tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68346512012891361842024-02-19T05:23:35.288-06:00The Disciple's TrackThoughts for Followers of ChristRon Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-16518087012000739082016-01-16T11:25:00.000-06:002016-01-16T11:25:16.037-06:00Appearance of Evil<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFX0oUL_wfw-ar3TG28KSHeM2bZTWyiNxz03v-IFKoOBujJmmh3ANQtjXJPVeWPT-MBMF9TUnDBm0EiiGcCXiux6u76oomhnz3y__HGhwJXW45RBA0btbp-JRAey70NIOsLHjp14ip8WJ/s1600/372189-130111-agnieszka-radwanska.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFX0oUL_wfw-ar3TG28KSHeM2bZTWyiNxz03v-IFKoOBujJmmh3ANQtjXJPVeWPT-MBMF9TUnDBm0EiiGcCXiux6u76oomhnz3y__HGhwJXW45RBA0btbp-JRAey70NIOsLHjp14ip8WJ/s320/372189-130111-agnieszka-radwanska.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thess 5:14-22 (NKJV)</span><br /><br />Near the end of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul used a shot-gun approach by giving the Church several random short commandments. I want to focus on the last burst which states: "Abstain from every form of evil." This happens to be one of those verses that lost some of its spiritual impact, because of the translation. A more literal translation carries the following thought: "Avoid the very appearance of evil." What does this mean? That Believers should make an effort to refrain from any activity that would call into question their commitment to Christ.<br /><br />A couple of years ago Polish tennis star Agnieszka Radwanska was dropped as spokesperson by a Catholic group in her home country. At the time, Agnieszka was the fourth ranked women's tennis player in the world and had been appearing in a commercial for the Youth Crusade, which runs a campaign with the slogan <i>“I’m not ashamed of Jesus.”</i> Why was she dropped? She still claims to be a Believer, but she also appeared in ESPN's "Body Issue" sans clothing. While the nude picture is not explicit a spokesperson for the Catholic Youth Crusade explained their decision:<i> "Personally I am very sorry that someone declaring herself to be on the side of Jesus has at the same time played up to the mentality of those who treat people as just a thing to be looked at."</i><br /><br />Let me translate: While not evil--this has the appearance of evil. In a world fascinated by the the exploitation of women and the plague of internet pornography, Believers are not well-served by having a 24 year old tennis star posing naked while telling people,<i>"I'm not ashamed of Jesus."</i> I do not know if Agnieszka understands what is at stake, or if she regrets her decision to pose for ESPN--but, all around the world, young girls looked to her as a role model, at the very least, her testimony is now tarnished.</div>
Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-77195460778527102272016-01-15T12:41:00.001-06:002016-01-15T12:41:50.948-06:00Happy Man<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her. Prov 3:13-18 (NKJV)</span><br /><br /><i>"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding."</i> That is one powerful claim--is it true? Are the people who live according to God's wisdom appreciably happier than those who live life according to their own natural desires? Years ago the late great Andraé Crouch wrote a song titled "If Heaven Never Was Promised to Me." (I'll let the lyrics speak for themselves)<br /><br /><i> You may ask me why I serve the Lord. Is it just for heaven’s gain? <br /> Or to walk the mighty streets of gold, And to hear the angels sing? <br /> Is it just to drink from the fountain That never will run dry. <br /> Or just to live forever, ever and ever In the sweet ol’ by and by.<br /><br /> If heaven never was promised to me, neither God's promise to live eternally.<br /> It's been worth just having the Lord in my life.<br /> Living in a world of darkness, You came along and brought me the light.<br /><br /> If there were never any streets of gold, neither a land where we'll never grow old,<br /> It's been worth just having the Lord in my life.<br /> You've been my closest friend down through the years,<br /> And every time I cry You dry my tears.</i><br /><br />I remember well a conversation that I had with my mother years ago. She told me to live life in light of the legacy that I would be establishing. In other words--what will be the fruit of my life when I come to the end? Will my life have counted? Did I encourage and help others? Will my children and grandchildren want to follow in my footsteps? Did my life make a difference or did I just live for myself? I took my mother's advice. Some would say that I've missed out. But, what did I really miss? No one night stands--no DUI's--no hangovers--no messed up children--no divorces... I must stress that I have not lived a perfect life, but I have fully embraced the idea that living according to God's wisdom does indeed lead to a better life and an exponentially superior legacy. (It is not even close) To live a life that has very few regrets is the life of a happy man.</div>
Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-75416230890269420462016-01-14T14:45:00.000-06:002016-01-14T14:45:06.586-06:00Finding Favor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. Prov 3:3-4 (NKJV)</span><div>
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</span>Do you get along with other people? Everyone has those few impossible people, but as a general rule, do you get along with the people around you? If trouble is always swirling around you--if controversy is typically trailing in your wake--if you can not "hear" certain names without flinching--if you involve yourself in gossip on a regular basis... Then you are without a doubt a part of the problem. Please hear me--you can begin to turn it all around by embracing and putting into practice some wisdom that comes from God.<br /><br />Make a choice to live a life full of mercy and truth. Let mercy and truth be at the center of the relationships that you develop in life. This starts with your family and extends out to the very edges of people that you are barely acquainted with. Pour out mercy; meaning, YOU stop being judgmental. Too often, we judge others unfairly and then compound the problem with confrontation and/or gossip. We are so effective when it comes to picking the speck out of someone else's eye, but too easily forget about the great log that makes it impossible for us to see clearly. Was Jesus right by calling us "hypocrites" in this matter? "Yes," Jesus was always right!<br /><br />How do we discard hypocrisy? It starts by accepting the truth about ourselves. When the Holy Spirit gives us His honest evaluation, the result will be a new baptism of humility. We will never fulfill the Apostle Paul's call to "Esteem others as better than ourselves," unless we have an honest, truthful view of ourselves. Humility allows us to extend mercy and grace when others fail to live up to our expectations. Humility allows us to speak the truth in love for the purpose of reconciliation. When we walk this way, the Word tells us that we will, "find favor and high esteem in the eyes of God and man."The result is worth the effort!</div>
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-81728649242480725112016-01-13T09:43:00.003-06:002016-01-13T09:43:57.477-06:00God in Us<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #e69138;">"If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray
the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you
forever--the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither
sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in
you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. "A little while
longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live,
you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you
in Me, and I in you." John 14:15-20 (NKJV) </span> </div>
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The Gospel of Matthew, quoting the Prophet Isaiah, refers to Jesus as Immanuel. <i>"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son,
and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God
with us."</i> Matt 1:23 (NKJV) As He walked with His disciples on this
earth--taught with amazing authority from the Father--did miracles that no-one
else dreamed of attempting, including raising people from the dead...Jesus
was <i>"God with us!"</i> What a comfort it must have been to be walking down
the dusty roads of Israel in the literal footsteps of the Creator.<br />
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As Jesus approached His own death, He made it clear to His disciples that they
would not be orphans when He was gone. Jesus assured them that another Helper
would be sent to them from the Father. That another, of the same essence as
Jesus Himself, would be sent to abide with them forever. Jesus was referring to
the Holy Spirit. Historically, this prophetic word from Jesus was fulfilled a
short time after His death, when the followers of Christ were gathered in an
Upper Room in Jerusalem, and on the Day of Pentecost, God, the Holy Spirit
landed.<br />
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Where did the Holy Spirit land? He landed in the midst of those gathered
praying--He landed in their hearts--He landed "in them." Jesus was
<i>"God with us."</i> The Holy Spirit is <i>"God in us!"</i> Wow!!! What
are the possibilities for a person who has God literally living in them? The
bigger question is this: <i>"How do we access the power of the Holy Spirit
that is living in us?"</i> I think that there are three attitudes that need to
exist in us that open the gates of God's power. We must "Believe." We
must be "Humble." We must "Obey." God living in us is not a
fictional idea--it is a fact and God's power is released through faith, not
unbelief. We need to stop trying to boss God around--we must humble ourselves
