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Guest Post- Ed Damas

Wednesday, November 6th, 2024

I recently wrote a blog about Faith vs. Feelings using Psalm 13 as the basis. You can find that post here. Following that post, a long-time reader of my blog, Ed Damas, sent me something he wrote. I asked his permission to share it with you.

Recently my faith was strongly shaken, to the point that I cried out to Jesus, again, after so many seasons.
 
I wrote this one night:

And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept. (Mark 14:70-72)
 
 Think about that! Peter BELIEVED in Jesus, and yet when Jesus himself told him that he would deny knowing Jesus.. Peter’s answer was “NEVER! I will never deny You!”
 
Yet that is exactly what happened.
 
So Peter realized an awesome truth: That Jesus WAS who He said he was, and that everything that Jesus preached, did, and was going to do, proved that Jesus was the real thing!
 
Peter’s faith was shaken… so much so that he denied knowing Jesus, yet through it all, Jesus proved who he was over and over again… Right up to the point (and afterwards) that He appeared in the midst of the disciples in a room where the doors were shut and probably locked.
 
Jesus is working the same way today with those of us who choose to follow Him. Despite all the doubts, worries, troubles, etc.. Jesus knows that at some point we will ultimately deny Him. But Jesus also knows our hearts better than anyone ever will… And He WILL manifest HIS glory to us so that even in when our faith is at it’s weakest, even when our belief tells us that Jesus isn’t working, He WILL manifest Himself to our being. Because the truth is that when God works.. Jesus also works!
 
Have Faith. Believe!

Ed was able to relate to the story of David in Psalm 13 and to realize that feelings are an unreliable testimony to the reality of our faith. Feelings are fickle. I suspect Ed is not alone is what he wrote about. Here is what I would like to do: next Monday I am having knee replacement surgery. I have no clue what to expect or how it will affect my blogging. However, if you have a story to tell I would love to include it on my blog, especially while I am rehabbing. So email me your story and I will be glad to have you as a guest blogger. Try, if possible, to keep it around 500 words or less if possible. I am at 445 right now. 

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October 23

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024

Of all the questions people ask, one of the most frequent is “Where is God when it hurts?” That is put in different way, like “Why do Christ-followers suffer?? or “Why does God feel so far away when I’m going through a tough time?” I’m sure you could add your own variation to that. This morning as I was reading Psalm 13, I flashed back to the first time I ever looked at this psalm in depth. I was in a period of deep questioning-not when it came to where was God- but in my own life’s purpose. It was, and has been, one of the most eye-opening experiences I ever had. I’d like to share that with you today.  I’d like to suggest a Bible and a highlighter (different colors) as you study.

The chapter is written by King David. {Following Scripture is from the NLT}

If God truly forgot David as he says in verse 1a: “O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?”

Why does he say at the same time that God truly loves him unceasingly in verse 5a: “But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me”?

David also says in verse 1 that God hid his face from him: “How long will you look the other way?”

But in verse 6b he says God was good to him: “Because he is good to me.”

In verse 2 David said he struggled (wrestled) with many thoughts and had sorrow in his heart every day: “How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart everyday?”

Yet in verse 6 he sang with joy: “I will sing to the Lord.”

Finally, in verse 2b David said his enemy had the upper hand: “How long will my enemy have the upper hand?”

Yet in verse 5b he says, “I will rejoice because have rescued me.”

How can that be? Is there a discrepancy between the verses? No, actually there isn’t. The difference is between David’s feelings and David’s beliefs.  David felt God had hidden His face from him, but he believed God’s love for Him was unceasing. David felt God had hidden His face from him, but he believed God was somehow good to him.

The same is  often true for us. There is a disconnect between our feelings and our faith. And there you have just one more reason why we should not trust our feelings over our faith. And it is also one more reason why we should not get trapped into thinking “just follow your heart.” Feelings are deceptive.

Follow your faith, not your feelings. Anchor yourself in God’s Word; don’t rely on your feelings.

{Note: my unfailing thanks to Randall Arthur and his book Wisdom Hunter for the insight into this passage. It forever changed my life}

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October 22

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024

A common topic of conversation-not only among the elites, but also among common church (and non-church) people-is how Christianity is just one of many ways to God. You have probably heard it just as I have: “You Christians are so close-minded. You think you are the only ones who are right. All roads lead to God.”  In their minds, all religions are the same and none are better than another (unless, of course, you belong to said religion. Then you think you are the only one that is right). The common strain among all is they all have their good points and they all tell us how to get to God or some variation of that.

