I’ve heard, for years, that all sound waves ever transmitted are still floating around air & space somewhere. I thought that odd & wondered why the air didn’t finally get packed full with all the waves & noise. (I’ve made my share of sound waves!) Seems that was just so many wasted sound waves. Like the ripples in a pond that eventually play out, so do sound waves. They vibrate the molecules of air & make ‘sound.’ After a time, the vibrations fade & just become ‘noise’ until it dies out. As to space, well, FEW molecules in space (a vacuum), so no noise. Kind of deflating when you think of all the cool sci-fi flicks & explosions. They may LOOK cool, but the sound is just for the benefit of the movie goers.
In 1962 the U.S. was in the midst of the Cuban missile crisis & there was a real concern about nuclear war. The song, ‘Do You Hear What I Hear?,” was written during this time. It was an attempt to sway leaders to avert war. That same sentiment has been practiced through countless other songs over a multitude of wars! People write songs, poems, even novels to express a point of view. They essentially want to say, ‘Don’t you hear what I hear?”
I heard on the news of a group of atheists in the New York area who sprang for a billboard to further their cause. Their cause: according to the atheist spokesman, trying to get more people to become atheists, or in his reasoning, admit they are atheist. They made a billboard with silhouette wise men going to a nativity, that says, “You KNOW it’s a myth. This season, celebrate reason.” They put it up next to the Holland Tunnel. Why? They wanted their point of view to be heard, loud & clear. Whether you agree or not, the message went out loud & clear.
Can you imagine hearing what the angels said on that first Christmas? Poor Shepherd guys were minding their own business when the sky exploded with an army of angels! Not the average day on the hillside. These weren’t just town’s folk, religious speakers, or even troubadours spreading their point of view. These were angels. ‘Angel’ means ‘God’s messenger.’ They had a first-hand account of God stepping out of heaven into human flesh! The news the world needed to hear: a Savior is here. The world STILL needs to hear it.
Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-12 NKJV
As you read this, I will have just had an injection into my eardrum to continue treatment of two ruptured eardrums back in the summer. The attempt is to completely restore my hearing. I want to be able to hear as I should. Spiritually, I want to hear the message God has for me: the Savior has been born. I’m to be a messenger, just like the angels, then the Shepherds they tagged with the story. God has come among us! The Savior is born. Do you hear what I hear?
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
-Cover Fire-
I never served in armed services. I’ve had friends who did & seen plenty of war movies that enlightened me as to an essential element in an attack. If a squad, platoon, or company is moving forward in battle, soldiers offer ‘cover fire’ for the men to advance. Stands to reason, right? If someone is shooting a heavy barrage of bullets at you, it’s hard to stick your head out to fire back. So, the guys move forward while their comrades offer cover fire.
Not sure if you realize it or not, but each day a spiritual war goes on. No, no bombs, gunfire, or napalm, but a warfare none-the-less. There is a devil & he’s real. While I’ve never SEEN him, I gotta think he doesn’t sport around in a red cape, with horns, a pointy tail & a pitchfork. He wages war against mankind daily.
You might think, “Hey, I’m not getting involved in this religious stuff. I’ll mind my own business & live my life.” Doesn’t really work that way. You can’t be a neutral Switzerland in life. You’re either on God’s side or not. For that matter, it wouldn’t make much sense to be in the middle of two sides of a battle & try to be passive. You’re in the middle!
Are you a praying person? Hope so. You see, someone has rightly stated, “God’s army moves forward on its knees.”
The only way a Christian can operate & move forward is in prayer. To be honest with you, there are many times we simply can’t move forward without the ‘cover fire’ of prayer of those around us. When all Hell throws all it has against you, it takes the prayers & help of fellow Christians.
How about it? Are you offering cover fire for those around you? I can tell you from experience, we need it! If you are trying to stay ‘neutral’: careful my friend. Satan doesn’t play games & he desires to ‘kill, steal, and destroy’ you. Join the battle. Follow after Christ & charge Hell!
Beyond the verses/links scattered in this short encouragement is a list of challenges to pray below. There is also a reminder that when we don’t know what to pray, or feel like we have no prayer left, God’s Spirit will pray & offer ‘cover fire’ for you!
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.” 1Timothy 2:1
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” Romans 8:26
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Not sure if you realize it or not, but each day a spiritual war goes on. No, no bombs, gunfire, or napalm, but a warfare none-the-less. There is a devil & he’s real. While I’ve never SEEN him, I gotta think he doesn’t sport around in a red cape, with horns, a pointy tail & a pitchfork. He wages war against mankind daily.
You might think, “Hey, I’m not getting involved in this religious stuff. I’ll mind my own business & live my life.” Doesn’t really work that way. You can’t be a neutral Switzerland in life. You’re either on God’s side or not. For that matter, it wouldn’t make much sense to be in the middle of two sides of a battle & try to be passive. You’re in the middle!
Are you a praying person? Hope so. You see, someone has rightly stated, “God’s army moves forward on its knees.”
The only way a Christian can operate & move forward is in prayer. To be honest with you, there are many times we simply can’t move forward without the ‘cover fire’ of prayer of those around us. When all Hell throws all it has against you, it takes the prayers & help of fellow Christians.
How about it? Are you offering cover fire for those around you? I can tell you from experience, we need it! If you are trying to stay ‘neutral’: careful my friend. Satan doesn’t play games & he desires to ‘kill, steal, and destroy’ you. Join the battle. Follow after Christ & charge Hell!
Beyond the verses/links scattered in this short encouragement is a list of challenges to pray below. There is also a reminder that when we don’t know what to pray, or feel like we have no prayer left, God’s Spirit will pray & offer ‘cover fire’ for you!
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.” 1Timothy 2:1
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” Romans 8:26
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
-Clear As Mud-
I’ve shared many times about growing up next to the Mississippi, White & St. Francis Rivers. Very few people ever tried to swim those around where I lived due to strong current/undercurrents & murky waters. I remember tales of divers who had to dive in the Mississippi & refusing to go back down after they had come face-to-face with catfish the size of a car! They couldn’t see them until they were right up on them. The Mississippi is clear as mud.
Sadly, that’s about how many Christians have made Christianity: clear as mud. Not sure if you knew it, but there are over 30 kinds of BAPTISTS alone-not to mention all the other Evangelical, Protestant, & Catholic churches. Then you throw into the mix all the cults & other main religions, and it makes people wonder, ‘Who is God & how in the world can I know Him?’
There is no way in this short few paragraphs that I can do a full apologetic & ‘prove’ Christianity to you, or anyone else for that matter. If you are a critical, analytical thinker and are struggling with the question of God’s existence or Who Jesus is, I would love to steer you to some material that will challenge & help you navigate the topic. Lee Stoble holds a Yale law degree & was a journalist for the Chicago tribune. He was a professed atheist & wrestled with God until he came to grips with the reality of Jesus. I can lend some material from him or Josh McDowell (somewhat the same background) or you can check our Lee at:
The concern I have for many Christians is that we have become a caricature to much of the world. Unfortunately, when Christians are portrayed on movies or TV it is not in the most positive light. Sometimes we’ve painted ourselves in a dark cast too! We’ve spent more time slinging mud sharing Christ.
Again, time/space won’t permit a lengthy treatise, but I believe we should walk what we say. In doing so, we’ll prove Christianity in three ways: Real, Relevant & Relational. Real: Not just a plastic, play-acting religion. Relevant: A faith that works in the day-to-day grind of life! Relational: The God of the universe cares enough to become one of us to make us one with Him. He wants to be involved in our lives & commands us to be involved in the lives of those around us!
One of the disciples, John, who lived & served with Jesus, said this about Him:
He came into the very world He created, but the world didn’t recognize Him. He came to His own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:10-14 NLT
The first century world didn’t even recognize Jesus when He came. He came to put a face to the name of God. I suppose the religious folks of the time had some preconceived idea of what God was, & simply missed the ship! I’m afraid if the 21st century world watches many of us; they too will miss out on who God really is. As I said, I’m afraid we’ve made Christianity out to be a caricature. We seem to spend more of our time infighting & arguing amongst ourselves & our ‘brand’ than we do in living out His love. God help us. We’ve made Christianity out to be clear as mud.
Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not down on all things ‘church,’ or disillusioned & ready to jump ship. Far from it! As the late E.V. Hill said, I just want to encourage us who believe to behave!
If you’re seeking to know who God is I’d love to help you in your search. If you know Jesus-show it! Live it! Let’s be more interested in sharing Jesus than sharing verbal barbs with each other. As to my affiliation: while I am a Southern Baptist, I am first & foremost a disciple of Jesus! Let’s not make this clear as mud!
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport
Sadly, that’s about how many Christians have made Christianity: clear as mud. Not sure if you knew it, but there are over 30 kinds of BAPTISTS alone-not to mention all the other Evangelical, Protestant, & Catholic churches. Then you throw into the mix all the cults & other main religions, and it makes people wonder, ‘Who is God & how in the world can I know Him?’
There is no way in this short few paragraphs that I can do a full apologetic & ‘prove’ Christianity to you, or anyone else for that matter. If you are a critical, analytical thinker and are struggling with the question of God’s existence or Who Jesus is, I would love to steer you to some material that will challenge & help you navigate the topic. Lee Stoble holds a Yale law degree & was a journalist for the Chicago tribune. He was a professed atheist & wrestled with God until he came to grips with the reality of Jesus. I can lend some material from him or Josh McDowell (somewhat the same background) or you can check our Lee at:
The concern I have for many Christians is that we have become a caricature to much of the world. Unfortunately, when Christians are portrayed on movies or TV it is not in the most positive light. Sometimes we’ve painted ourselves in a dark cast too! We’ve spent more time slinging mud sharing Christ.
Again, time/space won’t permit a lengthy treatise, but I believe we should walk what we say. In doing so, we’ll prove Christianity in three ways: Real, Relevant & Relational. Real: Not just a plastic, play-acting religion. Relevant: A faith that works in the day-to-day grind of life! Relational: The God of the universe cares enough to become one of us to make us one with Him. He wants to be involved in our lives & commands us to be involved in the lives of those around us!
One of the disciples, John, who lived & served with Jesus, said this about Him:
He came into the very world He created, but the world didn’t recognize Him. He came to His own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:10-14 NLT
The first century world didn’t even recognize Jesus when He came. He came to put a face to the name of God. I suppose the religious folks of the time had some preconceived idea of what God was, & simply missed the ship! I’m afraid if the 21st century world watches many of us; they too will miss out on who God really is. As I said, I’m afraid we’ve made Christianity out to be a caricature. We seem to spend more of our time infighting & arguing amongst ourselves & our ‘brand’ than we do in living out His love. God help us. We’ve made Christianity out to be clear as mud.
Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not down on all things ‘church,’ or disillusioned & ready to jump ship. Far from it! As the late E.V. Hill said, I just want to encourage us who believe to behave!
If you’re seeking to know who God is I’d love to help you in your search. If you know Jesus-show it! Live it! Let’s be more interested in sharing Jesus than sharing verbal barbs with each other. As to my affiliation: while I am a Southern Baptist, I am first & foremost a disciple of Jesus! Let’s not make this clear as mud!
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
-Stuff Just Happens-
I probably don’t have to remind you that life is filled with stupid stuff that happens. You know, things you didn’t plan on, or wouldn’t particularly know how to avoid even if you knew it were GOING to happen. Just read about the owner of the Segway company. You know, the two wheeled odd little scooters you have to balance on to drive. Seems he was riding one & took a header over a cliff. The scooter was found next to his body. Nothing funny about that, just in the category of ‘weird.’ Life is filled with things that happen; it’s just dependent on how we react to the actions.
I have a few words of encouragement & I’ll quote my pastor on this one, “I’m going to speak to myself, you can just listen in.” Forewarning: the ‘preacher’ in me is about to come out as I alliterate. When stuff happens in my life that I can’t control I will respond in one or two ways. One set of ways leads to a header over a cliff, while the other response is how God would have me react.