and acknowledge that He is in control. When God speaks to us--we need to listen
to His voice and obey. Belief, humility and obedience allow "God in
us" to use our lives and will lead us into the center of our God-designed
destiny.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-82406866291458216052016-01-12T10:49:00.003-06:002016-01-12T10:49:46.549-06:00Evangelism Starts Here<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i><span style="color: #e69138;">But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)</span></i><br />
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When it comes to our involvement in Evangelism, where do we begin? I believe that the Apostle Peter gives us some great insight and wisdom in answer to this question. In a compound sentence Peter gives us three important ideas that should be helpful. The first idea deals with the nature of our relationship with God. The second idea deals with our preparation in being able to articulate our faith. And lastly, the third idea speaks about the attitude we should have when engaging in evangelistic activities. Let's take a closer look at these ideas.<br />
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<i>"Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts."</i> What does this mean? It means that you are creating a sanctuary in your heart for God. This is a protected place where faith in God is unwavering--a place where your relationship with God is deep, ongoing and active--a place where God has the final say in your life--a place that is set aside for the purposes of God. Effective evangelism flows from a heart that is unshakable in its faith and where that faith is continually demonstrated in the actions of living.<br />
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<i>"Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you." </i>You do not need to attend a Seminary before you engage in evangelism, but let me be honest, the more Bible knowledge you have; the more time that you spend contemplating the answers to the kind of questions that non-believers are likely to ask; the more you understand, <i>"why you believe what you believe;" </i>the more effort you make to understand your own faith... (Did that run on long enough?) The more prepared you will be when it comes time to articulate your faith. Be encouraged with this thought: The Holy Spirit will be with you as you share your faith. He will guide your words and inspire you as you engage in evangelistic activity.<br />
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Talk about your faith with an attitude of <i>"meekness and fear."</i> A more contemporary way of expressing this idea would be: Engage in evangelism with a <i>"humble attitude;" </i>Not as a prideful person with all the answers. Jesus, who was God in the flesh, engaged people with a humility that allowed Him to speak into their lives. We also need to engage in evangelism "carefully." Always remember that an eternal soul is in the balance and the words and attitudes that you express count! Are you ready? Get ready and see what God can do!</div>
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-15992559657667987242016-01-11T10:50:00.000-06:002016-01-11T10:50:02.411-06:00Strength<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #e69138;">For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Eph 3:14-21 (NKJV)</span><br /><br />The chorus started with the following declaration, <i>"My strength is in You Lord..."</i> It is a good thing that my strength is in the Lord, because it certainly is not found in and of myself. I never had real issues with my back until recently. Now, if I pick up something heavy (like a grandchild or salt pellets for the water softener) I pay for it with pain in my lower back. I am finding out that in spite of my work-out regiment, I'm just not that strong. I guess that the same measure could be applied to all areas of my life. (Self-Discipline--not strong. Emotional Stability--not that tested. Spiritual Tenacity--timidity. Intellectual Prowess--weak. General Health--compromised) <i>"OK, I'll admit the truth...on my own merit, I'm not very strong!"</i><br /><div>
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<i>"But--wait a minute--my strength is in the Lord!"</i> Humans are weak by nature. Almost every Bible hero was hampered by character flaws and personal failures, and yet, they are heroes by any definition. The difference maker was always God. Empowered by God, Moses stretched his rod over the Red Sea and the waters parted. Empowered by God, Joshua led the Children of Israel to shout and the wall of Jericho fell down. Empowered by God, Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water. Empowered by God, David slew the giant Goliath. <br /><br />This was the type of strength that Paul was referring to when he prayed that we would,<i>"Be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man!" </i>God can and will bring His strength into you, if you let Him in. The cry of Jesus to the churches listed in the early chapters of John's Revelation was and is to open the door and let Him in. Jesus is knocking at the door of the heart--the inner man--waiting to come in. The very moment we let Him in, is the very same moment that our inner man is strengthened and our possibilities are exponentially greater!</div>
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-71636218242919119042016-01-09T14:44:00.001-06:002016-01-09T14:48:35.109-06:00Longing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the
longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness. Psalms 107:8-9 (NKJV)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Years ago I was working on a musical track for an album. It
was late at night--everyone else in the house was asleep--and I was putting on
the finishing touches. It was a song called, "There's a Longing in My
Soul." The lyrics to the chorus go like this:<br />
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<i>There's a longing, in my soul,</i><br />
<i>There's a longing, in my soul,<br />
And there's nothing in this world </i><br />
<i>That can touch my soul,<br />
Like the Spirit of the Lord.<br />
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There's a hunger, in my soul,</i><br />
<i>There's a hunger, in my soul,<br />
And there's nothing in this world</i><br />
<i>That can fill my soul,<br />
Like the Spirit of the Lord.</i><br />
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The song ends with a repetitious vamp that states over and over, <i>"The
Spirit of the Lord is touching me, the Spirit of the Lord is touching
me..." </i>The track was finally completed and I sang with it. When I
came to the vamp, the Spirit of the Lord literally descended on me and the
personal prayer and worship service was on! If any of the family members had
stumbled upon my "studio time" in the prayer closet--they would have
known that God was at work in my soul.<br />
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I was moved to tears--my hands were lifted towards heaven--and only the angels
were witnesses to the personal touch of God on my soul. I found out that
night--and well as many other times in my life--that God is able to satisfy the
longing of my soul like nothing else found on this plane of existence. I have
also found that James was right. "<i>Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."</i> James
4:8<o:p></o:p></div>
Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-27813866627734947582016-01-08T08:19:00.001-06:002016-01-08T08:19:30.202-06:00Confusion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Who is wise
and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are
done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in
your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not
descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and
self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom
that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield,
full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now
the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James
3:13-18 (NKJV)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In his book
entitled, "People of the Lie," author, M. Scott Peck talked
about the relational difficulties that arise when in a relationship with an
individual who is playing by a different set of ethical rules.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This person seems to thrive on controversy,
loves a good fight, and is continually sowing seeds of trouble through gossip
and slander. The reaction of a normal person is confusion. <i>"What is
going on? What did I do wrong? How did I get in this situation? I just don't
understand?"</i></span></div>
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<br />
We have probably all been there. Simply confused by a relationship that went
south for no apparent reason. Suddenly,
you are the object of an unwanted adversarial relationship. On the receiving
end of unwarranted rejection. In a situation that causes amazing emotional
pain. All of it unexpected--landing where we are vulnerable--creating another
opportunity to grow in humility, patience and forgiveness. How can we guard
ourselves from these "people of the lie?"<br />
<br />
Start with this understanding: You will not be able to avoid these situations
as long as you are living on planet earth. Jesus suffered as the object of
Satan's wrath. He was accused of sin that He never committed. He was betrayed
by a close friend and deserted by the rest in His hour of need. The lesson to
be learned? LIFE IS NOT FAIR! So, where does that leave us? At times,
confused--but, all the more dependent upon the Lord. It also gives us an
opportunity to be "people of peace." We do not fight fire with fire.
