice is more defined…then he can hear. Less distractions and more definition are common in the wilderness.

The way of the wilderness or the lonely place might be just what God can use to break through the “noise” to your need.

With love, from "Dances with Jesus" (DWJ)

The Shepherd Ruler

3/17/2012

Scripture reading Matthew 2:1-12
Text: But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel. Matthew 2:6 (NKJV emphasis mine).

We are told King Herod was deeply agitated and troubled by the birth of Jesus. Why, what is going on here? Why is this king who was so feared, shaking with his own fear and rage as the scribes read about the coming of a new kind of ruler? Well, He is a “Shepherd.” A what? A Shepherd? Really? Is this a joke? No, not at all, and Herod seemed to be grasping the danger of a ruler who would “shepherd.” Can you imagine the impact of being cared for, protected and loved by your Ruler? Greater still, what if this love would spill over and capture the hearts of people? They might be willing to surrender their personal kingdoms and lay down their lives for a kingdom larger than “Self?” How dangerous that would be to the “Self-Ruler.” What a concept of a “Ruler,” what a Jesus…what a God!

The “self-ruler” survives purely through repression and fear while the Shepherd-Ruler reigns through relationship and faith. Relationship is powerful. It replaces fear with faith, obligation with dedication, and force with freedom. Perhaps it is because relationship changes the heart while repression can at most control the head. There is a big difference between heart cleansing and brain washing. Changed hearts can really mess up “self kingdom” agendas. Perhaps that is why there is so much effort to eliminate Jesus from government affairs…and individual affairs as well.

Might I share one more observation? Could it be that earthly kingdoms are simply the reflection of individual kingdoms? What if your self-rule were given over the to The Shepherd’s rule? After the Wise Men knelt before Jesus, they were told to not go back to the Herod they had left…and they listened. Wise men and women will do well kneeling before the “Ruler who will shepherd.” I have to tell you though, you may be captured…by His love; and perfect love casts out fear. You likely won’t be going back to the old.

from "Your father's heart"

Real Change

3/16/2012

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(Background Scripture Reading - Matthew 2:1-4)
A world shaking and life changing event was unfolding. A King from heaven itself had arrived, a leader on whose shoulders government could actually rest. This leader could bring peace beyond what the world claimed to give, which was external and temporary. His peace would be of the heart and mind, which is internal and eternal. He could do this because He was not only the King, but called the “Prince of Peace,”…what a description! Who in their right mind would not joyfully welcome this leader? What an easy decision it was to support this Man...or was it?

“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” (Matthew 2:3).

It is apparently not so easy after all is it? The Kingdom of Heaven, and specifically Jesus and His platform, (the Scriptures), is almost always a trouble and threat to the “herods” and the “jerusalems” they trouble or entice into their agenda. Do not be surprised then that Evangelical Christianity, more than any other lifestyle, is seen as politically and socially incorrect. Do not be surprised that if you truly live this lifestyle you will most often be on the wrong side of the kingdoms of this world. This was true in New Testament times, as both the blood of the martyrs down through the ages testify to, and the ridicule if not removal of the things of Jesus today confirm. Governmental “herods” are still seeking to kill Jesus, and they do not care one bit the cost of doing so to society, for these “herods” may bring attempts at control, but only Jesus can bring real change. Yet there is another kind of “herod” to address which is larger than anything mentioned yet.

This larger obstacle to real change is the “herod” of the human heart. Jesus as “King” will likely pose a threat to my own personal kingdom and the “jerusalems” around me. There are only two responses available to me. One, allow the “herod” in me to seek out and eliminate any other “king” but self, and the other, allow the “wise man” in me to seek out the King of Kings and bow down and worship Him. Real change requires an admission that He is Lord, a submission to His love, and a surrender of my life…to fulfill His highest purpose. Now that is change to believe in. What is your response?

Your Father’s Heart with love

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A Whole New Level

3/15/2012

They would call Him Immanuel…God with us. This was much more than an appearance, this was an arrival! This was not an appearance in a burning bush. This was not an appearance of a “pillar of fire” in the night sky, nor a cloud by day. He was arriving to live at our location, on our terrain, and in our flesh; the heart of God with skin on. How amazing is that? God was not watching “from a distance,” and contrary to what some thought, He was not beyond or removed from their existence. In fact, He was coming into the middle of their lives…right with them.

This Jesus would walk in regular sandals on dusty roads. He would sit filled with fatigue and thirst at a well, and still refresh a broken, defeated woman with “living” water. No chariots or majestic carriages would hoist and carry Him from place to place. In fact, at His highest earthly moment, he would ride in on a young donkey, not even an adorned majestic horse…not yet, not here, for He was with us. He had come to a much lower level to lift us to a much higher level.

All other world religions have focused on our getting to God. There seems to be no end to the foolish schemes, human philosophies, and spiritual fads that make great claims but produce no change. Immanuel changed millions forever and even the world calendar became centered on His coming.

Christianity was never and must never be only another religion. Christianity is the demonstration of relationship so desired that heaven would come to earth so that we might “know” Him and His Son. He would be emptied so we could be filled. He would be humbled so we could be lifted. He would bleed in order to stop our bleeding; He would die so we could live; and He would be raised so we could be….like Him. Do you have that? Do you “know” Him?

