About Midnight Welcome Home Gracie

My mom is weird.  She is weird in a God way.

This morning I woke up out of bed and I didn't really feel like getting up and praising God.  But an ordinary encounter with mom in the breakfast room turned into a spontaneous praisefest.  

I am fully persuaded... 

By Grace,

Travis P. Dickerson  

Journaling 8

There's not enough room to receive it is an understatement!


What an awesome God we serve! 


By Grace,


Travis P. Dickerson 









  

Journaling 7 Marshmallows

This is not the politically correct thing to say about the Colorado wildfires.  

Dear Heavenly Father thank You for the Colorado wildfires.  I pray that You would cause all things concerning the Colorado wildfires to work together for good to those who love God and who are called according to His purposes.  And I thank You for the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keeping my heart and mind through Christ Jesus.  

Thank you?  Thank you for the fires?  

How can you say that?  Why don't you pray for the fires to go out?  

I don't see anywhere in the Bible where God puts fires out.  

I see numerous examples of where God promises to be with us in the fire.  

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:  when thou walkest through the fire, thou shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.  Isaiah 43:2.  

The prince of the power of the air milks the media coverage of events like the wildfires in order to squeeze every last drop of panic and fear out of the minds and hearts of viewers who are powerless over the situation but feel they must react in some way.  So they pay countless hours of tribute to the devastation being wrought while God gets a few scant seconds of worship throughout the day.  

Praise God and pass the marshmallows!  

By Grace, 

Travis P. Dickerson  

Journaling 6

And the sons of Naphtali; Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem.  Genesis 46:24.

We saw yesterday in Matthew chapter 4 the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah concerning the Messiah, and we are studying the importance of remembering the works of God.
Remembering the works God has done in the past helps us we have said to find faith for situations we might be going through and to believe Him for greater works in the future.


But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;  Hebrews 10:32.

By knowing who it is we fight alongside I believe we will have even more success in our battles.  We will go from being survivors to truly being more than conquerors.  

For unto you, it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;  Philippians 1:29.

Remember Naphtali meant, "Wrestling."  Naphtali had four sons.  I looked up the meaning of each of their names in Hebrew.  They are :
Jahzeel - "God Divides"
Guni - "My Defender"
Jezer - "Forming"
Shillem - "Repaid"
Sounds like Naphtali knew wheat Jesus meant when He said, "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."  St Luke 8:15.   
Remember.  
By Grace,
Travis P. Dickerson

Journaling 5

And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephtalim:
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaisas the prophet, saying, 
The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephtalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;  Matthew 4:13-15.
Because accurate records were kept the people of our day can see that the predictions of the prophet Isaiah were fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 
Journaling will help us keep track of prayers that have been answered and promises that have yet to be fulfilled.  
Just yesterday I received answers to several prayers that I had been praying.  I'll be honest I almost didn't realize it because I have not been keeping a daily journal of my interactions with God.  I've been somewhat lacksadaiscal in my relationship with Him.  Fortunately it did start to dawn on me and I was probably spared from making a blunder that I would have later regretted.  
When I say it dawned on me, it reminds me that sometimes the darkest step we are on comes just before the brightest light we have ever encountered.  
The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.  Matthew 4:16.  
When Leah gave birth to Zebulun it probably didn't seem like much to very many people.  But to her and to Jacob and yes even to Rachel it was a big affair.  It was an event worthy of remembrance.
Little did they know it at the time but they were laying a path that would one day be the path that our Savior took when He came to redeem His people.
By Grace,
Travis P. Dickerson

Journaling 4

In our culture sports are often a way that father's bond with their sons and sons with their fathers.  

My father and I didn't go that route.  I'm not really sure why.  Sports were a big part of community and a big part of our family.  

To my dad's credit I don't think it was his fault.  My memory of my childhood is pretty clear and I don't ever recall really, really wanting to play sports.  There may have been a big part of me that felt like I was missing out by being a spectator, but it didn't translate into a desire for me to put on the uniform and try out.  