DISTRACTED. That’s pretty much what happens when weird things go on & I don’t ask for God’s advice & take His direction. I end up chasing rabbits down dead end roads! I end up focusing on the wrong things & can’t see the forest for the trees.
DISGRUNTLED. When stuff happens & when I have been offended I can easily get out of joint & upset if I have the wrong perspective & outlook. When I look at life as if I deserve better, then that lays the groundwork for my being disgruntled.
DESTROYED. The Evil one has a plan: to ‘kill, steal, and destroy.” When I continue the course of the first two, then the ultimate end is destruction on my part & those to whom I have to do!
Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles surround me—too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage. Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me.
Psalm 40:11-13 NLT
When I ASK for God’s help, salvation, & direction He helps me:
FOCUS: I can’t see tomorrow, or the end of the day for that matter! When I have the right perspective the stuff that happens doesn’t derail me! Hebrews12:1-3 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2012:1-3&version=NLT
FORGIVENESS: I NEED forgiveness & need to give forgiveness to others. When I hold petty grudges & become disgruntled, it really doesn’t even bother whoever ticked me off. They usually don’t even know or care. Just festers & eats away at me! Matthew 6:14-15 NLT
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:14-15&version=NLT
FAITHFUL: I can’t remain faithful on my own power & steam. When I’m infused with God’s direction & power He helps me remain faithful to His purposes for life. Matthew 25:14-28
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:14-28&version=NLT
Here’s just a few thoughts of encouragement on how to handle when stuff just happens. Of course, the first action to take in our lives & turning over our very lives to the Lord of life! Otherwise, the rest of our lives are spent in REACTING to stuff that happens, rather than acting in the way God would have. Any thoughts or prayer needs send my way & I’ll join pray for you as you pray for me.
Dave Jackson on facebook
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
I have a few words of encouragement & I’ll quote my pastor on this one, “I’m going to speak to myself, you can just listen in.” Forewarning: the ‘preacher’ in me is about to come out as I alliterate. When stuff happens in my life that I can’t control I will respond in one or two ways. One set of ways leads to a header over a cliff, while the other response is how God would have me react.
DISTRACTED. That’s pretty much what happens when weird things go on & I don’t ask for God’s advice & take His direction. I end up chasing rabbits down dead end roads! I end up focusing on the wrong things & can’t see the forest for the trees.
DISGRUNTLED. When stuff happens & when I have been offended I can easily get out of joint & upset if I have the wrong perspective & outlook. When I look at life as if I deserve better, then that lays the groundwork for my being disgruntled.
DESTROYED. The Evil one has a plan: to ‘kill, steal, and destroy.” When I continue the course of the first two, then the ultimate end is destruction on my part & those to whom I have to do!
Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles surround me—too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage. Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me.
Psalm 40:11-13 NLT
When I ASK for God’s help, salvation, & direction He helps me:
FOCUS: I can’t see tomorrow, or the end of the day for that matter! When I have the right perspective the stuff that happens doesn’t derail me! Hebrews12:1-3 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2012:1-3&version=NLT
FORGIVENESS: I NEED forgiveness & need to give forgiveness to others. When I hold petty grudges & become disgruntled, it really doesn’t even bother whoever ticked me off. They usually don’t even know or care. Just festers & eats away at me! Matthew 6:14-15 NLT
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:14-15&version=NLT
FAITHFUL: I can’t remain faithful on my own power & steam. When I’m infused with God’s direction & power He helps me remain faithful to His purposes for life. Matthew 25:14-28
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:14-28&version=NLT
Here’s just a few thoughts of encouragement on how to handle when stuff just happens. Of course, the first action to take in our lives & turning over our very lives to the Lord of life! Otherwise, the rest of our lives are spent in REACTING to stuff that happens, rather than acting in the way God would have. Any thoughts or prayer needs send my way & I’ll join pray for you as you pray for me.
Dave Jackson on facebook
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
-Shaken Up-
Several people & a few reptiles were shaken up this past week when a ‘notorious wildlife smuggler’ had his bag break open at an airport in Malaysia. 95 boa constrictors came out! That’s a way to shake up any flight!
All of us have had unsuspected things happen. I’m sure you’ve been in the car with a beverage of some kind, only to have it spill out on you. The only thing that can spill out is whatever is IN the cup. The same goes for our lives. When problems & irritations arise, what comes out of us is what’s inside of us!
This summer has been a particular challenge for my family. As I look around, though, I find there are many folks/families I know that have faced even greater difficulties. Many have faced life’s crisis with grace & peace. They show God’s peace because they are filled with God’s peace.
We can only continue to carry on for so long without renewed power & strength. God created us just like a battery to have to be renewed daily. Without His filling & power we are spent & empty. When jarred & shaken, raw emotion overflows & spills over others.
This past week I studied the passage from the Psalmist, David, as he shared God’s admonition:
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
Psalm 46:10-11 NLT
The words, ‘be still,’ in the original language, meant ‘Let go. Relax.’ One could use the phrase, “Let go & let God.” It means to quit trying &
start trusting God. We often try to run & do until there’s nothing left within us. All along God wants us to understand, apart from His power & strength, we are just wasting time & spending energy.
For the Christian, it’s a reminder that we have to daily empty ourselves of ourselves & be filled with His power & presence. John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus, said, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:30 NLT. When we are shaken up, His peace comes out.
For those who’ve never given their lives to God’s leading, it’s a challenge that God is …well, GOD! If you spend the entire of your life you will never be satisfied deep within. You’ll go from one experience & activity to another & never find contentment. There will never truly be peace until you know the Prince of Peace. Not just religious talk, reality!
So, basically, for ALL of us it comes down to this: drop all the things we hold to & trust in God. I was reminded first hand this week, when I’m shaken up, what comes out is what’s inside!
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
All of us have had unsuspected things happen. I’m sure you’ve been in the car with a beverage of some kind, only to have it spill out on you. The only thing that can spill out is whatever is IN the cup. The same goes for our lives. When problems & irritations arise, what comes out of us is what’s inside of us!
This summer has been a particular challenge for my family. As I look around, though, I find there are many folks/families I know that have faced even greater difficulties. Many have faced life’s crisis with grace & peace. They show God’s peace because they are filled with God’s peace.
We can only continue to carry on for so long without renewed power & strength. God created us just like a battery to have to be renewed daily. Without His filling & power we are spent & empty. When jarred & shaken, raw emotion overflows & spills over others.
This past week I studied the passage from the Psalmist, David, as he shared God’s admonition:
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
Psalm 46:10-11 NLT
The words, ‘be still,’ in the original language, meant ‘Let go. Relax.’ One could use the phrase, “Let go & let God.” It means to quit trying &
start trusting God. We often try to run & do until there’s nothing left within us. All along God wants us to understand, apart from His power & strength, we are just wasting time & spending energy.
For the Christian, it’s a reminder that we have to daily empty ourselves of ourselves & be filled with His power & presence. John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus, said, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:30 NLT. When we are shaken up, His peace comes out.
For those who’ve never given their lives to God’s leading, it’s a challenge that God is …well, GOD! If you spend the entire of your life you will never be satisfied deep within. You’ll go from one experience & activity to another & never find contentment. There will never truly be peace until you know the Prince of Peace. Not just religious talk, reality!
So, basically, for ALL of us it comes down to this: drop all the things we hold to & trust in God. I was reminded first hand this week, when I’m shaken up, what comes out is what’s inside!
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Monday, August 30, 2010
-Point of Impact-
Our lives are impacted by many people and events. I’ve been literally impacted several times in fender-benders. I can definitely tell you about the point of impact on those accidents!
There was a man this week, however, who had an impact & didn’t even recollect it. Seems a Polish man living in Germany was having pains in his head. He went to the doctor to have what he thought was a cyst removed. It turned out to be a .22 caliber bullet. He vaguely remembered having a pain in the back of his head at a New Year’s event some 5 years before. Apparently he was shot, but just too drunk to realize it. A man could wake up dead that way! The bullet was removed & he’ll soon be released. Maybe he should have had his head examined before the party!
Most of the time, we realize what & when our lives are impacted & by whom. If you think back I’m sure you have had some great people make a positive impact in your life. Maybe it was great, godly parents or grandparents, neighbors, teachers or friends. It’s my prayer that you also strive to be making a positive impact on the lives of others around you as well.
While we realize the impact others have made, often we don’t recall that exact ‘point of impact’ they made. It’s hard to remember every act of kindness or care others show us. There was, however, that first act of kindness. The one they chose to do for you & others. That’s where the change began & relationships sealed.
I could also ask you the old Quaker question: “When did Jesus become more than a name to you?” How about it? Is He? If so, when was the ‘point of impact’? For me it was as a young boy, after hearing & learning of His love, He transformed my life & heart. My eternity is forever changed.
Matthew wrote in his gospel of that ‘point of impact’ with Jesus:
As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow Me and be My disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed Him.
Matthew 9:9 NLT
Matthew went on to help turn the world upside down with his fellow disciples. He eventually gave his life for the Master, but not before making a difference in the lives of countless & penning one of the gospels recounting the life & ministry of Jesus.
My prayer is that you have had a ‘point of impact’ with Jesus. You may never meet Jesus or write a book in the bible like Matthew, but I pray that He is using you to make an impact on the lives of those around you. If you have questions I’d love to pray for you & encourage you. If you have stories of those who’ve made an impact on your life pass them along. It’s always good to hear of those making a positive difference.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
There was a man this week, however, who had an impact & didn’t even recollect it. Seems a Polish man living in Germany was having pains in his head. He went to the doctor to have what he thought was a cyst removed. It turned out to be a .22 caliber bullet. He vaguely remembered having a pain in the back of his head at a New Year’s event some 5 years before. Apparently he was shot, but just too drunk to realize it. A man could wake up dead that way! The bullet was removed & he’ll soon be released. Maybe he should have had his head examined before the party!
Most of the time, we realize what & when our lives are impacted & by whom. If you think back I’m sure you have had some great people make a positive impact in your life. Maybe it was great, godly parents or grandparents, neighbors, teachers or friends. It’s my prayer that you also strive to be making a positive impact on the lives of others around you as well.
While we realize the impact others have made, often we don’t recall that exact ‘point of impact’ they made. It’s hard to remember every act of kindness or care others show us. There was, however, that first act of kindness. The one they chose to do for you & others. That’s where the change began & relationships sealed.
I could also ask you the old Quaker question: “When did Jesus become more than a name to you?” How about it? Is He? If so, when was the ‘point of impact’? For me it was as a young boy, after hearing & learning of His love, He transformed my life & heart. My eternity is forever changed.
Matthew wrote in his gospel of that ‘point of impact’ with Jesus:
As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow Me and be My disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed Him.
Matthew 9:9 NLT
Matthew went on to help turn the world upside down with his fellow disciples. He eventually gave his life for the Master, but not before making a difference in the lives of countless & penning one of the gospels recounting the life & ministry of Jesus.
My prayer is that you have had a ‘point of impact’ with Jesus. You may never meet Jesus or write a book in the bible like Matthew, but I pray that He is using you to make an impact on the lives of those around you. If you have questions I’d love to pray for you & encourage you. If you have stories of those who’ve made an impact on your life pass them along. It’s always good to hear of those making a positive difference.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
-Welcome-
Great to have you here this semester! Hope you’re getting settled into classes & routines. It’s always good to have a warm reception when we go somewhere. No one wants to have cold water thrown on them when they go someplace new. In all the years I’ve served in ministry I’ve moved several times & ‘started over’ in new places. Most places were great, warm & welcoming.
I remember a couple of kids who moved into my neighborhood when I was a kid. I was excited to have someone else to play with & tried to welcome them. That was all well & good, except they brought their dog, Cujo, along! We were playing on a couple of occasions when Cujo thought I looked like a lunch entrée or something & treed me! Had to wait in a tree until someone called off the demon dog. I was walking home one night & looked over just in time to see Cujo bailing off the porch after me. My sisters ran home for help (‘no sense in all of us getting eaten!’). He was dragging me under the edge of the porch, presumably to eat me as a late night snack, when the cavalry arrived & squelched his plans. I still have four scars on my leg were he dragged me!