We do not fight against flesh and blood, and our weapons are not carnal. We
meet the challenge of confusion with all that is Godly and good</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, while
leaning on the one who is not confused by it all…the Rock of our Salvation!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-91962425983205133152016-01-07T15:47:00.003-06:002016-01-07T15:47:47.712-06:00Treasure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaQcW5MUQuVWgFzRtXvvqTMFZtpm6L4v7CMbbwr3tN6P2-urhhvhUBUsrEjoILnr8gRBm83gDpHGemkLy2z4Ch-Tb6P_en0d97mWC9jGKsAGV8ImZsNGh0N5nFrvnSH-x3_xapmccaPY/s1600/12471783_10207549136303246_4610448911466506464_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaQcW5MUQuVWgFzRtXvvqTMFZtpm6L4v7CMbbwr3tN6P2-urhhvhUBUsrEjoILnr8gRBm83gDpHGemkLy2z4Ch-Tb6P_en0d97mWC9jGKsAGV8ImZsNGh0N5nFrvnSH-x3_xapmccaPY/s320/12471783_10207549136303246_4610448911466506464_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #e69138;">"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matt 6:19-21 (NKJV)</span><br /><br />The "No Fear" clothing line used to have a T-Shirt that read: <i>"He who dies with the most toys is still dead."</i> There it is--the truth--all unpackaged and laid bare. Solomon took a hard look at this truth--weighed in the sum total of the way he spent his time on earth and concluded that everything in life was "vanity." Once again--Solomon was wrong. If there is no life beyond the grave--if our lives have no impact on the people around us--if there is no Kingdom to build--and if our real treasure is left behind when we die...then Solomon would have been right in his assessment of life.<br /><br />However, there is life beyond the grave. The witness and example of our lives can have a great positive and lasting effect on the lives that surround us. The life of a Believer is filled with purpose as we build His Kingdom. The treasure that we have found in our relationship with God is only enhanced as we leave this world behind. The Christian life is not vanity, it is a life full potential, promise and eternal value! <br /><br />It all boils down to this--how are you spending your life? Are you pursuing an eternal treasure or are you living for the sensual purpose of satisfying the cravings of the flesh. What are the sensual purposes of the flesh? To be seen and known--like a celebrity. To obtain material wealth for the sake of having it. To have the power to be in control of my life and the lives of others. To get whatever I want--when I want it--regardless of the consequences. O--trust me, life can be Solomon's nightmare of vanity; but, it can be so much more. We can pursue God, just as He has pursed us. We can lay up treasures in heaven. And ultimately, we can give ourselves to a cause that is worth dying for--and better yet--worth living for!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-91983159304650916782016-01-06T10:36:00.001-06:002016-01-06T10:36:42.956-06:00All In<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #e69138;">Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works." Matt 16:24-27 (NKJV)</span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLt7o6fX3trtXUZH3cnHy5BMQt2fRXDvoSE4bbwQuQGv9SyUMZq1w_snuSXKgKo0woBO4we0UHGTY8MKGGfo1aFM9G7mjFVyluZdP0qmtXKm31BEQKiiGBYwrI6mgbPJSkDsAX9cSdko/s1600/2014-06-13+06.42.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLt7o6fX3trtXUZH3cnHy5BMQt2fRXDvoSE4bbwQuQGv9SyUMZq1w_snuSXKgKo0woBO4we0UHGTY8MKGGfo1aFM9G7mjFVyluZdP0qmtXKm31BEQKiiGBYwrI6mgbPJSkDsAX9cSdko/s400/2014-06-13+06.42.12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I have a friend who did not grow up attending a church, but had a measure of faith in his heart that caused him to believe in God. He did not have a relationship with God, but he believed that God existed. He started attending meetings at a church and became a Believer. He recently told me the following: <i>"When I started attending church I was clueless--I didn't realize that this was an all or nothing proposition--I didn't realize the magnitude of the changes that God would make in my life. I'm all in!"</i><br /><br />Can I even say those words honestly: <i>"I'm all in?"</i> Or do I have closets in my heart that I've locked away from God. O--I already know that God can see inside those closets--He knows exactly what is going on in my life. Is it possible that I am still grasping to maintain control of some areas in my life where I do not want to give up control--places in my heart where God has not been given permission to clean me up? How long will I hold out against the Holy Spirit and not realize the full measure of His blessing?<br /> <br /> What does a surrendered life look like? You surrender to God--deny yourself, pick up your cross and walk in complete obedience. What are the possibilities? Ask yourself this question:<i> "Do I have a better plan for my life than the plan that God has for me?"</i> That has got to be a rhetorical question, because the answer is obvious. My plans cannot measure up to the destiny that God has in mind for me. Time to surrender--time to go "all in." </div>
Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-88398456163947878092016-01-05T08:44:00.001-06:002016-01-05T08:44:32.750-06:00Secret Place<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #e69138;">"And when you pray, you shall not be like the
hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners
of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they
have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have
shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father
who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain
repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their
many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you
have need of before you ask Him." Matt 6:5-8 (NKJV)</span></div>
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In the movie, "The Hollow Man," (A movie that I
would highly NOT recommend) Kevin Bacon makes a blood chilling statement as a
man who happens to be invisible: "It's amazing what you can do...
when you don't have to look at yourself in the mirror any more." No
doubt, it is difficult, perhaps impossible, to fully understand ourselves. We
seem to have a fuzzy notion of who we are and are sometimes compelled by
internal forces that we do not comprehend. </div>
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Not only do we have secrets, in many respects we are a mystery to most of the
people who know us. That brings us to God--who is in middle of our secret
places. He understands us--fully comprehends what makes us tick--knows what we
have need of before we ask or possibly know to ask... He is the mirror that
reveals the real essence of who we are. How can we become self-actualized and
begin to understand the complexity that is us? Well, you have to meet in the
secret place with God.<br />
<br />
Jesus suggests that we find a place where we can be sequestered alone with God.