My dad did not force me to play.  

It's hard to believe I've lived all these years and never really appreciated my dad for letting me be what I want to be.  I know it must have been hard for him.  After all he invested everything into raising a family so I'm sure he must have felt shortchanged on a few occasions.

Still, I'm glad he didn't force his will on me.  

By Grace,

Travis P. Dickerson

Journaling Pt 3

That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.  Numbers 15:40.
Charlie Dunn told a story one time in Community Bible Study.
A group of American GIs were exploring a south sea island when they were confronted by some native tribesmen.
One of the tribesmen related a story to them of how some Christian missionaries had been to the island and preached the gospel to them.  He proudly displayed his Bible to the GIs as if it were his most prized possession.
"That's great," said the GIs.  "But we've gotten beyond that."
"It's a good thing we haven't gotten beyond it," said the tribesman.  "If it weren't for this Bible, you'd be a meal."

Journaling 2 Great Wrestlings

And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.  Genesis 30:8.
The dynamic forces working themselves out in the lives of Jacob, Rachel and Leah make for a pretty good drama don't they?  I've heard some rather good sermons taught from the standpoint of sibling rivalry and family dysfunction taught from these passages.
But isn't it interesting that while it looks like the situation is out of control from the standpoint of the main characters, God is totally in control.  What looks like chaos is actually God's canvas so to speak.  Because we see the unfinished work we think everything is a mess.
So perhaps God wants to reveal something more than how to have healthy relationships in a mixed family.
I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.  
I will meditate also of all they work, and talk of thy doing.
Naphtali.
I'll say one thing about it.  That is one really interesting name when you think about it.
By Grace,
Travis P. Dickerson

Journaling 1

And Leah said, God hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.  Genesis 30:20.  


For Jacob, Rachel and Leah Genesis chapter 30 must not have seemed like a picnic.  There were some serious issues being worked out in their lives and the Bible points them out for us.  Jealousy, envy, rivalry, etc...  If one is not careful one will assume that this is primarily a story about the conflict between Rachel and Leah.  
I don't agree with that assessment.  It's primarily a story about the birth of the nation of Israel.  It's a beautiful picture of how God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)

Keeping a journal will not only help to get through difficult times it will provide a record of God's faithfulness in the wilderness.


But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions.  Hebrews 10:32.   


By Grace,

Travis P. Dickerson

Get a Life Pt 2

But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.  Matthew 8:22.

There's plenty of places to go to get psychiatric help.  There are plenty of good Christian counselors out there.  I'll be happy to pray with you for your specific need.  But it has to be out in the open where it can be seen.  And the Word of God is excellent at doing that.

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12.
We're not talking about a dentist's drill here.  That's way crude in comparison.  Saying that the Word was sharper than a sword was the best they could come up with back then.  If they would have had the language they would have said surgeon's scalpel.  But it's even sharper than that.  Sharper than a laser beam.
It goes on:  And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.  Hebrews 4:13.


I remember one time my mom took my brother and I to the Dr's office.  We each had to get a shot.  There was a Godzilla double feature playing at the movie theater that afternoon and if we were good and didn't cry we'd get to go see Godzilla.  Not just any Godzilla.  Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla.
When that nurse drove that needle into my arm everything in me wanted to scream.  I clenched my teeth and held my breath for a good five minutes it seemed like.  My arm hurt so bad I sat through most of the double feature cross eyed.  I couldn't even tell you much of what happened.
But I remember that MechaGodzilla had laser beam eyes.  That was cool!  Lasers hadn't even been invented back then.
To this day I don't know why that needle had to hurt so bad.  I sure hope the nurse knew.  But the point I'm trying to make here is that when Jesus said to the man,  Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead (Matthew 8:22) He knew exactly how much pain the guy was in.  
He suffered every ounce of pain that you and I suffer when He hung on the cross.  That rules out the question of whether He was being insensitive or not.
Surely he took up our infirmities
   and carried our sorrows, 
yet we considered him stricken by God, 
   smitten by him, and afflicted.  
But he was pierced for our 
              transgressions,
   he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace 
              was upon him
   and by his wounds we are healed.  Isaiah 53:4,5 NIV


And that's worth celebrating!   

http://thekitchykitchen.blogspot.com/2012/04/movie-night-snacks-from-food-for.html

By Grace,

Travis P. Dickerson

Fruit

But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;  Philippians 1:12.  