A visual reminder & lesson learned. Some folks are about as welcoming & inviting as Cujo there. I hope & pray that I encourage those around me & help as many as I can while I’m on this journey here. I don’t want to turn on people even in a misguided attempt to ‘protect what’s mine’, as I’m sure Cujo was trying to do.
Sadly, some people even treat Jesus that way. They want to be left alone to go about their way of life & not bothered with any ‘religious’ distractions. As Jesus went from town to town in His early, earthly ministry He pretty much had folks reject or receive Him…little middle ground. Truth be told, I guess there’s not much middle ground in that anyway.
One of the families that welcomed Him & later played integral parts in ministry was Mary, Martha & Lazarus of Bethany. A passage in Luke’s gospel that tells of the beginning of this friendship is also the key for our lives today.
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He taught. Luke 10:38-39 NLT
My prayer for you and me is that we always ‘welcome’ Jesus into our homes & lives. May we always sit at His feet & listen to what He teaches us.
Feel free to call on me anytime. All the contact information is below.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
I remember a couple of kids who moved into my neighborhood when I was a kid. I was excited to have someone else to play with & tried to welcome them. That was all well & good, except they brought their dog, Cujo, along! We were playing on a couple of occasions when Cujo thought I looked like a lunch entrée or something & treed me! Had to wait in a tree until someone called off the demon dog. I was walking home one night & looked over just in time to see Cujo bailing off the porch after me. My sisters ran home for help (‘no sense in all of us getting eaten!’). He was dragging me under the edge of the porch, presumably to eat me as a late night snack, when the cavalry arrived & squelched his plans. I still have four scars on my leg were he dragged me!
A visual reminder & lesson learned. Some folks are about as welcoming & inviting as Cujo there. I hope & pray that I encourage those around me & help as many as I can while I’m on this journey here. I don’t want to turn on people even in a misguided attempt to ‘protect what’s mine’, as I’m sure Cujo was trying to do.
Sadly, some people even treat Jesus that way. They want to be left alone to go about their way of life & not bothered with any ‘religious’ distractions. As Jesus went from town to town in His early, earthly ministry He pretty much had folks reject or receive Him…little middle ground. Truth be told, I guess there’s not much middle ground in that anyway.
One of the families that welcomed Him & later played integral parts in ministry was Mary, Martha & Lazarus of Bethany. A passage in Luke’s gospel that tells of the beginning of this friendship is also the key for our lives today.
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He taught. Luke 10:38-39 NLT
My prayer for you and me is that we always ‘welcome’ Jesus into our homes & lives. May we always sit at His feet & listen to what He teaches us.
Feel free to call on me anytime. All the contact information is below.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
-Superman to Save the Day-
I saw part of an installment of a new TV series the other day entitled, ‘Superhumans,’ co-hosted by Stan Lee of Spiderman & X-Men fame. It scours the globe in search of ordinary people with extraordinary powers. One was an ordinary sized man (5’7” & 180lbs) who had superhuman strength. Another guy (who was not a Savant) could calculate extensive math equations faster than a calculator! (He’d be great to have in a study group!) Seems his brain remapped itself & the (‘Area 43’) area in the brain that calculates math had moved to an area that performs physical/reflexive movement) so when he heard a problem he reflexively answered in a split second! Another guy could withstand massive jolts of electricity unharmed. All of these individuals stood out from the herd because they could perform some pretty amazing things.
The best “Superman” story took place last week, however. A struggling family facing foreclosure stumbled upon what is considered to be the Holy Grail of comic books in their basement – a copy of Action Comics No. 1, the first in which Superman ever appeared. The family was packing up their family home from the impending foreclosure when they found the rare 1938 comic book in a cardboard box. What’s the possible worth of the comic? Possibly $1 Million! The bank was convinced to back off the foreclosure…ya think?
It would be cool if we had a superman to come save the day sometimes. Or maybe better if we WERE a superman to save the day! It would even be something to have these super-human powers that are revealed on this new series. Sad truth is we are all pretty much just ordinary people. Nothing spectacular about most of us. What’s worse is that not only are we less than super-human, we are also the problem of our own lives, truth be told! Our sins & mishaps cause us & others problems. Before you go stick your head in an oven or something- hold on.
The great ‘Good News’ is that God DOES have a Super Man that can save us from ourselves. It’s old hat & a needed reminder to some of us but truly good NEWS to others that only know of religion & no relationship with the ‘saving’ God.
“Remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of Him during your time as “foreigners in the land.” For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom He paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” I Peter 1:17-19 NLT
I truly pray you know this Savior. If it’s all just religious jargon or maybe you have some hard questions & need some real answers I’ll be glad to pray, encourage you & help you find the answers you seek. After all, we all need a Superman to save the day for us. Glad to introduce you to Him!
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
The best “Superman” story took place last week, however. A struggling family facing foreclosure stumbled upon what is considered to be the Holy Grail of comic books in their basement – a copy of Action Comics No. 1, the first in which Superman ever appeared. The family was packing up their family home from the impending foreclosure when they found the rare 1938 comic book in a cardboard box. What’s the possible worth of the comic? Possibly $1 Million! The bank was convinced to back off the foreclosure…ya think?
It would be cool if we had a superman to come save the day sometimes. Or maybe better if we WERE a superman to save the day! It would even be something to have these super-human powers that are revealed on this new series. Sad truth is we are all pretty much just ordinary people. Nothing spectacular about most of us. What’s worse is that not only are we less than super-human, we are also the problem of our own lives, truth be told! Our sins & mishaps cause us & others problems. Before you go stick your head in an oven or something- hold on.
The great ‘Good News’ is that God DOES have a Super Man that can save us from ourselves. It’s old hat & a needed reminder to some of us but truly good NEWS to others that only know of religion & no relationship with the ‘saving’ God.
“Remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of Him during your time as “foreigners in the land.” For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom He paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” I Peter 1:17-19 NLT
I truly pray you know this Savior. If it’s all just religious jargon or maybe you have some hard questions & need some real answers I’ll be glad to pray, encourage you & help you find the answers you seek. After all, we all need a Superman to save the day for us. Glad to introduce you to Him!
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
-Life's Breath-
A couple of years ago David Blaine set a record for holding one’s breath at 17 minutes. A few months ago a Swiss freediver, Peter Colat, shattered and extended that to an amazing 19 minutes 21 seconds.
I’ve shared that my family recently went on a special vacation cruise to Mexico. My wife & I are celebrating our upcoming 25th anniversary (if she can put up with me a few more weeks!), so it was an early present. We are blown away by the beauty of God’s creation. We got to see the Mayan ruins (another story another day) but the apex was swimming with the dolphins in Cozomel. We looked at all the beauty & it just screams out God’s hand.
“He is the God Who made the world and everything in it. Since He is Lord of heaven and earth, He doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve His needs—for He has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and He satisfies every need. Acts 17:24-25
The trainer told us some interesting facts about these beautiful animals. They are very social & curious, even playful. But they are mammals & therefore they must also breathe air, so they come up for it regularly. They also can’t drink salt water anymore than we can. God’s solution: eat squid or octopus (mostly made up of water)- kinda like a glass of fresh H20. In the wild they live 20-25 years, but almost twice that in captivity because all their needs are met & they are protected. They also shed their skin every 2 hours, thus they love to have someone rub their backs & bellies! Amazing. While we petted those beautiful animals it was right there before us: amid the beauty of creation is the reminder we are all dying.
Not to be morbid, but we live on this big blue marble for maybe 80-90 years. Eternity is a heck-of-a lot longer. Dolphin’s biggest enemy is man, far greater than orca or sharks. Come to think of it, OUR greatest problem is man! But on the other hand our greatest blessing & salvation came from one Man:
… the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.
Romans 5:17-19 NLT
I am incredibly thankful for the beauty & wonder of creation, but I am even more blessed & thankful for ‘new creation.’ I’m thankful that God can take our messed up lives & world, touch us & change us by His grace. While we may be outwardly dying, when we inwardly die to ourselves, He can raise up this awesome ‘new creation.’ Hope it’s so in your life. Just as He breathed life to Adam, I pray He breathes new life into me & you.
If you’re ever headed to Cozomel to swim with the dolphins give me a yell. Maybe we’ll just go back & swim with you!
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
I’ve shared that my family recently went on a special vacation cruise to Mexico. My wife & I are celebrating our upcoming 25th anniversary (if she can put up with me a few more weeks!), so it was an early present. We are blown away by the beauty of God’s creation. We got to see the Mayan ruins (another story another day) but the apex was swimming with the dolphins in Cozomel. We looked at all the beauty & it just screams out God’s hand.
“He is the God Who made the world and everything in it. Since He is Lord of heaven and earth, He doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve His needs—for He has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and He satisfies every need. Acts 17:24-25
The trainer told us some interesting facts about these beautiful animals. They are very social & curious, even playful. But they are mammals & therefore they must also breathe air, so they come up for it regularly. They also can’t drink salt water anymore than we can. God’s solution: eat squid or octopus (mostly made up of water)- kinda like a glass of fresh H20. In the wild they live 20-25 years, but almost twice that in captivity because all their needs are met & they are protected. They also shed their skin every 2 hours, thus they love to have someone rub their backs & bellies! Amazing. While we petted those beautiful animals it was right there before us: amid the beauty of creation is the reminder we are all dying.
Not to be morbid, but we live on this big blue marble for maybe 80-90 years. Eternity is a heck-of-a lot longer. Dolphin’s biggest enemy is man, far greater than orca or sharks. Come to think of it, OUR greatest problem is man! But on the other hand our greatest blessing & salvation came from one Man:
… the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.
Romans 5:17-19 NLT
I am incredibly thankful for the beauty & wonder of creation, but I am even more blessed & thankful for ‘new creation.’ I’m thankful that God can take our messed up lives & world, touch us & change us by His grace. While we may be outwardly dying, when we inwardly die to ourselves, He can raise up this awesome ‘new creation.’ Hope it’s so in your life. Just as He breathed life to Adam, I pray He breathes new life into me & you.
If you’re ever headed to Cozomel to swim with the dolphins give me a yell. Maybe we’ll just go back & swim with you!
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Monday, July 5, 2010
-Freedom-
While “Independence Day” is over with for another year, and the flags might be put away & fireworks spent, I’m hopeful the gratefulness for our
freedom will linger a bit in our minds.
56 men, representing the 13 colonies signed the declaration that would hurl the new ‘nation’ into war with Great Britain. They came from different walks & backgrounds. Each put life, family & possession at risk when they affixed their names to the document. It was treason & they risked hanging from a rope if this endeavor had failed. It was no small feat to align themselves with the cause & they knew full well the possible cost. Still they signed & many served in this new army.
(If you are interested in a factual account of the signers check out
www.heritage.org/Research/Reports/2007/06/Independence-Forever-Why-America-Celebrates-the-Fourth-of-July)
All through our 234 year history men & women have still placed themselves in harm’s way for the cause of freedom. Many may argue the merits of taking up a cause for another across the globe, but I’m sure the innocent being crushed under the boot of tyranny & injustice were thankful for those who stepped in to help secure their lives & freedom. I’m thankful for those whose life’s blood was bled out on some foreign soil to maintain the freedom we so take for granted.
I have shared before my gratitude for those who risked their lives for our freedom, including my own family members. Even more so, I am thankful for One lone sacrifice some two thousand years ago on a far away soil. Blood was spilt & a life was laid down to secure my eternal freedom. The God/man Jesus was the only One Who was qualified to be a substitution for my sin debt. So sacrifice He did, not just for every wicked thing I’ve thought or done, but for the billions upon billions through time. On a rocky crag He spread out His arms & became the sacrificial Lamb.