A place where we can shut the door, turn off the cell phone and spend some
uninterrupted time alone with our Creator. What happens in that quiet time
alone with God is between you and God; however, you will find that God is
indeed a transforming power that is unmatched by any other in the known universe.
Indeed, the time spent alone with God is time well spent!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-87226259596342284582016-01-02T13:38:00.003-06:002016-01-02T13:42:26.107-06:00Safe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #e69138;">He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. Psalms 91:1-6 (NKJV)</span><br />
<br />I was raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho--which was recently ranked as the 18th coldest city in the United States. Dad turned the thermostat down at night, which made scrunching down under the covers a glorious event. In the mornings, Dad would turn up the furnace and warm air would blast up through the vents. Behind the stereo system in the living room was such a vent on the floor. I would sneak up to that secret spot every morning and cover the vent with a blanket and bask in the ensuing heat wave. I would have liked to have stayed there forever. Safe...warm...satisfied...peaceful...happy...<div>
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Then real life occurred. I found out that the world is not safe, warm, satisfied, peaceful or happy! I don't think that it takes a genius I.Q. to look at the happenings of our little planet and to accurately conclude that something went wrong. Too much violence--too much conflict--too much greed--too much laziness--too much exploitation--too much foolishness--too much self-destructive behavior--too much abuse--too much tragedy. It's OK...it really is, because, as a Believer, this world is not our home. So, what do I do in the meantime?<br /><br />I need to go and dwell in the "secret place" where God is. I need to abide under His shadow surrounded by the warmth of His presence. Please understand, I'm not dwelling in this secret place to "run away" from my responsibilities or to deny the reality of the world's true nature. "No," I go to this place of refuge to be strengthened and to be filled with courage, so that when I do out into the darkness I will be absolutely unafraid. That in the midst of all that is crazy and wrong in our world--inside of me--in a secret place--God and I continue to have fellowship; and I face the world...safe...warm...satisfied...peaceful, and happy!</div>
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-81867180722946249012016-01-01T10:56:00.002-06:002016-01-01T10:59:10.502-06:00Uninhibited<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the
daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, <i>"How glorious was the
king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his
servants, as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!"</i> So
David said to Michal, <i>"It was before the Lord, who chose me instead of
your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord,
over Israel. Therefore I will play music before the Lord. And I will be even
more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight. But as for the
maidservants of whom you have spoken, by them I will be held in honor."</i> 2
Sam 6:20-22 (NKJV)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Are you inhibited by what other people might think? I am sad
to admit that in my case it might be true... (Talk about finding it hard to be
transparent) IT IS TRUE! Herein is the problem; it is difficult, if not
impossible, to be an effective leader if you are always worried about what
people might think. A spiritual leader is not called to be a politician, trying
to make decisions based on how it effects one's popularity. A spiritual leader
is called to be obedient and to lead as God instructs them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When the Ark of the Covenant was being returned to King
David's hometown, he, in a moment of great passion, threw his inhibitions aside
and danced before the Ark. It was quite a spectacle as David cast off his
clothes and danced with reckless abandon. As the parade came to an end, David
was met by the disapproval of his wife, Michal. Her words dripped with sarcasm: "How
glorious was the king of Israel today..." LESSON NUMBER ONE: If you
step out in uninhibited faith--you will face criticism from some.<br />
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David responded to his wife's critique: "I will be even more
undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight." LESSON
NUMBER TWO: When you step out and lead, realize that it may only be the first
step of doing more of the same. You may be even more undignified--and mortify
your critics. However, there are two benefits that overshadow all else: The
fruit of humility is given a great opportunity to grow in our lives. Secondly,
God is glorified through our acts of obedience and passion. We need to continually
weigh the question: Are we trying to please man or God?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Author's note: I have a friend that was a classmate at Northwest University. I recently saw this posted on his social media. Uninhibited worship to the one who is worthy. This is what God desires, a people who worship Him in spirit and in truth. Unashamed--Uninhibited--Unafraid! The court of public opinion should have no impact on whether we worship or how we worship; rather, we should only concern ourselves with the audience of one. The only One that really matters. RJ</span></div>
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-56241840579232790312015-12-31T13:42:00.002-06:002015-12-31T13:50:03.742-06:00 Fresh Start<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #e69138;">This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the LORD'S mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.<i> "The LORD is my portion,"</i> says my soul, <i>"Therefore I hope in Him!" </i> </span><span style="color: #e69138;">Lamentations 3:21-24 (NKJV) </span><br />
<span class="poetry2"><span class="poetry2"></span></span><br />
We are entering a new year and many people are making New Year’s Resolutions, which represent changes that they want to make in the coming days ahead. There seems to be a bit of backlash against making resolutions, but seeing and seizing the opportunity to make changes can be spiritually significant. The process called “Christian Discipleship” is all about progress and transformation…and it should go without saying, “transformation” and becoming a “new creation” is all about profound and substantial change.<br />
<br />
Jesus made it clear to Nicodemus that birth into the kingdom of God requires a new birth. <i>(You can read the story in John 3)</i> A fresh start, a reset, a new beginning, a clean slate, another shot, renewal; all of these phrases and words point us in the direction of hope. Hope that life will work out for our good. Hope that we can make the necessary life changes that point in a more beneficial direction. With God’s guidance and strength this possibility for change moves from unlikely to possible. With our submission to God’s transforming work we move from possible to probable.<br />
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Here is an encouraging word: God’s mercies are “new” every morning. That means that you can have a fresh start every day. Regardless of the past—it’s failures and disappointments—today is a new day full of possibilities. The future looks extremely bright, not from wishful thinking, but from the provision of an Almighty God who is overflowing with grace, mercy and love. Make a fresh start today!</div>
Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-27458114085260943192015-07-25T21:28:00.000-05:002015-07-25T21:32:20.251-05:00I Am Not Good<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #e69138;">For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 (NKJV) </span><br />
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I am really not a very “good” person. Really…I am always more concerned with how I look than how you look. I am always more focused on what I eat and don’t give a second thought to what you are eating. I care more about how much money is in my bank account than what you have in yours. I could go on…’cause you see, I’m really not a very good person, and that’s a real problem.</div>
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The scribes and Pharisees were pretty amazing when it came to being good. They were miles better than myself when it came to following God’s rules. They probably did a lot more “good” kind of servant works than I will ever even consider doing. (Moment of truth—they were a lot more “good” than I am!) Let me tell you that I feel a bit out of sorts, because Jesus said that I will not enter the kingdom of heaven unless my righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees. <i>"Are you kidding me? Jesus, are you really expecting me to be that good?"</i><br />