I beg to differ. While it is true there are many religions (obviously), it is not true that all roads lead to God. It is not my purpose in this devotion to tell why by listing every well-known religion and show why they aren’t. But I would like to sum it up with this: Each religion boils down to the creatures trying to get their god or gods to like them. Hence, the need for works. For alms. For treks to a city. For certain bodily disciplines. Each one is trying to reach up to their god and in the process gain his/her approval.

Christianity is different. Christianity teaches that we don’t have to try to reach up to God. We don’t have to work hard to get God to love us; He already does. We don’t have to work hard to get God to like us; He already does. In fact, God already showed us that! That is the meaning behind the Incarnation-God becoming flesh in the form of a baby. God has already reached down to us. He was fully human and fully divine, died on a cross to pay for our sins and rose again.

The best way for me to put it is the way I once hear it put: “Religion says, ‘Do’; Christianity says, ‘Done.'” Religion says this is what you must do; Christianity says this is what has been done. No matter what we hear from the crowd, there is still only one way to God and that is through Jesus Christ, His One and only Son. Faith in Him is the only requirement for salvation. John 14: 6 is still true: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”  There is simply no other way to read that. 

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October 7

Monday, October 7th, 2024

Have  you ever tried to understand something and after awhile you thought your mind was going to explode? I had one of those experiences last night, although my mind fell short of exploding.  In our small group last night we are beginning a short study on Essential Doctrines that are the core beliefs to our faith. You might be thinking, “What are you studying those topics for?” We spent the previous months discussing topics the young people had asked Ryan, our youth pastor.  He shared those questions with the elders just to show what our young people had on their minds and Wayne, one of the elders and our small group leader, decided to use them in our small group.  Some of the questions were related to our core beliefs as a church body so it was a good study to stimulate our thinking and our faith. To counter some of the questions, Wayne decided to tackle some core doctrines that “make Christianity Christianity.”

First up: THE T.R.I.N.I.T.Y.

Yes, you read that right. What a subject to start with!  I must confess that I am a self-professed “I don’t want to talk about it” junkie when it comes to this particular topic. Understand: it is not because I don’t believe it. I most certainly do believe in the Trinity: that God is Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. But ask me to understand and explain it? My eyes cross, my head spins (like an owl’s) and my mind goes into convulsions. My finite mind cannot understand the infinite.

And that is the problem. Finite trying to understand the infinite. In my words: it ain’t going to happen. I proved it again last night. It’s not that I’m totally in the dark. I mean, I do understand some of it. Greater theological minds out there (the vast majority much, much greater than I ever dreamed of being) wrestle with it. Some of those who wrestle with it have forgotten more than I can remember. Maybe I’m naive, but while I understand some of it, I prefer to take some things on faith.  Knowing God is essential to our faith. Knowing all there is to know about God is impossible.  Isaiah writes, “To whom can you compare God?…’To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?’ asks the Holy One.” (40:18,25 NLT) I have come to the (awkward but humbling) conclusion that there are some things I am not to understand or simply cannot grasp.

I accept the hard teaching of the Trinity. Understand it all? Nope. But I have decided to let God be God. Understand what I can. Accept in faith what I can’t or don’t.

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October 1

Tuesday, October 1st, 2024

Every once in awhile-not often but once in awhile-I hear someone say, “God doesn’t care about me.” I could argue the point from Scripture, but for the most part, when a person’s feelings and emotions get involved that is almost an effort in futility. But, then again, that is my go-to. I can’t argue subjective feelings. And that is why we have such messed up ideas of what is right and what is wrong. Subjective feelings vs objective truth. Many don’t want to hear or follow what the Bible says because the objective truth of the Word goes against their subjective feelings. Way back in the late 70s there was a song called “You Light Up My Life” that had the lyrics “It can’t be wrong when it feels so right.”  That’s it in a nutshell.

If someone is governed by their feelings how do you/how can you point out right and wrong? “The Bible says” loses out to “But I feel.” I read Psalm 118 this morning. Here are some words that set us on the right path: “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” (verses 6-9 NLT). 

I want to add two more verses to that: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust my feelings. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to follow my heart.” Yeah…I know you are not supposed to add to the Word, but I’m not advocating that. I’m taking the current way of thinking and showing how it would work.

Objective truth vs Subjective feelings. You choose. I know which one I do.

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August 20

Tuesday, August 20th, 2024

One of the essential beliefs of a life of grace and truth is the overwhelming truth that grace can’t be earned.  Whether one is talking about God’s grace for us or one person’s grace toward another, it cannot be earned.

The Bible consistently speaks of God’s grace toward us. One of the greatest is found in Ephesians 2, perhaps one of the most familiar and impactful: “God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT)

God’s grace cannot be earned, brought, or bargained for. Those verses are clear: grace is freely given.