I thank God for giving me this gift and for this ministry.  I had an opportunity earlier in the year to minister to someone.  Without going into the details I will say it was an awesome experience.  I learned alot from it.  I can't say whether they received it or not.  That's not under my control.

All I did was plant the seed.  If I acted right it will be seen, For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  For every tree is known by his own fruit.  For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.


A good man out of the treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.  St. Luke 6:43-45.  


Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out.  Let my beloved come into his garden and eat his pleasant fruits.  Solomon's Song 4:16.

By Grace,

Travis P. Dickerson

Thorny Issue Pt 3

Let's look at two separate acts.  One in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament.  

And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.  2 Samuel 9:7.  

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up they bed, and walk.  St. John 5:8.  

Both are acts of mercy.  David loved Jonathan very deeply and this act was done with the purest of motives I am sure, or it would not be included in the Bible.  God's purpose was served through this incident.   

Suppose however Jesus came and healed the man by the pool (John 5).  The man got up and walked and went about his business.  Incontrovertible proof that Jesus Christ heals the lame and the sick.  Fully recovered.  

Then suppose that one day David came along and saw the man and said, "Hey man, come sit at my table.  I'll take care of you from now on.  You don't need to walk.  Just sit at my table and I'll give you bread."

At first that might seem like a pretty good idea.  But in reality the only person who would benefit would be David.  Before long the man would start to doubt whether he was really healed or not.  He would be depending on David's generosity and not the Lord's Word.  Essentially he would doubt the very authority of Jesus Christ.  He would in essence go from worshiping Jesus to worshiping David.  

The reason it's such a thorny issue is that David could have the purest motives in the world, but in this instance the result would be disastrous.  

I think that's why Jesus told the man at the pool to get up and walk.  He didn't take the man and put Him in the pool.  He told the man to get as far away from the pool as possible.  Jesus knew that if the man hung out at the pool after his healing he eventually would end up in the same condition or worse.  

That's all folks.  

By Grace,

Travis P. Dickerson

 

Thorny Issue Pt 2

Lol.
I'm having a discussion on Facebook and I'm not sure but I think it's a beautiful illustration of this particular point.
The question is what should I be doing about it?
Should I walk away and leave it alone or should I stay there and possibly see it to it's conclusion?
Where is Girl Scout Troop 57 when you need them?
By Grace,
Travis P. Dickerson

Thorny Issue

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.  Proverbs 15:1.

Tai chi this morning revealed areas of imbalance, which is precisely what Tai Chi is supposed to correct.  Good.
A word that I spoke to someone, was connected to a word that somebody else spoke, which was connected to a word that I spoke to somebody, which was fueled by another word that somebody else spoke...
If I were to use a Star Wars illustration, I would call it, "A disturbance in the Force."
Frustrated fixers would have a field day with it and at the end of the day would more than likely walk away saying, "good job."
God speaking to His people on the other hand might say:
They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying Peace, peace; when there is no peace.  Jeremiah 6:14.
Definitely a thorny issue.
To be continued...

By Grace,

Travis P. Dickerson

Lay Down Your Weapons And Take Up His

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  Colossians 2:8.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:  
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;  
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.  2 Corinthians 10:3-5.





By Grace,

Travis P. Dickerson

Gift of Encouragement

I was having a conversation with my mom and she encourage me that God loves me with a jealous love.

And I receive it.

Thanks Mom.

By Grace,

Travis P. Dickerson

Good

That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.  Psalm 104:28.