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Further into this teaching, Jesus doubled down and said that the expectation is that I (Ron Dugone) should be perfect, even as God is perfect. My goose is so cooked! (Poetic Pause) <i>“What’s that Lord? What are you saying? That Your grace is sufficient for me? What does that mean?”</i> <br />
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It means that I will never be “good” enough to “earn” my salvation, but that God’s grace will cover my short-comings. As far as my righteousness is concerned, I am covered in the beauty of Christ’s righteousness, a righteousness that far surpasses the religious works of the scribes and the Pharisees. One more thing before I go…knowing that I’m called to be perfect as God is perfect causes a new wave of humility. I have an incredible journey ahead as I humble myself and chase after the God who calls me to be like Him.</div>
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-90853744639680439692015-07-23T20:20:00.000-05:002015-07-23T20:29:14.603-05:00The List<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #e69138;">One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4 (NKJV)</span><br />
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When I was a young man I desired a lot of things. Maintaining a relationship with God was on the list, but in practical terms of how I lived, He certainly wasn’t on or maybe even near the top. It’s not that I was a wild and crazy guy diving into the vices of the world, because, I did not have a desire to be like the prodigal son. So, what were the things that occupied the top of my list of desires? To be successful, to be popular with my peers, to be adored by my wife, to be worshiped by my children, to make a better than average income, to be praised by my parishioners, to be in control… I could go on ad nauseam.<br />
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Everything in the way I lived screamed, <i>“I want to be somebody!”</i> This leads to an unconscious preoccupation with comparing and measuring yourself against everyone else who seems to be accomplishing <i>“your”</i> list. It triggers envy. It depresses with insecurity. It strokes and manipulates the ego. It frustrates in its endless futility. In the center of this maniacal firestorm is you…you sitting on the throne of your own heart. Alone, and still preoccupied with the person in the mirror.<br />
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One day I woke up…and I realized that Solomon was on to something when he wrote that all in life was vanity. That is when it dawned on me that God needed to be at the top of my list and <i>"yours truly"</i> thrown off the throne! Life is not about the image that I see in the mirror, it is about the one who is preparing a place for me beyond this life. I now understand the words of the Psalmist David, <i>“One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.”</i> Being with the Lord, life does not get any better than that! <br />
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-31238982409386452042015-06-20T13:52:00.003-05:002015-06-20T13:52:37.448-05:00When it Rains...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #e69138;">After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. And Job spoke, and said: "May the day perish on which I was born, And the night in which it was said, 'A male child is conceived.' May that day be darkness; May God above not seek it, Nor the light shine upon it. May darkness and the shadow of death claim it; May a cloud settle on it; May the blackness of the day terrify it. As for that night, may darkness seize it; May it not rejoice among the days of the year, May it not come into the number of the months. Oh, may that night be barren! May no joyful shout come into it! Job 3:1-7 (NKJV) </span><br />
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There is a saying that I did not really understand as a child. <i> "When it rains it pours."</i> Growing up on the high desert plains of Idaho, it never poured when it rained. I did not know what buckets of rain falling from the sky was all about until I moved to Texas. In Texas, "When it rains, it most certainly pours!" This figure of speech, called an idiom is pointing to a truth concerning life. Sometimes, a lot of bad things happen to people all at once. According to the musical, "Fiddler on the Roof," you should just give a toast to life, for life has a <i>"way of confusing us, blessing and bruising us!"</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXIHwYWj3ONvAg3E2VRG0nYGACeHLJdl7NFoYzp-HEWCk2rn2zTDnz3rBTzuybOtfoUZ_1V5OSYSGfqbYOKHOc1bsib5wgGetZkW1HTXKMiOGnj82AoPela6CJDZaYKHe9X3OvO7rmtE/s1600/IMAG0254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXIHwYWj3ONvAg3E2VRG0nYGACeHLJdl7NFoYzp-HEWCk2rn2zTDnz3rBTzuybOtfoUZ_1V5OSYSGfqbYOKHOc1bsib5wgGetZkW1HTXKMiOGnj82AoPela6CJDZaYKHe9X3OvO7rmtE/s400/IMAG0254.jpg" width="400" /></a>I had a day when life "poured" on me. I was on my way to a wedding, where I was officiating the ceremony. It had been raining heavily and I live on the wrong side of a creek; so, dressed up in my Sunday best, I took the trolley across the creek. The seat was a bit small and the chain securing the seat punched a hole in my pants and my pants remained caught in the chain link. The only way to get "loose" from the chain link was to take off my slacks--which were brand new and now had a brand new hole in them. In order to take off my slacks I had to take off my shoes--which meant that my socks were now in the mud--and to complicate an already complicated situation, I had cut the top of my hand on the trolley's chain. I finally, got my pants loose, got redressed, and made it to the wedding. On the way home I decided to take a chance on the trolley...again. This requires gloves as you pull yourself across the creek. I was about three-forth's of the way across the creek, flash light string in my mouth to provide light in the pitch darkness, when I heard a "chir-ping" as the chain holding the chair decided it was a good time to break. Suspended in the air, I had a decision to make. Firstly, the chain-link was once again caught in my pants and I could not pull them loose. As I let loose from the trolley cable, my pants were utterly and totally ripped--about a foot long rip. I straightened my body so that as I fell from about ten feet up in the air, I was trying to land in the creek in such a way that I would not twist an ankle. "Splash!" With ripped pants--flash light still hanging out of my mouth--soaking wet in my dress clothes--I climbed the 10 foot muddy bank--and hiked home to the sloshing sound of wet shoes and socks.<br />
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As I hiked across the field to my home, I thought of Paul and Silas singing, I thought of the great testing that Job endured, I thought about how blessed I was to have survived the trolley ride, and with a grateful heart and a smile on my face I began to sing. <br />
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I have no way to relate to the testing of Job's faith. He got clobbered by Satan! I mean a tsunami of disasters devastated his life. In this moment of despair Job had a wish. He wished that he had never existed. That he had never been born. That he had never had children. That he had never been around to suffer from the loses that had come to roost in his life. He lost everything... Let's add it all up:<br />
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<li>He lost all of his possessions and wealth.</li>
<li>He lost all of his children and their families.</li>
<li>He was married to a woman, who also suffered through all the loses, who in her own misery, advised Job, "to curse God and die."</li>
<li>He was physically afflicted and tormented by pain.</li>
<li>He was surrounded by fair weather friends who lacked both in tact and spiritual understanding.</li>
<li>His reputation was destroyed.</li>
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It is doubtful that anyone could endure what Job endured and not have a death wish. And yet, in the midst of his troubles Job declare, <i>"Even if God slays me, yet will I trust Him." </i>Talk about real faith. It is what every Bible hero has in common: A faith that defies the odds; a faith that refuses to quit; a faith that will not bow down; a faith that believes and keeps on believing; a faith that hopes and keeps on hoping; a faith that loves and keeps on loving. Job was such a man... </div>