I love my country. But if this Republic were to fall tomorrow, my citizenship lies in heaven & no one can take that from me. For that, again, I am eternally grateful.
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:34-36
I came across a video the other day that I shared with my church in worship, simply entitled, “Allegiance.” It succinctly spells out the feelings I have for freedom & the hope I have for my own son. Here’s a link to the video & to another I made a few years back in honor of those who laid down their lives for us entitled “For Freedom”.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=esb_CdPwGJ8
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HIzryZLBk8
I pray you know true ‘Freedom’ this Independence Day. I’m thankful for independence of tyranny & Dependence on Christ.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
freedom will linger a bit in our minds.
56 men, representing the 13 colonies signed the declaration that would hurl the new ‘nation’ into war with Great Britain. They came from different walks & backgrounds. Each put life, family & possession at risk when they affixed their names to the document. It was treason & they risked hanging from a rope if this endeavor had failed. It was no small feat to align themselves with the cause & they knew full well the possible cost. Still they signed & many served in this new army.
(If you are interested in a factual account of the signers check out
www.heritage.org/Research/Reports/2007/06/Independence-Forever-Why-America-Celebrates-the-Fourth-of-July)
All through our 234 year history men & women have still placed themselves in harm’s way for the cause of freedom. Many may argue the merits of taking up a cause for another across the globe, but I’m sure the innocent being crushed under the boot of tyranny & injustice were thankful for those who stepped in to help secure their lives & freedom. I’m thankful for those whose life’s blood was bled out on some foreign soil to maintain the freedom we so take for granted.
I have shared before my gratitude for those who risked their lives for our freedom, including my own family members. Even more so, I am thankful for One lone sacrifice some two thousand years ago on a far away soil. Blood was spilt & a life was laid down to secure my eternal freedom. The God/man Jesus was the only One Who was qualified to be a substitution for my sin debt. So sacrifice He did, not just for every wicked thing I’ve thought or done, but for the billions upon billions through time. On a rocky crag He spread out His arms & became the sacrificial Lamb.
I love my country. But if this Republic were to fall tomorrow, my citizenship lies in heaven & no one can take that from me. For that, again, I am eternally grateful.
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:34-36
I came across a video the other day that I shared with my church in worship, simply entitled, “Allegiance.” It succinctly spells out the feelings I have for freedom & the hope I have for my own son. Here’s a link to the video & to another I made a few years back in honor of those who laid down their lives for us entitled “For Freedom”.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=esb_CdPwGJ8
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HIzryZLBk8
I pray you know true ‘Freedom’ this Independence Day. I’m thankful for independence of tyranny & Dependence on Christ.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
-The Heights-
Earlier this week Jason Romero became the youngest person to climb Mt. Everest as the ripe old age of 13! Not only that, but he only has one more peak to have climbed the highest peaks in all 7 continents. He now has his sights on the last, Vinson Massif in Antarctica.
Apart from cruising at 35,000 ft in a 747, the highest I’ve been is several peaks in Colorado at just over 14,000 ft. We spent a week last year at Leadville, CO, which is the highest city in the U.S. I was sick at my stomach most of the week because, like an idiot, I forgot to do what I told the rest of the group before we left: drink tons of water!
I’m not particularly afraid of heights & have worked several stories up in carpenter work & repelled several times. Unfortunately I have one little hitch-jumping from heights into water. I suppose it’s a phobia. Odd how I can repel or hang hundred feet up, but ask me to jump off into water & I start backpedaling & breaking out into cold sweats!
Stems from an incident YEARS ago where I served on a mission team. We were at FBC Searcy & the entire youth group went to Greer’s Ferry Lake in Heber Springs were they all jumped off the tallest cliff like a bunch of crazy Acapulco cliff divers or something. They all shouted some stupid phrase they had & jumped out into oblivion. Me & my team-mate were the last on the ledge & knew that: 1. they had all jumped & survived 2. They somehow even ENJOYED it 3. If we didn’t they weren’t gonna listen to a word we had to say all week. So, I took a deep breath & launched out.
I free-fell for what seemed like minutes, when a thought went through my mind: you are supposed to jump out or you’ll be a greasy spot on the tapered rocks on the shoreline. Did I jump out far enough? Uhhh….I looked down to see. That’s when I hit the surf at about 100mph! Felt like someone hit me with a table leg, or a brick bat. I know…been there, done that.
Almost unconscious, and what seemed like 100ft below the surface, somewhere in the back of my mind I remembered-‘when you’re underwater & disoriented see which way the bubbles go from your mouth.’ They went up sideways. Otherwise, I would have swum into the lake and, well, I wouldn’t be typing this now.
So, there you have it. I don’t relish jumping off into water. Thing is, no matter how high I go or how low I were to dive, I could never be apart from the presence of God. He’s with me wherever.
“Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the ocean depths.” Psalms 36:5-6 NLT
My prayer, as always, is that you know His presence. You know His unfailing love. He loves us deeply & wants to have close fellowship with us. We need to allow Him control & make our lives aright. At the furthest reaches we are not alone. He is there. When you feel your lowest & alone, He is there, as close as our next breath & heartbeat.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Apart from cruising at 35,000 ft in a 747, the highest I’ve been is several peaks in Colorado at just over 14,000 ft. We spent a week last year at Leadville, CO, which is the highest city in the U.S. I was sick at my stomach most of the week because, like an idiot, I forgot to do what I told the rest of the group before we left: drink tons of water!
I’m not particularly afraid of heights & have worked several stories up in carpenter work & repelled several times. Unfortunately I have one little hitch-jumping from heights into water. I suppose it’s a phobia. Odd how I can repel or hang hundred feet up, but ask me to jump off into water & I start backpedaling & breaking out into cold sweats!
Stems from an incident YEARS ago where I served on a mission team. We were at FBC Searcy & the entire youth group went to Greer’s Ferry Lake in Heber Springs were they all jumped off the tallest cliff like a bunch of crazy Acapulco cliff divers or something. They all shouted some stupid phrase they had & jumped out into oblivion. Me & my team-mate were the last on the ledge & knew that: 1. they had all jumped & survived 2. They somehow even ENJOYED it 3. If we didn’t they weren’t gonna listen to a word we had to say all week. So, I took a deep breath & launched out.
I free-fell for what seemed like minutes, when a thought went through my mind: you are supposed to jump out or you’ll be a greasy spot on the tapered rocks on the shoreline. Did I jump out far enough? Uhhh….I looked down to see. That’s when I hit the surf at about 100mph! Felt like someone hit me with a table leg, or a brick bat. I know…been there, done that.
Almost unconscious, and what seemed like 100ft below the surface, somewhere in the back of my mind I remembered-‘when you’re underwater & disoriented see which way the bubbles go from your mouth.’ They went up sideways. Otherwise, I would have swum into the lake and, well, I wouldn’t be typing this now.
So, there you have it. I don’t relish jumping off into water. Thing is, no matter how high I go or how low I were to dive, I could never be apart from the presence of God. He’s with me wherever.
“Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the ocean depths.” Psalms 36:5-6 NLT
My prayer, as always, is that you know His presence. You know His unfailing love. He loves us deeply & wants to have close fellowship with us. We need to allow Him control & make our lives aright. At the furthest reaches we are not alone. He is there. When you feel your lowest & alone, He is there, as close as our next breath & heartbeat.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
-Right Decision, Right Direction-
Ever headed a direction & realized you had to back track from a wrong turn? My family went to Murfreesboro diamond mine. On the way back I was coming to a fork in the road & was distracted by my cell phone. I headed down a road & realized in a few miles it was unfamiliar & wrong. I backtracked, hit the right fork & saw familiar sights. Thankfully we hadn’t gone far & wasted much time. Ever done that in life!?
At the end of Jesus’ time on earth a scene played out that has played out in many other lives all down history. You can check out the story in John 21-
His followers had become disheartened, tired, & disillusioned. Though they had followed Jesus for some three years & had been used to perform miracles & share God’s truth, they threw in the towel & headed back to the old life; fishing.
Working all night, these ‘professional’ fishermen caught zip. Jesus, who had died & arisen as He said, showed up on the shoreline & called to them. “Caught anything?” “Naw. Sorry night!” “Tell you what; drop it on the right side & you’ll be surprised.” So, for some reason, they did as the stranger said. Why? Nothing to lose, maybe they had forgotten the old trade. Nets loaded down & about to bust with fish. 153 large fish to be exact.
Why 153 fish? Lots of speculation from: 153 generations until his return, 153 different kinds of fish in Galilee (debunked by many), 153 people were blessed by Jesus during His ministry, 153 nations in the world, etc. Whatever the reason, obviously John was an eyewitness & they suddenly realized it was Jesus!
They made a b-line to shore where Jesus was waiting: cooking fish & bread. (Apparently He didn’t even need their work to provide food!) He asked them to contribute to the meal with their new catch. A gentle reminder that it wasn’t all for nothing, He was still Lord of all. They still needed to follow Him!
Stop. Click tracks way back to first scene some three years earlier. Couple of the same guys were at a seaside doing what they did; fishing. Jesus, whom they had seen & heard of & thought to be the Messiah, called to them:
"The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus." John 1:35-37 NLT
They dropped it all to follow Him. They decided He was The Way & set the course of their lives with Him. It was a roller coaster ride: wonderful highs, but hard, unsure times too. Most of them would literally die because of the decision they made there, but oh was it worth it.
Earlier Peter had made a strong confession to Jesus: "Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” John 6:67-69
He had to be reminded with the 153 fish that the right decision means the right direction. Anything else is a waste of time & fruitless. It may seem lonely & unsure, but don’t give in & don’t give up. If you have never even decided to follow Him, then your story hasn’t really even started! He will bring a purpose, direction & a right destination to your life!
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
At the end of Jesus’ time on earth a scene played out that has played out in many other lives all down history. You can check out the story in John 21-
His followers had become disheartened, tired, & disillusioned. Though they had followed Jesus for some three years & had been used to perform miracles & share God’s truth, they threw in the towel & headed back to the old life; fishing.
Working all night, these ‘professional’ fishermen caught zip. Jesus, who had died & arisen as He said, showed up on the shoreline & called to them. “Caught anything?” “Naw. Sorry night!” “Tell you what; drop it on the right side & you’ll be surprised.” So, for some reason, they did as the stranger said. Why? Nothing to lose, maybe they had forgotten the old trade. Nets loaded down & about to bust with fish. 153 large fish to be exact.
Why 153 fish? Lots of speculation from: 153 generations until his return, 153 different kinds of fish in Galilee (debunked by many), 153 people were blessed by Jesus during His ministry, 153 nations in the world, etc. Whatever the reason, obviously John was an eyewitness & they suddenly realized it was Jesus!
They made a b-line to shore where Jesus was waiting: cooking fish & bread. (Apparently He didn’t even need their work to provide food!) He asked them to contribute to the meal with their new catch. A gentle reminder that it wasn’t all for nothing, He was still Lord of all. They still needed to follow Him!
Stop. Click tracks way back to first scene some three years earlier. Couple of the same guys were at a seaside doing what they did; fishing. Jesus, whom they had seen & heard of & thought to be the Messiah, called to them:
"The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus." John 1:35-37 NLT
They dropped it all to follow Him. They decided He was The Way & set the course of their lives with Him. It was a roller coaster ride: wonderful highs, but hard, unsure times too. Most of them would literally die because of the decision they made there, but oh was it worth it.
Earlier Peter had made a strong confession to Jesus: "Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” John 6:67-69
He had to be reminded with the 153 fish that the right decision means the right direction. Anything else is a waste of time & fruitless. It may seem lonely & unsure, but don’t give in & don’t give up. If you have never even decided to follow Him, then your story hasn’t really even started! He will bring a purpose, direction & a right destination to your life!