Grace comes in many ways.  One of those ways is material provision.  Food, clothing, shelter, etc...

There is another form of grace which God offers.  Grace to overcome sin.  It seems that certain sins are more difficult to let go of than others.

For example, when I was saved, God mercifully cut the ropes which bound me to alcohol.  Before I was delivered I could not get sober by myself nor could I stay sober for an indefinite period of time.  It was a definite moment in time when I placed my trust in Jesus Christ to forgive me of my sins that set me free from a perpetual addiction.  Miraculous!

Grace is miraculous.  Even when it seems minor or inconsequential.  For by grace are ye saved through faith;  and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  Ephesians 2:8,9.

My mom is one of the most grace filled persons I know.  She has given me so much.  I can never ever repay her for what she has done.  Only God can reward her the way that she deserves!  There's no amount of good that I can do to cancel my debt to her.

It's the same with Jesus Christ.  I couldn't repay Him if I tried to.  The truth is I don't even know what all He has done for me.  I haven't lived long enough in God's redeeming love to accept the truth of how fully and unconditionally was His atoning sacrifice on my behalf.

It's amazing how truly blessed I am to live here, rent free, utility free, bill free, indefinitely.  Glory to God!

Lord, I believe.  Help my unbelief.  Amen.

By Grace,

Travis

Get a Life

But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.  Matthew 8:22.

Tell that to somebody who's loved one is dying or who has just lost somebody to the grave.
I don't know whether or not it would do them any good.
But it won't do you any good to follow them that's for sure.  And it won't do them any good for you to follow them.  I'm sure they would love to have a big entourage.  Misery loves company.


By Grace,

Travis P. Dickerson

Best Friends

He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice:  this my joy therefore is fulfilled.  John 3:29.

Long night.  Next door neighbor was playing some jazz music outside and I don't know if it was trumpets or saxophones.
It was kind of annoying at first until I realized that it was a call to pray.  After I prayed I experienced a feeling of being held fast.
This morning I spoke with an old friend.  It was refreshing to say the least.  And encouraging.
So I'm sticking it out on the narrow path.  Though the way is constrained.  I know that it leads to life because it's the path that He took.

By Grace,

Travis

Topaz

His hands are like rods of gold set with [nails of] beryl or topaz.  Song of Solomon 5:14a AMP

Today I want to leave you with a burning question.

I found when I was looking up topaz that the scholars debate whether or not topaz mentioned in the Bible is the same topaz as we know today.  I've decided that for the purpose of this study it would do little to clarify our understanding.  

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  1 Corinthians 13:2.  

What good are hands in a display case if they never touch anyone?  

By Grace,

Travis P. Dickerson

Beryl

His hands are like rods of gold set with [nails of] beryl or topaz.  Song of Solomon 5:14a

Sharply dressed.  You all know that it's what's inside that counts.  God looks at the heart not the outer appearance.  Joyce Meyer puts it this way, "We're not just clothed in our regular clothing but there's spiritual clothes we have to put on as well."

Revelation says, "Behold I'm going to come like a thief.  Blessed is the man who stays awake and guards his clothes."

The first mention of beryl in the Scriptures is found in Exodus 28:20.  And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.

Beryl is a precious stone that comes in many variations.  The most well known are emerald and aquamarine.  Emeralds probably would have been in the possession of the Israelites at the time of this event taking place.  Emeralds are mined in Egypt.  As part of the Exodus God god gave the plunder of the Egyptians into their hands.  For something as important as the breasplate to be worn by the High Priest I would imagine they weren't frugal.  I stress the word imagine because I don't have the definitive answer.

But what I do know is this.  The best way to detect a counterfeit is to examine the real thing.  Look at the price that God paid for your soul and for mine.  Jesus Christ.  The spotless Lamb of God.  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things.  Romans 8:32.

Next time you look in the mirror remember Romans 8:32.  I hope that helps you to see yourself as you truly are.

Till next time.

By Grace,

TRavis P. Dickerson