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-7709832421866246562015-06-20T09:24:00.000-05:002015-06-20T12:26:41.256-05:00Blessed Be Your Name!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #e69138;"> Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD." In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. Job 1:20-22 (NKJV) </span><br />
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I am about 99.9% sure that if everything that I care for on this earth was suddenly ripped away from me that I would not react with the righteous understanding of Job. I am not a hot tempered person, but if my children and grandchildren were all killed for no discernible reason, I think that I would probably punch a couple holes in the wall. Would my relationship with the Lord be enough to sustain me through the season of grief and inner turmoil? I don't have the answer to that question, but I would think that the emotional pain would be overwhelming.<br />
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If there is a deficiency in my character, it is probably that I lack in the area of empathy. Honestly, I have had a good life and haven't experienced the hits and hardships that would cause me to be more empathetic. From my easy seat it is a temptation to look at what Job suffered through and as a armchair quarterback not empathize or understand the magnitude of the impact of the multiple tragedies that landed on Job all at once. It had to be crushing.<br />
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Job, tore his robe--shaved his head--fell to the ground... (I think I understand Job's reaction up to this point) Then Job...worshiped? He what? He worshiped? Why?????? This is certainly not the reaction that Satan was counting on. We know from the rest of the story that it was not the reaction that Job's "friends" were expecting. And if I'm perfectly transparent--I'm not sure that I would have been inclined to worship under the circumstances! <br />
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The Apostle Paul cast a demon out of a girl that was disrupting the missionary work that he and Silas were undertaking. This angered the people who were making money off the girl's demonic abilities, and so they took their case to the governing authorities, who in turn, arrested Paul and Silas. Paul and Silas were then beaten, stripped and thrown into prison, where they were put into a cell and chained to the wall. (You can ask my wife and my kids the following question: "Have you ever heard RJ utter a swear word?" And they will tell you that they have never heard me curse, because, I do not use such language to express myself...ever) I think that if I suffered the indignities and injustice that Paul and Silas experienced--I might be tempted to just "go off" verbally. What was Paul and Silas' reaction? They worshiped. <i>"Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and
singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening." </i>Acts 16:25 (NLT)<br />
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What did they sing? Probably a song that expressed something like this: (Lyrics by Matt Redman)<br />
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Blessed be Your Name, in the land that is plentiful, </div>
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where Your streams of abundance flow, Blessed be Your name.<br />
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Blessed be Your name, when I'm found in the desert place<br />
Though I walk through the wilderness, Blessed be Your name.<br />
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Blessed be Your name, when the sun's shining down on me,<br />
When the world's 'all as it should be, Blessed be Your name.<br />
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Blessed be Your name, on the road marked with suffering,<br />
Though there's pain in the offering, Blessed be Your name.<br />
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Every blessing You pour out, I'll turn back to praise,<br />
When the darkness closes in, Lord, Still I will say.<br />
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<i>"Blessed be the name of the Lord, Blessed be Your name,<br />Blessed be the name of the Lord, Blessed be Your glorious name!"</i><br />
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You give and take away, You give and take away,<br />
My heart will choose to say, <i>"Lord, Blessed be Your name!"</i></div>
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-80543542776181505232015-06-17T13:03:00.004-05:002015-06-17T13:11:10.965-05:00An Astounding Response<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #e69138;">Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, "From where do you come?" So Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it." Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" So Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. Job 1:6-12 (NKJV) </span><br />
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Job was directly attacked by Satan. Everything that he had, in terms of possessions and family, was unexpectedly ripped away from him. The Bible tells us that we have an Enemy. This enemy is real, and he is like a lion seeking whom he may devour, and does not resemble a laughable man dressed up in red pajamas with a pitchfork in hand. In Job's particular case, Satan slammed into his life full speed ahead and destroyed the hedge that surrounded and insulated Job.</div>
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In terms of earthly possessions, Job was a man of great wealth. The Bible tells us that he was the richest man in the East. More importantly, Job was a rich man in the things that matter the most in life. He was the patriarch of an amazing family. His children loved each other and celebrated life together as a family. Job was a righteous man and the spiritual leader of his home. He made sacrifices unto God for each of his children, making sure that their sins were "covered." </div>
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In a moment, it was all gone... The wealth, the possessions, the servants--his dear and beloved children...it was all gone. Horatio Spafford was a successful lawyer in Chicago. He was also known for being a Godly man and a good friend of D.L Moody. Life was good for the Spafford family, when suddenly it all seemed to fall apart. The tragedies were piling up. Firstly, Horatio's youngest child and only son died. Then the Spafford family lost much of their wealth in the Great Chicago Fire, as the fire completely destroyed most of their holdings. Horatio decided that with so much trauma, the family needed to get away from it all, and so he sent his wife and four daughters on a vacation to England. The next wave of tragedy was almost more than Horatio could bear. The ship that was carrying his wife and four daughters collided with another ship at sea and all four of his daughters were lost. In the midst of great emotional despair, Horatio boarded a ship to England to join his grieving wife, Anna. It was on that journey that he penned the following words:</div>
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<i>When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll;<br />Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.<br /><br />Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control,<br />That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed His own blood for my soul.<br /><br />My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part but the whole,<br />Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!<br /><br />And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;<br />The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, even so, it is well with my soul.<br /><br />It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul!</i><br />
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Often, it is the response of the saints, that in the face of great difficulties, that we write psalms and sing hymns to our God. <i> </i>King David wrote the 23rd Psalm. Horatio Spafford wrote <i>"It is Well with My Soul."</i> Paul and Silas sang after being beaten, imprisoned and put into chains. And finally, Job squarely looked at all that Satan had done to him and his family and he declared, <i><span class="poetry2">"Naked I came from
my mother's womb,</span> <span class="poetry2">And naked shall I return
there.</span> <span class="poetry2">The <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">LORD</span> gave, and the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">LORD</span> has taken away;</span> <span class="poetry2">Blessed be the name of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">LORD</span>."</span> </i><br />