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
-Ears to Hear-
Gotta tell you, my ears have never been a point of pride. Strong winds concern me, lest I take flight! I am thankful, however, I can hear. As a child, both eardrums perforated at least once apiece. Man, if it’s never happened to you, count yourself blessed! First year I was alive my ears drained & were infected constantly (long before tubes were common place) & my Mom had to hold me up at night. As a boy, one winter an eardrum burst at deer camp. PAIN! A little old, well-meaning lady had some kind of ‘hoo-doo’ concoction of aspirin, milk, & I don’t even want to know what else, & poured it down my ear. When I COULD hear again, it was my ENT doc cussing as he dredged out the putrid mess! A couple of times I lost hearing for a time at least in one ear, so, yeah, I’m really thankful it returned & I can hear! Hearing is pretty special…especially to a music guy!
This past couple of weeks my ear has been bothering me & it brought back those memories. It also brought to mind a saying Jesus had when He told parables: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” That sounds odd, but when you think about it, or listen to it, it makes a lot of sense. We may hear something, but not really listen much. Case in point: when you were a teen your Mom, Dad, teacher, etc. probably lectured you about something. While you heard them, it was probably like the Peanuts cartoon that really sounded like: “Whopple, whopple, whopp, whopp, whopp.” Just so much noise or gibberish.
I’ve gotta be honest with you, God has tried to speak to me many times through my life & I paid about as much attention as a teen who couldn’t care less about a parent’s lecture. He loves me enough that He has nudged me & caught my attention. Several times it was a bout of physical ear trouble that reminded me that I was having spiritual hearing problems.
Jesus gave the harsh rebuke: ‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to Me and let Me heal them.’ Matthew 13:14-15 NLT
While I care about my physical hearing, I care about my spiritual ears. I want to hear from God. I want to listen to what He has to say. Sad it takes a bit of ear trouble to remind me how important hearing with my heart is! I want to be like Jesus followers when He told them:
“Blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because
they hear.” Matthew 13: 16 NLT
How are your ears? Any trouble hearing? What about your heart? Any trouble listening? May we both have ‘ears to hear’ what God has to say.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
This past couple of weeks my ear has been bothering me & it brought back those memories. It also brought to mind a saying Jesus had when He told parables: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” That sounds odd, but when you think about it, or listen to it, it makes a lot of sense. We may hear something, but not really listen much. Case in point: when you were a teen your Mom, Dad, teacher, etc. probably lectured you about something. While you heard them, it was probably like the Peanuts cartoon that really sounded like: “Whopple, whopple, whopp, whopp, whopp.” Just so much noise or gibberish.
I’ve gotta be honest with you, God has tried to speak to me many times through my life & I paid about as much attention as a teen who couldn’t care less about a parent’s lecture. He loves me enough that He has nudged me & caught my attention. Several times it was a bout of physical ear trouble that reminded me that I was having spiritual hearing problems.
Jesus gave the harsh rebuke: ‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to Me and let Me heal them.’ Matthew 13:14-15 NLT
While I care about my physical hearing, I care about my spiritual ears. I want to hear from God. I want to listen to what He has to say. Sad it takes a bit of ear trouble to remind me how important hearing with my heart is! I want to be like Jesus followers when He told them:
“Blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because
they hear.” Matthew 13: 16 NLT
How are your ears? Any trouble hearing? What about your heart? Any trouble listening? May we both have ‘ears to hear’ what God has to say.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Thursday, May 13, 2010
-The Unforgotten-
At one time or another we’ve all forgotten someone or something. It’s part of the human experience, I guess. I have a fairly decent memory (at least about useless facts-but don’t ask me what I did with my car keys or my phone!), but I forget names occasionally. I recently saw some of my family I’ve not seen in years. Some haven’t changed a bit, but others, well, I had to stop & think.
I’m thankful God never forgets…anyone! We’re all important to Him. You know there are people in your life & routine that may prove to be a pain. You may hate to see them come. God never feels that way about us, no matter how much of a pain we are. We’re all important to Him. I just can’t fathom that. I mean, I can’t take that all in & square it with the experience I have of some people. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a people person & love folks, it’s just, well, some are a pain!
When I stop to think about how Jesus reacted & acted to people it blows me away. Even though He was either pulled at to do some miracle to please folks, or feed them or satisfy their religious expectations, He never quit loving them or reaching out to them. Even when reaching out meant His arms were nailed to a cross beam!
I overheard a discussion with my family about all the ‘begats’ in the bible. If you’ve ever tried to read the bible you’ve probably stumbled over that part. I mean, the bible pretty much starts off with so-and-so begat what’s-his-name & what’s-his-name turned around & begat what’s-his-face. Really makes you think, ‘Who really gives a rip about someone named ‘Abimelech’ or ‘Abihu’ (who was Abihu anyway?!)”? Well, in a word, I guess God does. If you know me, you know I have the patience & attention of a gnat, so I have to labor at reading, let alone caring, about who begat whom! I have been reminded more than once that God must think them special or of import to list those by name in His word…even if it’s just a brief mention. The New Testament isn’t any better. It starts off with all that same ‘begat’ stuff:
"The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;...."
Well, you get the picture. Thing is, here it’s a birth line to God’s only Son. Pretty important bunch of ‘begats’ I suppose.
Again, I still have to remind myself all people are important; even the annoying, hateful ones. No one is forgotten, but ‘unforgotten’. No matter how insignificant someone may seem in the ‘grand scheme’ of others around them, God thinks them important. I was reminded of this in a sadly, poignant way this week. A little, unassuming lady in our church died. She was very quiet & mostly kept to herself & never stood out. She had a sweet spirit & meek way. Some of our ladies picked her up for church & checked on her, helping her as they could. They didn’t get an answer on her phone & finally someone checked. She died. Alone. It grieved my heart, but God reminded me she was never alone. He was there as she drew her last breath & He escorted her into Paradise.
You may feel like no one really cares about you. No one really understands or cares if you’re even occupying a spot on this spinning ball in space. Well, no matter what you may think, God is head-over-heals in love with you. Undignified? Maybe, but pretty descriptive of Someone Who would die for you.
“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Matt 10:29-31
So when you are feeling alone & unimportant, remember, you’re not forgotten, but ‘unforgotten.’
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
I’m thankful God never forgets…anyone! We’re all important to Him. You know there are people in your life & routine that may prove to be a pain. You may hate to see them come. God never feels that way about us, no matter how much of a pain we are. We’re all important to Him. I just can’t fathom that. I mean, I can’t take that all in & square it with the experience I have of some people. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a people person & love folks, it’s just, well, some are a pain!
When I stop to think about how Jesus reacted & acted to people it blows me away. Even though He was either pulled at to do some miracle to please folks, or feed them or satisfy their religious expectations, He never quit loving them or reaching out to them. Even when reaching out meant His arms were nailed to a cross beam!
I overheard a discussion with my family about all the ‘begats’ in the bible. If you’ve ever tried to read the bible you’ve probably stumbled over that part. I mean, the bible pretty much starts off with so-and-so begat what’s-his-name & what’s-his-name turned around & begat what’s-his-face. Really makes you think, ‘Who really gives a rip about someone named ‘Abimelech’ or ‘Abihu’ (who was Abihu anyway?!)”? Well, in a word, I guess God does. If you know me, you know I have the patience & attention of a gnat, so I have to labor at reading, let alone caring, about who begat whom! I have been reminded more than once that God must think them special or of import to list those by name in His word…even if it’s just a brief mention. The New Testament isn’t any better. It starts off with all that same ‘begat’ stuff:
"The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;...."
Well, you get the picture. Thing is, here it’s a birth line to God’s only Son. Pretty important bunch of ‘begats’ I suppose.
Again, I still have to remind myself all people are important; even the annoying, hateful ones. No one is forgotten, but ‘unforgotten’. No matter how insignificant someone may seem in the ‘grand scheme’ of others around them, God thinks them important. I was reminded of this in a sadly, poignant way this week. A little, unassuming lady in our church died. She was very quiet & mostly kept to herself & never stood out. She had a sweet spirit & meek way. Some of our ladies picked her up for church & checked on her, helping her as they could. They didn’t get an answer on her phone & finally someone checked. She died. Alone. It grieved my heart, but God reminded me she was never alone. He was there as she drew her last breath & He escorted her into Paradise.
You may feel like no one really cares about you. No one really understands or cares if you’re even occupying a spot on this spinning ball in space. Well, no matter what you may think, God is head-over-heals in love with you. Undignified? Maybe, but pretty descriptive of Someone Who would die for you.
“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Matt 10:29-31
So when you are feeling alone & unimportant, remember, you’re not forgotten, but ‘unforgotten.’
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
-The Unexpected-
A couple of years back my family went to Universal Park, Orlando. We hopped on ‘The Mummy’ ride. Just a heads up: when the list of disclaimers & warnings is about six feet long you just might want to think hard about jumping on. When we read all the ‘if you’ list, it became evident that unless you were ready to enter a triathlon or qualify for the Olympics you might not want to even think about riding this. But, of course, we just goofily plopped down as if we were ready to be on NASA’s next mission.
Seconds after we got on, the mayhem commenced. “The Mummy” took control of our car & began to sling us around like a rag doll. I was certain that whatever brains I might posses were about to fly out my ear. I began to silently pray that I wouldn’t share my breakfast with all those around me. As I was praying, I heard my son next to me pleading for the mercies of heaven! After the hour & half ride, I assessed that I had lived through several car accidents where my vehicles were totaled & it hurt less. Now, call me stupid, but I never expected to have my spleen slung through my forehead when I boarded the ride. Lesson learned!
Life is full of things ‘unexpected.’ The other day I got a check in the mail I wasn’t expecting. Nice. I also got several cards & emails this past couple of weeks that were nice…and unexpected. Sometimes we turn a corner & see a ‘rainbow’ of God & it reminds us of His regular, unexpected blessings.
Of course there are those other kinds of unexpected things; the kind that just knock you for a loop: the call from the doctor or family with heavy news, the bad results from a test, the car’s on the blitz, a family member dies, a loved one walks away, a friend moves, the termination notice….No matter how much we are on guard, there will always be blows to the gut that knock our breath out. If you are a Christian, here’s a reminder from God’s word:
"Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world." I Peter 12-13
There is another reminder to those who are simply trying to muddle through life apart from God: we’re not in control. God alone sees the future, and frankly, only He knows what it holds. There will come a time, soon, when this world will wind down. If we don’t know Him, here’s another unexpected surprise:
"The day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment." II Pet. 3:10
For my family, this week has been a roller coaster ride rivaling anything Universal could match. Thankfully, amidst all the ‘unexpected’s I’m thankful I can fully expect God will hold us. I also know His goodness is beyond anything we could ever expect. Expect the unexpected.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Seconds after we got on, the mayhem commenced. “The Mummy” took control of our car & began to sling us around like a rag doll. I was certain that whatever brains I might posses were about to fly out my ear. I began to silently pray that I wouldn’t share my breakfast with all those around me. As I was praying, I heard my son next to me pleading for the mercies of heaven! After the hour & half ride, I assessed that I had lived through several car accidents where my vehicles were totaled & it hurt less. Now, call me stupid, but I never expected to have my spleen slung through my forehead when I boarded the ride. Lesson learned!
Life is full of things ‘unexpected.’ The other day I got a check in the mail I wasn’t expecting. Nice. I also got several cards & emails this past couple of weeks that were nice…and unexpected. Sometimes we turn a corner & see a ‘rainbow’ of God & it reminds us of His regular, unexpected blessings.
Of course there are those other kinds of unexpected things; the kind that just knock you for a loop: the call from the doctor or family with heavy news, the bad results from a test, the car’s on the blitz, a family member dies, a loved one walks away, a friend moves, the termination notice….No matter how much we are on guard, there will always be blows to the gut that knock our breath out. If you are a Christian, here’s a reminder from God’s word:
"Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world." I Peter 12-13
There is another reminder to those who are simply trying to muddle through life apart from God: we’re not in control. God alone sees the future, and frankly, only He knows what it holds. There will come a time, soon, when this world will wind down. If we don’t know Him, here’s another unexpected surprise:
"The day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment." II Pet. 3:10
For my family, this week has been a roller coaster ride rivaling anything Universal could match. Thankfully, amidst all the ‘unexpected’s I’m thankful I can fully expect God will hold us. I also know His goodness is beyond anything we could ever expect. Expect the unexpected.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
-Now I See-
A man in California had his eyesight restored last week along with his faith in others. William Noriega lost eyesight in both eyes at the age of 40 due to cataracts. He was unable to keep a job & lost insurance, prohibiting him from having surgery. An ophthalmologist heard of his plight of no sight & restored the 43 year old man’s eyesight .
