All posts by Dan

Culture at Midnight

Do the Opposite

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There is a private wrestling match going on in me. It has to do with how to navigate the force-fields that are operating in the world right now. More than that, I struggle with the sense that we as followers of Jesus must get prepared to live apart from the surrounding culture, not taking our cues from media, politics or any other of the cultural bellwethers, but from the Spirit and from the example of our predecessors in the faith.

Yesterday I had a discussion with a young friend who was curious about my political opinions. I told him I had very few. That was being honest. I have little confidence in political motivations and the ability of government to bring about a just and peaceful world. Moreover, I doubt that we are getting real transparency through the media and from persons in places of power who have good reason to tell the viewing public what the focus groups say we want to hear. Continue reading Do the Opposite →

Daniel, Podcast

Daniel 12 (Pt. 2) – Last Podcast Until Fall

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 Jody finishes the study of Daniel with a review and summary.

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Dan's Posts, Prayer

The Outward Begins with the Inward…

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Lord, why do my prayer times most often focus on me—myself? I would like to be more outward. 

So, began an entry in my journal. Have you ever felt the same way? As I thought about the question, I realized that the outward always begins with the inward. Obstacles in my inner world can be like rocks, all jammed together and wedged to impede the flow of compassion and purpose. Don’t be concerned that your prayers begin with your heart. To have a clear heart is to release the flow of living water.

The enemy would plug the well with rocks of uncertainty and fear. God’s work in, for, and through you loosens the impediments. Do you remember when the Father said to Jesus, “You are my beloved son”? It was from those words that Jesus did all the works that His Father gave Him to do. If His heart had been wedged shut with fear, uncertainty and self-hatred, Jesus would never have been able to respond with obedience to the interruptions. opportunities and human needs. The springs of life came out pure and free because He moved confidently in His Father’s love.

That can be true of you, too. In prayer, you can ask your Father to remove the rocks so you can respond from a place of confidence. God may not always tell you in advance what He will do, but He will prepare you to hear and see by helping you clear the well of your heart.

Daniel, Podcast

Daniel 11 (Part 2)

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The second part of Jody’s exploration of Daniel, Chapter 11.  In some ways, it feels like a travelogue about a land you’ve never visited. Still, there are treasures to be found in this, one of the last chapters of the remarkable book of Daniel.  (Notes and workbook are available at the “Notes” tab above).

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Daniel, Podcast

Daniel Chapter 11 (Pt. 1)

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Jody begins a two or three part series drawn from the eleventh chapter of Daniel. Some interesting historical notes begin to emerge.

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Christian Living, Dan's Posts

Prayer Struggle

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When you struggle in prayer, it does not mean God is far from you. That is the time the Spirit intercedes for you. That’s what Paul, our brother and apostle, said. Do you know what that means? The Spirit is alive in you. He is not an inert substance, but a living presence that shares the will of the Father and the mind of Christ. And, in the sharing, none of them are lessened or diminished. Each of them, the presence, the mind of Christ, the will of God, is fully alive in you. This is what is meant by the love of God: you are not alone, never alone. That is the “always.” It never changes. Though you dwell in the depth of the sea, walk in the valley of shadows, or struggle through jungles of despair, He is there.

When you are discouraged, it doesn’t mean that Father is far from you. It means He is very near. The discouraged feeling is not God’s absence or presence, it is your focus on the things that are less important than His purposes. If you can turn toward His kingdom and righteousness, you can move forward despite feeling discouraged.

So, when prayer is a struggle, remember the Presence. When you feel the absence, let that be a reminder of His “always.”

[Romans 8; Psalm 139; Matthew 28].