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-63035888298639389212015-06-17T12:13:00.000-05:002015-06-19T13:42:44.272-05:00When All Is Well<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #e69138;">There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. And seven sons and three daughters were born to him. Also, his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the East. Job 1:1-3 (NKJV) </span><br />
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There is a place in life where many people find it difficult to serve God. Before you jump to the wrong conclusion let me interject that I am probably going in the opposite direction of what you might suppose. I'm talking about serving the purposes of God when everything in life is going right. When you are wealthy...when close personal relationships are working out...when you are surrounded by friends, colleagues and neighbors that like you...in those times when it seems as if everything you touch is turning into gold. It can be a real challenge to live for God when everything in life seems to be blessed.<br />
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This is one of the more impressive, but seldom mentioned facets of Job's story. He was "The greatest of all the people of the East." The words that describe Job during that period of life would be wealthy, influential, fulfilled, and in some circles, he was probably considered to be a "lucky" man. In spite of the easy life, Job was blameless and upright. This makes him unique. Through the years I have observed people, who were raised in the church, who really struggled with their spiritual life when they became famous or wealthy. In discussing this phenomena Jesus said, "I'll say it again--it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!"<br />
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This makes Job an exceptional example. In spite of everything that was going “right” in Job’s life, he was a good and upright man. The Bible tells us that God evaluates people differently than “we” do. We look at the outside appearance and pass our judgments. Which are subjective at best. God looks past everything that defines us to others and looks at the heart. It is in that place that God really knows us and sees us accurately. What did God see when He examined the heart of Job? He must have been impressed. "Then the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?' " When God is impressed by an individual you can take it to the bank, we are talking about a really, really, really good person. Job was such a man.<br />
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-22730426804903301732015-06-16T11:12:00.001-05:002015-06-16T11:13:34.677-05:00Uninhibited<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #e69138;">Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, "How glorious was the king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his servants, as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!" So David said to Michal, "It was before the Lord, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel. Therefore I will play music before the Lord. And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight. But as for the maidservants of whom you have spoken, by them I will be held in honor." 2 Sam 6:20-22 (NKJV)</span><br />
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Are you inhibited by what other people might think? I am sad to admit that in my case it might be true... (Talk about finding it hard to be transparent) IT IS TRUE! Herein is the problem; it is difficult, if not impossible, to be an effective leader if you are always worried about what people might think. A spiritual leader is not called to be a politician, trying to make decisions based on how it effects one's popularity. A spiritual leader is called to be obedient and to lead as God instructs them.<br />
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When the Ark of the Covenant was being returned to King David's hometown, he, in a moment of great passion, threw his inhibitions aside and danced before the Ark. It was quite a spectacle as David cast off his outer garments and danced with reckless abandon. As the parade came to an end, David was met by the disapproval of his wife, Michal. Her words dripped with sarcasm:<i> "How glorious was the king of Israel today..."</i> LESSON NUMBER ONE: If you step out in uninhibited faith--you will face criticism from some quarters.<br />
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David responded to his wife's critique: <i>"I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight.</i>" LESSON NUMBER TWO: When you step out and lead, realize that it may only be the first step of doing more of the same. You may be even more undignified--and mortify your critics. However, there are two benefits that overshadow all else: The fruit of humility is given a great opportunity to grow in our lives. Secondly, God is glorified through our acts of obedience and passion. We need to continually weigh the question: Are we trying to please man or God?</div>
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-21477493517582617742015-01-27T11:11:00.001-06:002015-01-27T11:16:41.974-06:00Change<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /><span style="color: #e69138;">The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 (NKJV)</span><br /><br />Everything in creation is in a state of flux. Nothing is static—everything in the known universe is in motion and changing. Obviously, some people embrace change while others prefer life to be more predictable. Some change is inevitable, such as growing old. Most children desperately want to grow up, but at some point in time the aging process makes us wish that we could somehow put our bodies into reverse and regain the strength, vitality and waistline of our youth.<div>
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I have a sister-in-law who loves change—at least when it comes to her hair. This is probably an over-statement, but it seems as if there is never a month that goes by without some change to her hair. Her hair is continually changing in length, in style and in color. (At this point—do I even know what her real hair color is? Probably not!) I am also having my own hair issues as my hair becomes increasingly gray and even worse—is thinning out. A little something that “they” call male-patterned baldness. A change I could live without!<br /><br />It could almost go without mention that some changes are welcomed and others not so much. Generally speaking, most people are happy when they lose weight and not so happy when they gain weight. Happy when we graduate from high school or when we finally get that college degree. Not so happy when we get laid off from a job or even worse, get fired. Happy when the weather is beautiful. Not so happy when the air conditioning in the car stops working, and it’s the second week in August, in Texas, and the temperature is 105 degrees. Happy when that healthy baby is born, not so happy when they are screaming at 3:00 in the morning.<br /><br />The question is this: “How does one emotionally survive all the challenges of change?” Let me suggest that there is a place that is more solid than shifting sand. A place of refuge where the love is constant. A relationship where one is always received with open arms. It is a rock of consistency in the midst of instability and insecurity. King David declared,<i> “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer!” </i> The great hymn of the church, “The Solid Rock,” declares, <i>“On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.”</i> Amen!</div>
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-75351448708755188082014-12-19T10:00:00.001-06:002014-12-19T10:00:09.377-06:00A Christmas Miracle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><b>Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.</b></i> Matthew 1:18-25 (NKJV)</span><br /><br />Wow…sometimes it just doesn’t pay to wake up and face the world. One can only imagine what Joseph was feeling when he found out that Mary was pregnant. What kind of girl was he engaged to? She had always seems so pure, so good, so Godly…and now, his teen-aged bride to be was pregnant. The questions that must have been running through his mind. How could she do this to him? When had she started sleeping around? Who was the father?<div>
<br />We all know the rest of the story, but for a moment in time, Joseph was beside himself saddled with the emotions of anger, sorrow and confusion. He was obviously off track in his thinking, but who in their right mind would ever guess the truth? Who could even write such a preposterous story where a chaste girl is spontaneously pregnant? </div>