I’m very appreciative of my eyesight. We often take it for granted, but as a young collegian I was working during holidays to pay tuition. I was nailing a ‘government issued’ wood/plastic board, when a nail shot off & hit my right eye. Though I’ve never been hit in the eye with a baseball bat, I’ve gotta think it would probably feel something like that. It knocked me backward, where I gingerly felt to see how far the nail went into my eyeball. I was fortunate in that it just punctured my eye & fell out. The doctor later told me I was extremely fortunate. It missed my iris by a fraction. No large amount of fluid was lost so I was spared. I can see to type this!
While I am blessed with physical eyesight, I sometimes lose spiritual eyesight. Problems come into my life that distract me & I focus on them rather than blessings. It’s the old adage, ‘can’t see the forest for the trees.’ We may have so many things to be thankful for, yet we tend to fix on something negative or something we don’t have. If not careful, it keeps me from the blessings God intends, & also from vision to see the direction He would have me go.
While that is not the best, the worst is total spiritual blindness. A world of people is blinded with no realization or relationship with God. His blessings are all around us & evidence of His love, but many are ‘blinded by the god of this world’ & see only pain & harsh existence.
Jesus said:
“God's Spirit is on Me; He's chosen Me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, Sent Me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the burdened and battered free, to announce, "This is God's year to act!"
Luke 4:18-19 The Message
My family has been going through some murky waters lately. Both of our parents have some serious health issues and, if not careful, we’ll lose sight of all God’s promises focusing on the problems. I suppose it’s a kind of temporary blindness. I appreciate my physical & spiritual sight too much to want to walk in darkness. Some things I may understand in this life & others, well, I’ll ask in eternity if it matters then. I offer prayer regularly & right now would covet the same from you all.
My prayer for you is that you would not have spiritual blindness. If simply distracted by situations it can be temporary. If there has never been a point in time where you’ve given your life to the Creator, I pray you’ll do just that. Then you can sing with me that old hymn: “I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now I see…”
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
I’m very appreciative of my eyesight. We often take it for granted, but as a young collegian I was working during holidays to pay tuition. I was nailing a ‘government issued’ wood/plastic board, when a nail shot off & hit my right eye. Though I’ve never been hit in the eye with a baseball bat, I’ve gotta think it would probably feel something like that. It knocked me backward, where I gingerly felt to see how far the nail went into my eyeball. I was fortunate in that it just punctured my eye & fell out. The doctor later told me I was extremely fortunate. It missed my iris by a fraction. No large amount of fluid was lost so I was spared. I can see to type this!
While I am blessed with physical eyesight, I sometimes lose spiritual eyesight. Problems come into my life that distract me & I focus on them rather than blessings. It’s the old adage, ‘can’t see the forest for the trees.’ We may have so many things to be thankful for, yet we tend to fix on something negative or something we don’t have. If not careful, it keeps me from the blessings God intends, & also from vision to see the direction He would have me go.
While that is not the best, the worst is total spiritual blindness. A world of people is blinded with no realization or relationship with God. His blessings are all around us & evidence of His love, but many are ‘blinded by the god of this world’ & see only pain & harsh existence.
Jesus said:
“God's Spirit is on Me; He's chosen Me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, Sent Me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the burdened and battered free, to announce, "This is God's year to act!"
Luke 4:18-19 The Message
My family has been going through some murky waters lately. Both of our parents have some serious health issues and, if not careful, we’ll lose sight of all God’s promises focusing on the problems. I suppose it’s a kind of temporary blindness. I appreciate my physical & spiritual sight too much to want to walk in darkness. Some things I may understand in this life & others, well, I’ll ask in eternity if it matters then. I offer prayer regularly & right now would covet the same from you all.
My prayer for you is that you would not have spiritual blindness. If simply distracted by situations it can be temporary. If there has never been a point in time where you’ve given your life to the Creator, I pray you’ll do just that. Then you can sing with me that old hymn: “I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now I see…”
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
-What's Beyond the Door?-
There is a game show where the host offers deals to contestants, then gives them options to trade up. Trick is, the real deal is behind door number one, two, or three & you have to choose. The right one & you get an awesome prize, but choose wrong & you get something stupid like a burro. People laugh & the music chides with ‘whawmp, whawmp, whaw’!
While guessing at a game show might be fun & an adrenal rush, our eternity shouldn’t be left to chance. “Well, I think I’ll try Buddhism. Looks interesting & peaceful.” “Think I’ll go with Wicca. I like trees & maybe I could conjure up some kind of real magic with that.” Nope, you better set your sites a little higher & at least do some research if you plan to stake eternity on your choice…by the way, you will!
According to Reuters, there was a recent find in a tomb in Egypt. A 3,500-year-old false door belonging to the tomb of a Pharaonic official was uncovered. The red granite door was built to provide a passage for the spirit to the afterlife. It belonged to the tomb of User, a high-ranking official of Queen Hatshepsut. The catch is, whenever tombs are discovered, along with the artifacts & treasures, a sad discovery is always there: the mummy of the deceased. No escaping death!
Harry Houdini, an escape artist & showman of the 1920’s, spent the better part of his last days trying to find a way to escape man’s greatest enemy: death. He had several stunts where he was ‘Buried Alive’ & escaped. But on Halloween, 1926 Houdini died of a ruptured appendix & was buried in the last coffin he had made for the stunt. This time there was no escape.
We just celebrated Easter, where Jesus actually DID overcome death, hell & the grave. Because of His sacrifice & resurrection we can actually have a door to heaven & life! As I’ve shared before,of all the religions in the world, Christianity is the one religion when you go to the grave of its founder, you find an empty hole. He became the door to life. He said:
“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:9-10 NASV
What I really appreciate as much as a door to heaven is we can have life abundant here now! If I can pray with/for you about anything, feel free to call/contact. Any questions, I’ll do my best to answer or we’ll find an answer together.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
While guessing at a game show might be fun & an adrenal rush, our eternity shouldn’t be left to chance. “Well, I think I’ll try Buddhism. Looks interesting & peaceful.” “Think I’ll go with Wicca. I like trees & maybe I could conjure up some kind of real magic with that.” Nope, you better set your sites a little higher & at least do some research if you plan to stake eternity on your choice…by the way, you will!
According to Reuters, there was a recent find in a tomb in Egypt. A 3,500-year-old false door belonging to the tomb of a Pharaonic official was uncovered. The red granite door was built to provide a passage for the spirit to the afterlife. It belonged to the tomb of User, a high-ranking official of Queen Hatshepsut. The catch is, whenever tombs are discovered, along with the artifacts & treasures, a sad discovery is always there: the mummy of the deceased. No escaping death!
Harry Houdini, an escape artist & showman of the 1920’s, spent the better part of his last days trying to find a way to escape man’s greatest enemy: death. He had several stunts where he was ‘Buried Alive’ & escaped. But on Halloween, 1926 Houdini died of a ruptured appendix & was buried in the last coffin he had made for the stunt. This time there was no escape.
We just celebrated Easter, where Jesus actually DID overcome death, hell & the grave. Because of His sacrifice & resurrection we can actually have a door to heaven & life! As I’ve shared before,of all the religions in the world, Christianity is the one religion when you go to the grave of its founder, you find an empty hole. He became the door to life. He said:
“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:9-10 NASV
What I really appreciate as much as a door to heaven is we can have life abundant here now! If I can pray with/for you about anything, feel free to call/contact. Any questions, I’ll do my best to answer or we’ll find an answer together.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
-Guidance-
Every day we probably make a thousand decisions. Well, maybe a 1001 decisions! Thankfully, most of those decisions do not endanger life & limb (unless you are in line-man school working with hot wires!). Yet, many of us have to make life-changing decisions for ourselves or those around us.
There were several curious, if not dubious, news stories about how decisions were made recently. One tiny Minnesota town had an odd way to decide how to break a tie vote for mayor. You may have guessed, flip a coin! One judge, who was later fired, decided a verdict with, you guessed it again, a coin toss! Hopefully you use a better method for deciding the weighty decision of your life.
I am called upon every week to make decisions that will affect the lives and, sometimes, eternity of people. It's a very sobering thing to be asked a question or advice & then see pleading, expectant eyes awaiting response. Parents, no doubt, have ALL seen that plaintive look. Where do we find the wisdom to answer the questions put before us?
What about the mother who, for whatever reason, has to decide between food or medicine for her baby? What about the doctor who has a family wanting answers if their loved one will live? The Colonel who must direct the troupes, knowing his decisions can decide the fate of his soldiers? The professor/advisor asked for help about a student's education or career? All of these must make decisions, often
split-second, that will alter lives.
Many of our decisions will not only affect us, but those around us. With that realization, how do we make decisions? Do we just grab answers out of the air? Unless you have some crystal ball to see the future, or you're psychic or have some 'Swami hat' to help you divine answers, you're just like the rest of us with need of clear direction.
The first place I turn for answers is THE Answer. I ask God, the great Creator guidance. Can't tell you how many times I've been asked a question & said a quick prayer under my breath, "Lord, give me wisdom!" Of course, the best way I FIND those answers is reading His word. They're right there in black & white. They're not just rules & regulations for ancient times, but a light to brighten a dark path.
'The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Psalm 38:8 NLT
You gotta get gut level honest, though. If you're going to ask God for direction you better know He'll give it. And, if He gives it, you gotta follow! That's usually the rub in our lives. We want direction & answers, but we often don't want the answers we get! Kinda like the guy hanging from a cliff by a twig. He called out, "Can anyone help me?" God said,"Trust Me. Let go & I'll catch you." The guy thought for a minute & called out, "Is there anyone ELSE up there?!"
We have to agree to follow like the Psalmist, who wrote: "Guide my steps by Your word, so I will not be overcome by evil." Psalm 119:133NLT
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave's Desk -http://www.bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
There were several curious, if not dubious, news stories about how decisions were made recently. One tiny Minnesota town had an odd way to decide how to break a tie vote for mayor. You may have guessed, flip a coin! One judge, who was later fired, decided a verdict with, you guessed it again, a coin toss! Hopefully you use a better method for deciding the weighty decision of your life.
I am called upon every week to make decisions that will affect the lives and, sometimes, eternity of people. It's a very sobering thing to be asked a question or advice & then see pleading, expectant eyes awaiting response. Parents, no doubt, have ALL seen that plaintive look. Where do we find the wisdom to answer the questions put before us?
What about the mother who, for whatever reason, has to decide between food or medicine for her baby? What about the doctor who has a family wanting answers if their loved one will live? The Colonel who must direct the troupes, knowing his decisions can decide the fate of his soldiers? The professor/advisor asked for help about a student's education or career? All of these must make decisions, often
split-second, that will alter lives.
Many of our decisions will not only affect us, but those around us. With that realization, how do we make decisions? Do we just grab answers out of the air? Unless you have some crystal ball to see the future, or you're psychic or have some 'Swami hat' to help you divine answers, you're just like the rest of us with need of clear direction.
The first place I turn for answers is THE Answer. I ask God, the great Creator guidance. Can't tell you how many times I've been asked a question & said a quick prayer under my breath, "Lord, give me wisdom!" Of course, the best way I FIND those answers is reading His word. They're right there in black & white. They're not just rules & regulations for ancient times, but a light to brighten a dark path.