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)

Your father's heart

His Name

3/14/2012

21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 NKJV

He came to save us not to smash us. The name Jesus was not uncommon in His day, and yet this birth and this name changed all of history as well as destiny. His name meant “the Lord saves,” and that was His mission in coming; a mission driven by His great love for us. That mission will mean nothing to the one who has either no view or an improper view of salvation and sin. I humbly present a major provision of salvation to be that which creates, restores and grows a right relationship and resulting intimate fellowship with the Father through Jesus. Sin, at a minimum then, would be that which diminishes, damages, or destroys that relationship. To enjoy the relationship God intended with us it is imperative to know that Jesus came to save us “to” new and higher things, which requires saving us “from” old and lower things. The former is not possible without the latter.

So why would all not immediately respond to this love that saves and makes brand new? Some may not want to change their lifestyle and consequently will bow only to the God of their own control or pleasure. Others feel that they can do a better job of being God than God can. There are many others who simply cannot comprehend the depths to which the love of God goes in transforming their hearts, minds, and everyday life. They hesitate to take the plunge of surrendering their lives to the Lord due to fears of being vulnerable, weak, and ultimately condemned if they face, admit, and confess their sin. They view God as standing over them with a big hammer waiting to smash them as soon as they confess. How sad of a lie that is, for God did not send His Son to condemn but to SAVE…and Jesus came to smash your sin not you…if you receive Him as Savior.

From your father’s heart, Dances with Jesus

His Mission

3/13/2012

21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21; “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 NKJV (emphasis mine)

Yes, on that amazing night some 2000 years ago perfect “Love” came wrapped in the simple flesh of a new born baby. His appearance was like any other baby boy who needed to be fed and changed, BUT as He grew into a man He would be feeding and changing lives on a whole new level. This Jesus came to seek and save for love does both.

His seeking was relentless and His love reached even the most unlovable. He kept changing the hearts and lives of all who received Him…all the way to the cross; and even on the cross He did not stop. While on the cross He still came to a criminal hanging beside Him, and to a Roman soldier there to facilitate a successful execution of Him. Love changed both that day. He is still loving and still coming, even in this moment to whoever calls on Him, for He came to save from sin and He is still relentless about that. His love never gives up you know…and it saves.

Even the most intense religious activities, programs and rituals will not and cannot do what this Jesus does. No self-help program, clever sounding spiritual fad, or new age philosophy can replace the need for why this Jesus came. There are only two real choices of spiritual operation. One is the draining work of determining to be your own lord and living out of your “self,” and the other is the ease and peace of allowing Jesus to be your Lord living in your “self.”Simply put, salvation is found only in a Person; the authentic, historical and still present Jesus; and the good, good news is… He seeks and saves. Mission Accomplished!

Jesus, I desire this day for your presence to not only surround but to fill me. I declare you not only my Savior but my Lord. I turn not just my sins but my “self” over to you. Create in me a deeper desire for relationship with You that will transform me into your image in my world. I seek to know you more through prayer and Your Word as revealed in the Scriptures. Thanks for seeking, loving, and saving me. Amen

The Message

3/12/2012

(Written on December 12, 2011): And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:9-11 (NASB)

I cannot imagine how spectacular the scene was that dark night long ago. There is something about being in a field on a clear night that makes every star shine brighter. Even the glimmer of a light far away can be seen. Darkness always makes light appear brighter. Noticeable too is the contrast between standing in the middle of the neon lights of a busy city looking at the sky, and that same sky from the stillness of the country. Visualize if you will the spectacular and even frightful event of an angel suddenly breaking through the night, and then a whole host of angels before your very eyes…why, one could talk about that kind of experience forever. Yet, there is something far, far greater in the narrative in Luke 2 above. It is themessage itself.

How easy it is to be caught up in the spectacular surroundings apart from the message. The person of the “messenger,” the style of the message, the surroundings or atmosphere of the message, and even my own experience can all too often override the message itself. There are four (4) words in Luke 2:11 that are the heart, the excitement, and the content of the message that night when angel and shepherds came face to face. Those words “unto you,” and “a Savior” make the message life changing for those who hear and respond. Many teachers, philosophers, religious experts, and prophets had come and gone. Our need was greater. What I needed….what you needed was a Savior (deliverer). I got one that night…so did you. He was our Savior and He was born unto us and for us so that He could be born in us. That is a priceless Christmas present.

1. What activities surround me in these times that seem to distract me from the real message?
2. What activities Jesus might you desire that will keep me from distractions?

Dear Lord, would you keep me focused not only on the marvel of your speaking, but on the content of your message to me? In your precious Name, amen. From your father's heart, DWJ

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Sometime ago now, after years of doing my best to perform the Christian life out of sheer discipline and "will" power, I found a romance and intimacy with Jesus. Suddenly Christianity was not religious doing but "being" in a dance with Jesus. The real intimacy of the Person of Jesus living inside of me, not me trying to find and copy Him, took over, hence the new signature and lifestyle of "Dancing with Jesus." I trust as you read you will feel the "dance." Dances with Jesus, Sam

March 15th, 2019

Affirmation

The Signature

Wilderness Ways

The Shepherd Ruler

Real Change

A Whole New Level

His Name

His Mission

The Message

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