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In every life there are situations where we are confused, because we are asking the wrong questions, based on the wrong assumptions that we are so sure of. Years ago, I was preparing my Christmas Sermon, and I asked a number of people this question:<i> “What does Christmas mean to you?”</i> I finally went the Art Linkletter route and asked a child this question. The child happened to be my daughter, Gina, who was 5 years old at the time. <i>“Gina, what does Christmas mean to you?”</i> Her reaction was unexpected… She looked distressed, her eyes filled with tears and her little chin began to quiver. Finally she spoke through the tears.<i> “Daddy, Christmas isn’t mean to me.”</i> Sometimes, it is amazing how misconstrued and misunderstood are the situations of our lives. We think we know what is going on, but, somehow we completely missed it. <br /><br />God sent an angel to Joseph to set the record straight concerning Mary. The angel just showed up in Joseph’s dream world and began to talk and answered the questions that Joseph had been kicking around. Joseph found out that Mary was pure, she had not been sleeping around, and that the Father of this child was God, the Holy Spirit. In other words, it was a miracle…a Christmas miracle! <i><b>“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, “ which is translated, “God with us.”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-27322938842733328982014-12-18T08:52:00.002-06:002014-12-18T09:15:25.272-06:00A Christmas Tradition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There were many traditions in my family associated with the Christmas season. It was generally the Tuesday night before Thanksgiving when the Christmas Tree was put up with much fanfare. For the next three weeks my mother would toil away in the kitchen baking and cooking some of the richest, most delightful Christmas goodies you can imagine. Rum Balls, Toffee, Fudge, Caramels, Mr. Bork Cookies, Short-Bread, Russian Tea Cakes, Almond Bars, Sugar Cookies, Chocolate covered Peanut-Butter Balls, and of course, the dreaded Fruit Cake. (Truly a world-class fruitcake for those who like fruitcake) On Christmas Eve we had a special meal of soups, including an Italian soup made with turkey stuffed dumplings, with a choice of homemade cinnamon or pecan rolls. When the meal was finished, we helped clean up the dishes and then the moment we (the Kids) had been patiently waiting for all day arrived. It was time to open our presents.<br />
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There was yet one Christmas Tradition that would have to be accomplished before we moved on to present opening. As young children, we all were dressed in pajamas. One year, mom and dad even wore matching pajamas—what a sight we were! We all sat together on the couch; then dad carefully explained that as excited as we were about opening our gifts, the true meaning of Christmas was about the birth of Jesus Christ. We then as a family recited the story of Christ’s birth from Luke, Chapter two. <br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><b>And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 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. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.</b></i> Luke 2:1-16 (NKJV)</span><br />
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By the time we had finished reciting the marvelous story of Jesus’ unique birth, my mind was no longer preoccupied with the gifts that were waiting under the tree. I felt, what can only be described, as a closeness to God. The God that loved me enough to send Jesus to rescue my life from the folly and futility of sin. The activities of the night were now tempered by an awareness of “The Holy Night” when Jesus arrived on planet earth. As you establish Christmas Traditions with your children and grandchildren; make goodies, sing the carols of the season, be generous in the giving of gifts, string up lights inside and outside the house, make Christmas into a time of awe and wonder, make memories that last a lifetime! Above all else, make sure that Jesus is at the center of it all!</div>
Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834651201289136184.post-5394667690304359132014-12-17T12:04:00.003-06:002014-12-18T09:15:44.747-06:00The Misunderstood Gift<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="color: #e69138;">For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)</span></b><br />
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At this time of year we celebrate Christmas! It is a happy, joyful season where people exchange gifts, put up Christmas trees, light candles, make goodies, sing carols, send out cards and decorate their houses and lawns with lights and large plastic objects that look like Santa Claus, reindeer and snowmen. A lot of effort, time and money goes into making this season the most celebrated season of the year. But, you can invest in all the superfluous activities and miss the reason Christmas is celebrated. Christmas is all about the birth of the Christ child. His humble birth was announced by angels, and attended by local shepherds in a Bethlehem barn. In that place, baby Jesus was found wrapped in simple linens, lying in a manger. Not exactly the kind of place you would expect the King of Kings to be born, but there were many things about Jesus, the gift that God gave to the world, that were misunderstood.<br />
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Have you ever received a gift that came from an unexpected source? Have you ever received a gift that you never asked for? Have you ever received a gift that you did not want? Have you ever received a gift that somehow was misunderstood? My wife Jody received such a gift. A man arrived at our front door with a medium sized package. Jody took the gift with great anticipation and began the process of tearing through the packaging. She looked up at me and said, <i>“My sister said that she was sending me a special gift for Christmas, and that I was to open it immediately upon arrival!”</i> She was so excited!<br />
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Finally, Jody made it through all the different layers of packaging and pulled out the gift. It was quilted—beautifully quilted in several bright and festive colors. Jody looked it over…and then looked at it again, carefully turning the present over making sure that she wasn't missing anything. She looked puzzled, and asked me, “What is this?” She handed it off to me and I followed her lead and analyzed her gift carefully. I said, “I really don’t know what this it, but it kind of looks like a quilted poncho. It does have an opening in the middle.” Jody took the quilted poncho and slipped it over her head. She walked over to a mirror and exclaimed,<i> “Oh my goodness…oh my goodness…”</i> (That is as close as we get to swearing in the Dugone household) She continued,<i> “What was my sister thinking? I will have to wear this when I go to Oregon. I will look ridiculous. Oh my goodness, who has ever thought of wearing a quilted poncho? Is this fashionable in Oregon? Should I say that we never received it…but, then she might feel so bad that she will make another one…”</i> I’m not sure that I have ever seen Jody more anxious in my life, and I was trying not to laugh, because she looked ridiculous in her quilted poncho.<br />
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A short time later, Jody’s sister called. It was the moment of truth that Jody had been dreading. Her sister asked, <i>“Did my gift get delivered?” “Yes,”</i> was Jody’s reply. Jody could not come up with anything else to say and there was an awkward pause in the conversation. Her sister asked the dreaded question, <i>“Well, did you like it?”</i> Another pause… <i>“It is some of the prettiest quilting I've ever seen, it must have taken a lot of time—thank you, it is lovely!”</i> Jody’s sister continued,<i> “I wanted you to open it right away so that you could put it under your Christmas Tree. I just thought that a quilted Christmas Tree Skirt would really dress up your Christmas Tree.”</i> Jody mused out loud,<i> “A Christmas Tree Skirt…of course, a Christmas Tree Skirt.”</i> I could hear the relief rolling off of Jody, and Jody’s sister was right—the Christmas Tree Skirt looked great! Still…I would have enjoyed watching Jody step off the plane in Portland, Oregon dressed in her quilted poncho of many colors!<br />
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By in large, the gift of Jesus was widely misunderstood by the world into which He was born. He was a gift considered a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. But, to all who call upon His name, He is salvation and the greatest gift ever given. The Bible tells us, <b><i>“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."</i></b> Acts 4:12 (NKJV)</div>
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Ron Dugonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13352403869440249522noreply@blogger.com0