'The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Psalm 38:8 NLT
You gotta get gut level honest, though. If you're going to ask God for direction you better know He'll give it. And, if He gives it, you gotta follow! That's usually the rub in our lives. We want direction & answers, but we often don't want the answers we get! Kinda like the guy hanging from a cliff by a twig. He called out, "Can anyone help me?" God said,"Trust Me. Let go & I'll catch you." The guy thought for a minute & called out, "Is there anyone ELSE up there?!"
We have to agree to follow like the Psalmist, who wrote: "Guide my steps by Your word, so I will not be overcome by evil." Psalm 119:133NLT
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave's Desk -http://www.bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Monday, March 15, 2010
-Carpe Diem-
I don’t claim to know Latin. I only know a few phrases but one is definitely my favorite: “Carpe Diem” or ‘Seize the Day.” Some translate it literally as ‘grab’ or ‘enjoy, the most use of” the day. Either way, it’s the same principle. We need to grab hold & make the best use of the days we are given!
It gained recognition to our world from a poem by Horace. Again, I’m no scholar either, but a line from the poem says, "Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future." Basically, sound advice, since we have no idea what tomorrow may hold. It’s not particularly fatalistic thinking, just reality.
In that thought, the oldest woman in the US died the other day. Mary Josephine Ray was almost 115 when she passed. She was actually the second oldest in the world! I know very little about her, except that her dad died when she was a little girl & her Mom died when she was just 15. She had to go into the world & make it on her own. And, for some odd reason, she loved the Boston Red Sox! Nobody said she was really wise, just old. (Just kidding) Man, can you just imagine all she saw in over a century & a decade? She had to ‘seize the day’ early in what would prove to be a long life.
The psalmist, David, summed up this idea of a short life that matters. He said to God, "You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to You; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Psalm 39:5NLT
So, since we are here a short time on this spinning globe, what are we supposed to do with this life we are given? Good question. I’m glad you asked! No one else on the planet is like you! No one shares your exact genetic code or even your fingerprints for that matter. God has gifted you with talents & gifts that the world needs. What are you doing with them? You may say, “I don’t even know what they are!” If that’s the case, why not ask your Creator? He doesn’t make mistakes & He has a plan for you. Just find out what that is & get to it.
I don’t have to tell you the world around you needs a little help. You may not change the world single-handedly, but you can make a dent in your little corner of it. Don’t say, “I’m gonna have a good time & one day when I’m old I’ll try to do something of significance.” The Apostle James speaks to that stupid thought:
"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone"
James 4:14 NLT
So, back to the question: What are you here for? God has a lot invested in you & great plans in store. First step is finding that out. Get in His word & honestly ask for answers. Second, don’t give up when it’s hard. No one said life was easy, but it’s worth the struggle. When you’re on your way to being what He’s called you to be I think you’ll find, at least a side effect will be you’ll make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Even if you’re ‘starting over’ in life, it’s never too late to make a difference. Grandma Moses was almost 80 before she made her first artwork. Danny Aiellos, & Rodney Dangerfield were in their 40’s before they began their acting/comedic careers. Colonel Sanders was in his 60’s before staring his KFC franchise. Kurt Warner entered the NFL at 28 (OLD for football) before becoming a great Christian athlete, leading teams garnering 2 MVP’s & a Superbowl championship. Randy Johnson was 25 before he hit major league baseball & 30 before he made a name. Ronald Reagan was 55 before elected as CA governor & still the oldest man to become president. The list goes on. Don’t give up.
Carpe Diem!
Of course, I believe all this hinges on your asking God for His plan for your life. The first thing, naturally, being you follow Him as you ‘Seize the Day!’
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport. Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
It gained recognition to our world from a poem by Horace. Again, I’m no scholar either, but a line from the poem says, "Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future." Basically, sound advice, since we have no idea what tomorrow may hold. It’s not particularly fatalistic thinking, just reality.
In that thought, the oldest woman in the US died the other day. Mary Josephine Ray was almost 115 when she passed. She was actually the second oldest in the world! I know very little about her, except that her dad died when she was a little girl & her Mom died when she was just 15. She had to go into the world & make it on her own. And, for some odd reason, she loved the Boston Red Sox! Nobody said she was really wise, just old. (Just kidding) Man, can you just imagine all she saw in over a century & a decade? She had to ‘seize the day’ early in what would prove to be a long life.
The psalmist, David, summed up this idea of a short life that matters. He said to God, "You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to You; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Psalm 39:5NLT
So, since we are here a short time on this spinning globe, what are we supposed to do with this life we are given? Good question. I’m glad you asked! No one else on the planet is like you! No one shares your exact genetic code or even your fingerprints for that matter. God has gifted you with talents & gifts that the world needs. What are you doing with them? You may say, “I don’t even know what they are!” If that’s the case, why not ask your Creator? He doesn’t make mistakes & He has a plan for you. Just find out what that is & get to it.
I don’t have to tell you the world around you needs a little help. You may not change the world single-handedly, but you can make a dent in your little corner of it. Don’t say, “I’m gonna have a good time & one day when I’m old I’ll try to do something of significance.” The Apostle James speaks to that stupid thought:
"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone"
James 4:14 NLT
So, back to the question: What are you here for? God has a lot invested in you & great plans in store. First step is finding that out. Get in His word & honestly ask for answers. Second, don’t give up when it’s hard. No one said life was easy, but it’s worth the struggle. When you’re on your way to being what He’s called you to be I think you’ll find, at least a side effect will be you’ll make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Even if you’re ‘starting over’ in life, it’s never too late to make a difference. Grandma Moses was almost 80 before she made her first artwork. Danny Aiellos, & Rodney Dangerfield were in their 40’s before they began their acting/comedic careers. Colonel Sanders was in his 60’s before staring his KFC franchise. Kurt Warner entered the NFL at 28 (OLD for football) before becoming a great Christian athlete, leading teams garnering 2 MVP’s & a Superbowl championship. Randy Johnson was 25 before he hit major league baseball & 30 before he made a name. Ronald Reagan was 55 before elected as CA governor & still the oldest man to become president. The list goes on. Don’t give up.
Carpe Diem!
Of course, I believe all this hinges on your asking God for His plan for your life. The first thing, naturally, being you follow Him as you ‘Seize the Day!’
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport. Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
-Get Connected-
Earlier today I was doing some work, with facebook running in the background, when I heard the ‘ping’ from an I.M. It was great to catch up a bit with a cousin who is now living in Cairo, Egypt. We haven’t actually ‘seen’ each other in years, but chatted for a minute via world wide web. It brought back memories of our going to first grade together & when her family lived across town from us, rather than some across country & across the globe.
The web is an amazing thing & can make the world a bit smaller. I connect with hundreds of people each week from my office or home desktop, notebook, or phone. We have email, website, texting, chatrooms, blogs, I.M.’s, etc. We are truly the most ‘connected’ generation that has ever been. Psychologists say we are also the most disconnected, ‘connected’ generation. Funny, I can chat with someone on-line, go to the store & see that person & they may not say ‘boo’ to me. Go figure.
Sadly, in our busy ‘connected’ lives our families are also disconnected. When we go to Walmart, my family will text or call each other on our cells to see where we are…in the same store! While my family is connected technologically, we try to connect more so face-to-face! We strive to have meals together & family devotion together. It’s not enough to send/receive messages from one another. We need an ongoing relationship with each other. The beauty of family is they love us warts & all. We may fight but we will fight for each other!
People have an inherit need & desire to have relationships. That’s probably why the ‘social networks’ of the web are growing so rapidly. I suppose we need to spend some of the effort we connect with others in connecting with our families. Easier said than done, right? If it were super easy it may not be as valuable.
Even more important than our family relationships is the one with our Creator. I’m not sure of your ideal of God. To some He’s a Cosmic killjoy; maybe with a long white beard & a lightning bolt ready to sling whenever you mess up. Some think He’s a Great Grandfather ‘upstairs’ waiting to grant our every wish, sort of like Santa Claus without the red suit. Either one would be skewed thinking.
My experience & understanding of God is a Holy, loving Father. He desires a living, connected relationship with me. Matter of fact, to my shame, He desires it far more than I do! He desires this connection so much with us that He would allow His perfect Son to be sacrificed to make us aright. It often takes life tragedy for us to call out to God. He’s been there all along, but it takes something we can’t fix for us to ask for His help.
"Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.Yes, turn to our God,for he will forgive generously." Isaiah 55:5-7 NLT
Along with plugging in & connecting with God, I encourage you to connect with believers who will encourage & help you. Find a church home you feel at home in & can worship God as you connect together. If you’re unsure of one I’ll pass some along as you contact me.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport. Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
The web is an amazing thing & can make the world a bit smaller. I connect with hundreds of people each week from my office or home desktop, notebook, or phone. We have email, website, texting, chatrooms, blogs, I.M.’s, etc. We are truly the most ‘connected’ generation that has ever been. Psychologists say we are also the most disconnected, ‘connected’ generation. Funny, I can chat with someone on-line, go to the store & see that person & they may not say ‘boo’ to me. Go figure.
Sadly, in our busy ‘connected’ lives our families are also disconnected. When we go to Walmart, my family will text or call each other on our cells to see where we are…in the same store! While my family is connected technologically, we try to connect more so face-to-face! We strive to have meals together & family devotion together. It’s not enough to send/receive messages from one another. We need an ongoing relationship with each other. The beauty of family is they love us warts & all. We may fight but we will fight for each other!
People have an inherit need & desire to have relationships. That’s probably why the ‘social networks’ of the web are growing so rapidly. I suppose we need to spend some of the effort we connect with others in connecting with our families. Easier said than done, right? If it were super easy it may not be as valuable.
Even more important than our family relationships is the one with our Creator. I’m not sure of your ideal of God. To some He’s a Cosmic killjoy; maybe with a long white beard & a lightning bolt ready to sling whenever you mess up. Some think He’s a Great Grandfather ‘upstairs’ waiting to grant our every wish, sort of like Santa Claus without the red suit. Either one would be skewed thinking.
My experience & understanding of God is a Holy, loving Father. He desires a living, connected relationship with me. Matter of fact, to my shame, He desires it far more than I do! He desires this connection so much with us that He would allow His perfect Son to be sacrificed to make us aright. It often takes life tragedy for us to call out to God. He’s been there all along, but it takes something we can’t fix for us to ask for His help.
"Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.Yes, turn to our God,for he will forgive generously." Isaiah 55:5-7 NLT
Along with plugging in & connecting with God, I encourage you to connect with believers who will encourage & help you. Find a church home you feel at home in & can worship God as you connect together. If you’re unsure of one I’ll pass some along as you contact me.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport. Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Have you ever had a nickname? When I was a kid my family called me ‘Daybo.’ ‘Course, at school kids come up with all kinds of monikers & names they slap on folks. In art class we were merciless. I was known as ‘Eagle-beak’ (not sure why!) & then my buddies were, ‘Lump’(Lumpkin), “Bucket-head’(Todd), ‘Spigot’ (Mark Fawcett), etc.
Several years back, a guy named Joe Jones made the circuit of TV shows by bugging his eyes out. He was known as Bug-Eyed Jones. It was really freaky looking. He could just pop his eyeballs out of socket in mid conversation. Then he would do one at a time. Not sure what happened to him or what this talent could be possibly used for in normal life, but it was captivating, nonetheless.
Thought about him the other day as I was reading about a guy in the bible named Bartimaeus, also called ‘Blind Bartimaeus.’ Why? Well, ‘cause he was BLIND! They slapped that nickname on him, like Bug-eyed Jones got one slapped on him.
Back in the day, names meant something. Families gave names of favored relatives or a characteristic they desired their new-born to have. This guy was called, ‘Bar’ (‘son of’) ‘Timaeus’ (his Dad’s name). The interesting thing is that Timaeus means ‘honored one’ or ‘ransomed’. Here this guy carried the name ‘Son of Honor’ while he was blind & had to beg for a bite of food!
