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
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
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
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