Check out what happened when he met Jesus:
"What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.” Mark 10:51-52 NLT
Bartimaeus had been yelling & kicking up a ruckus & folks told him to shut up. He yelled all the more because he had heard what Jesus could do in folks. When Christ called him, the bible says he “threw his cloak aside.” That was significant. He was blind, having to beg for food, & he threw away what he held onto for security so he could get to Jesus. I suppose he had no plan to turn back to life as usual. The last part is the best, “he followed Jesus down the road.” He went from a blind beggar to a seeing servant.
So that brings me to a question. What did they call him after that? His nickname had been Blind Bartimaeus, but now the guy could see! I can imagine him running around all bug-eyed looking at everything for the first time! Blind for almost 40 years now eyes wide open. ‘Bug-Eyed Bartimaeus’ maybe?
Thing is, I get like Bartimeus a lot. I’m sitting around holding on to old ways & forgetting I wear the name ‘Son of Honor’ or ‘Ransomed One.’ I’m blind to all that God has around me & sometimes even that Jesus is near. My best bet, and yours too if you’re like me, is to drop the junk that’s holding me back & run to Christ to see the world through fresh new eyes!
OK, so I told you my nicknames as a kid. Daybo was the family name & ‘Eagle-Beak’ a not-so-favorite nickname. What did friends or family lay on you? I’m pretty sure Bartimaeus wouldn’t mind being called ‘Bug-Eyed Bartimaeus’ ‘cause that was SOME story to tell.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Several years back, a guy named Joe Jones made the circuit of TV shows by bugging his eyes out. He was known as Bug-Eyed Jones. It was really freaky looking. He could just pop his eyeballs out of socket in mid conversation. Then he would do one at a time. Not sure what happened to him or what this talent could be possibly used for in normal life, but it was captivating, nonetheless.
Thought about him the other day as I was reading about a guy in the bible named Bartimaeus, also called ‘Blind Bartimaeus.’ Why? Well, ‘cause he was BLIND! They slapped that nickname on him, like Bug-eyed Jones got one slapped on him.
Back in the day, names meant something. Families gave names of favored relatives or a characteristic they desired their new-born to have. This guy was called, ‘Bar’ (‘son of’) ‘Timaeus’ (his Dad’s name). The interesting thing is that Timaeus means ‘honored one’ or ‘ransomed’. Here this guy carried the name ‘Son of Honor’ while he was blind & had to beg for a bite of food!
Check out what happened when he met Jesus:
"What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.” Mark 10:51-52 NLT
Bartimaeus had been yelling & kicking up a ruckus & folks told him to shut up. He yelled all the more because he had heard what Jesus could do in folks. When Christ called him, the bible says he “threw his cloak aside.” That was significant. He was blind, having to beg for food, & he threw away what he held onto for security so he could get to Jesus. I suppose he had no plan to turn back to life as usual. The last part is the best, “he followed Jesus down the road.” He went from a blind beggar to a seeing servant.
So that brings me to a question. What did they call him after that? His nickname had been Blind Bartimaeus, but now the guy could see! I can imagine him running around all bug-eyed looking at everything for the first time! Blind for almost 40 years now eyes wide open. ‘Bug-Eyed Bartimaeus’ maybe?
Thing is, I get like Bartimeus a lot. I’m sitting around holding on to old ways & forgetting I wear the name ‘Son of Honor’ or ‘Ransomed One.’ I’m blind to all that God has around me & sometimes even that Jesus is near. My best bet, and yours too if you’re like me, is to drop the junk that’s holding me back & run to Christ to see the world through fresh new eyes!
OK, so I told you my nicknames as a kid. Daybo was the family name & ‘Eagle-Beak’ a not-so-favorite nickname. What did friends or family lay on you? I’m pretty sure Bartimaeus wouldn’t mind being called ‘Bug-Eyed Bartimaeus’ ‘cause that was SOME story to tell.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
-Way back-
Remember ‘way back’ when you were a kid? For some it’s WAY farther than others. Who was your third grade teacher(s)? My home room & math teacher was Mrs. Clark. She was 112 back then. That was before ‘mandatory retirement’ or ‘T-drop’ or anything. Of course when you’re a kid EVERYONE seems 112! She was a great African-America lady who made learning fun, & invested my early life & education.
Think back. Who was your best friend in first grade? Did you get into any trouble together? How about Jr. High? Who did you hang around with & what did you do for fun? At lunch today, our staff was sitting around laughing at our fads & ‘fashion sense.’ If you’re honest you probably wore some really stupid clothes just to fit in & be cool. But didn’t we think we were stylin’ & profilin’ back in da day?!
Our lives are filled with moments, opportunities and memories. The good memories are often results of positive choices we made. I’m not sure if your life is turning out quite like you thought it would. Does your future seem bright & hopeful, or is it a gnarled mass of questions? God does have a plan.
We often try to maximize our lives & days by ‘to-do’ lists. Gotta be honest, I have to have the list to keep my ADHD mind from ricocheting off on tangents. I have learned this, though: if I’m simply locked in a regimented list of priorities & responsibilities, I might miss the ‘divine encounters’ that God has in store for me.
A few years back, I was moving from one ministry to another. I looked over years of pictures & memorabilia with bitter sweet thoughts. As I was doing this, we were also preparing a special anniversary for my parents. I wrote a song entitled, “Between the Pictures.” One line speaks to that: “I’m reminded that life takes place between the pictures & the photographs we take.”
Are you allowing God to maximize your life to its fullest? How about those childhood friends, teachers, & acquaintances? Do you think, pray & encourage them as they did for you?
“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is." Psalm 39:4 NLT
You might have heard the poem, “The Dash Between the Years.” It deals with the line between the birth date & death date on a tombstone. I realize most of you are far too young to obsess over misspent years or regret years lost, but this is just a gentle nudge to remember how short life is & to make the most of the time you have here. Christian songwriter Mark Harris has written a song that encourages this way:
“A beginning and an ending, dates upon a stone,
but the moment in the middle is how we will be known;
Cause what defines us can be found within a line
Finding reason for our time, And the years go by,
how they seem to fly They'll all be over soon,
When our life is done, did we live and love
The way we wanted to,Cause everyday that we leave behind
Goes on to tell the truth
Of how we lived in the line between the two.”
I’d love to hear the stories about the life you’re living ‘between the two.’ Tell me about your best buddy, favorite teacher, or neighbor down the street. Remember them & share. More importantly, tell that person how much they meant to you!
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk -http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Think back. Who was your best friend in first grade? Did you get into any trouble together? How about Jr. High? Who did you hang around with & what did you do for fun? At lunch today, our staff was sitting around laughing at our fads & ‘fashion sense.’ If you’re honest you probably wore some really stupid clothes just to fit in & be cool. But didn’t we think we were stylin’ & profilin’ back in da day?!
Our lives are filled with moments, opportunities and memories. The good memories are often results of positive choices we made. I’m not sure if your life is turning out quite like you thought it would. Does your future seem bright & hopeful, or is it a gnarled mass of questions? God does have a plan.
We often try to maximize our lives & days by ‘to-do’ lists. Gotta be honest, I have to have the list to keep my ADHD mind from ricocheting off on tangents. I have learned this, though: if I’m simply locked in a regimented list of priorities & responsibilities, I might miss the ‘divine encounters’ that God has in store for me.
A few years back, I was moving from one ministry to another. I looked over years of pictures & memorabilia with bitter sweet thoughts. As I was doing this, we were also preparing a special anniversary for my parents. I wrote a song entitled, “Between the Pictures.” One line speaks to that: “I’m reminded that life takes place between the pictures & the photographs we take.”
Are you allowing God to maximize your life to its fullest? How about those childhood friends, teachers, & acquaintances? Do you think, pray & encourage them as they did for you?
“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is." Psalm 39:4 NLT
You might have heard the poem, “The Dash Between the Years.” It deals with the line between the birth date & death date on a tombstone. I realize most of you are far too young to obsess over misspent years or regret years lost, but this is just a gentle nudge to remember how short life is & to make the most of the time you have here. Christian songwriter Mark Harris has written a song that encourages this way:
“A beginning and an ending, dates upon a stone,
but the moment in the middle is how we will be known;
Cause what defines us can be found within a line
Finding reason for our time, And the years go by,
how they seem to fly They'll all be over soon,
When our life is done, did we live and love
The way we wanted to,Cause everyday that we leave behind
Goes on to tell the truth
Of how we lived in the line between the two.”
I’d love to hear the stories about the life you’re living ‘between the two.’ Tell me about your best buddy, favorite teacher, or neighbor down the street. Remember them & share. More importantly, tell that person how much they meant to you!
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk -http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
Thursday, February 11, 2010
-In a Second-
In a second you could decide to read this or not. Of course, there are a lot more earth shattering things that can happen in a second. In a second: a pass can be intercepted & a game lost or won; a foul turns a game around; a basket is made to win a championship. In a second: the words “Will you marry me?” will change your life. Of course, “I Do” even more so. In a second you can mark an answer that could make or break a grade. In a second you can pull a lever & cast a ballot that will change an election. A button is pushed & a bomb detonated.
In a second several different lives were recently ended as they crossed the yellow line & went into eternity. A young man & woman followed the heat of passion & changed their lives & the course of their families. Marriages ended in a stroke of a pen. Actions took place that stole years of lives. A gavel slammed & the sentence was set.
In my life I have had many ‘second’ decisions or actions that set things in motion for years. As a boy, in a second, I turned around & caught a brick in the head that began debilitating migraines for the next 8 years. A pistol went off & a bullet went into the side of my leg. (A second later & it would have shattered my femur.) I slowly pulled my car into a daycare parking lot, scanning to assure no children were running into traffic. Had I waited one more second I would have seen the car speeding round the corner that hit me head on.
Along with those difficult ‘seconds’ that happened in my life, there have been some wonderful seconds. “Will you marry me?” A seeming eternity later, ‘Yes.’ Of course, “I Do’ has lasted almost 25 years now. The second it took to sign the adoption papers has changed our families’ lives. Months of questions ended the second it took to surrender my life to Christ. Eternity began.
All of these actions took only seconds. The deliberation was mulled over for some time, but the actual decision was in an instant. Our lives are made up of those instants, those blink of an eye times that set life into motion. We make decisions or actions in a second that affect eternity.
“What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.” I Cor. 15:50-53 NLT
I urge you to think of the importance & weight of these ‘seconds’ in our lives. In a second, this world as we know it will end. Eternity depends on what you do in a second with Jesus. With surrender comes transformation. Contact me if you have questions about a ‘second’ with Christ. Tell be about the important ‘seconds’ in your life. Love to hear.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport. Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
In a second several different lives were recently ended as they crossed the yellow line & went into eternity. A young man & woman followed the heat of passion & changed their lives & the course of their families. Marriages ended in a stroke of a pen. Actions took place that stole years of lives. A gavel slammed & the sentence was set.
In my life I have had many ‘second’ decisions or actions that set things in motion for years. As a boy, in a second, I turned around & caught a brick in the head that began debilitating migraines for the next 8 years. A pistol went off & a bullet went into the side of my leg. (A second later & it would have shattered my femur.) I slowly pulled my car into a daycare parking lot, scanning to assure no children were running into traffic. Had I waited one more second I would have seen the car speeding round the corner that hit me head on.
Along with those difficult ‘seconds’ that happened in my life, there have been some wonderful seconds. “Will you marry me?” A seeming eternity later, ‘Yes.’ Of course, “I Do’ has lasted almost 25 years now. The second it took to sign the adoption papers has changed our families’ lives. Months of questions ended the second it took to surrender my life to Christ. Eternity began.
All of these actions took only seconds. The deliberation was mulled over for some time, but the actual decision was in an instant. Our lives are made up of those instants, those blink of an eye times that set life into motion. We make decisions or actions in a second that affect eternity.
“What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.” I Cor. 15:50-53 NLT
I urge you to think of the importance & weight of these ‘seconds’ in our lives. In a second, this world as we know it will end. Eternity depends on what you do in a second with Jesus. With surrender comes transformation. Contact me if you have questions about a ‘second’ with Christ. Tell be about the important ‘seconds’ in your life. Love to hear.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport. Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
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