Grace also comes into play in our relationships with others. There are some who work hard to impress, to “earn” the approval of another. There are also those who, sadly, keep score. It’s almost like they have a tablet in their hand keeping tabs on every good and bad thing that has been done. It’s almost like the “Love me, Loves me not” scenario. Too many bad check marks and that other person is cast out of our acceptance circle. Check marks to the good bring acceptance and even “love.” It’s interesting that one of the characteristics of love given in I Cor. 13 is “Love doesn’t keep score.” Another translation says, “Love keeps no record of wrongs.”

People filled with grace and love stop collecting tickets. They stop asking if they have collected enough and they stop asking if someone else has collected enough. Let’s stop keeping score-of ourselves and of someone else.

Grace and love are freely given. It is not earned. And it certainly isn’t a result of or offered as a reward from coming out on the “win” side of the score card.

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August 13

Tuesday, August 13th, 2024

Random thoughts from my early morning reading to get you thinking:

I wish I did it more often: As a pastor I speak a lot of words-some unsolicited (Hmmmmm), some as part of a conversation, and some much-needed and appreciated. Words of encouragement. Words of guidance. And sometimes…sometimes…words of wisdom. 🙂 It goes without saying that I don’t always have the right answer or, in fact, the right anything. But sometimes I say the right thing to fit the occasion or the person’s need.  Proverbs 25:11 says, “Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.” (NLT)  The ESV translates that verse as “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”

Will my words be remembered for the hope, direction, encouragement and wisdom they gave? Now THAT is something to think about!

On faith: I’ve always been intrigued by the story in Mark 9 of the father with the demon-possessed son and his encounter with Jesus. When Jesus comes on the scene, His disciples have been unable to cast a demon out of a young boy. The father than asks Jesus to do it. The exchange is what intrigues me:

  • Jesus: “How long has this been happening?”
  • Father: “Since he was a little boy…Have mercy on us and help us, IF YOU CAN.” (emphasis mine)
  • Jesus: “What do you mean ‘If I can?’ Anything is possible if a person believes.”
  • Father: “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Jesus then heals the boy by casting out the demon. The issue is not casting out the demon but the man’s faith. My way of seeing this is like the man is saying (using a ruler as an example), “I have 5 inches of faith. Make it 12 inches.”  Simplistic I know. But the man is simply saying, “What I have I bring. Help me have greater faith.” Jesus obliged.

Warning: this is not a name-it claim-it example. It is simply an example of Jesus’ ability to do the miraculous even if all we have is a mustard seed of faith. Bring what we have and trust.

There is more from Mark 9 to chat about but maybe another day. I’ll simply say, “Think on these things.”

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July 30

Tuesday, July 30th, 2024

More tidbits from the pen of Bob Goff in Love Does:

I used to think being loved was the greatest thing to think about, but now I know love is never just thinking about it. (p.17)

My observation: Love never grows tired of expressing itself. After 51 years I know my wife still likes for me to express my love to her in tangible ways. A hug. A hand hold. A kiss in the kitchen. Cleaning the tub (ok that’s taking it too far  🙂 ) Staying out of her kitchen and dishwasher (Gladly. I don’t load it right). You see…the best evidence of love is for me expressing it not just thinking about it.

I used to be afraid of failing at something that really mattered to me, but now I’m more afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter. (p.25)

My observation: We put way too much emphasis on that which doesn’t matter. We pursue what won’t last. Case in point: the Olympics. While we follow and cheer our athletes on and hope they gain medals, that’s all well and good. They may even parlay those medals into endorsements and a good life. But in the end, do they matter? When he or she stands before God will they be able to show off the medal and expect special status? No. Success in life is nothing when compared to eternity in heaven.

One last one for today:

Things that go wrong can shape us or scar us. (p.30)

I’ll let you ponder that on your own. For the record: I agree. I don’t always like it when things go wrong, but my closeness to Jesus will determine my perception of it. I’d rather be shaped than scarred.

Which one can you relate to the best today?

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July 24

Wednesday, July 24th, 2024

I’ve been reading a book entitled Second Forgetting. It is subtitled “Remembering the Power of the Gospel During Alzheimer’s Disease” by Dr. Benjamin Mast.  In a chapter called The Challenges of Giving Care Dr. Mast had a discussion of Groaning vs Grumbling. While he specifically geared it to the caregiver’s attitude, I saw it as applicable to all of us. I’d like to share his thoughts this morning.

He writes,

“There is a critical difference we need to note. Groaning is not grumbling. When we groan, we must learn to do it without grumbling, trusting in the faithfulness of God and His promises.”

“Groaning and grumbling can seem similar, but biblically they are quite different. Both are responses to suffering, but their sources and their direction are different. Groaning is a response to the weight of suffering, and it is directed toward God as an honest expression of pain, grief, and sorrow. Grumbling also reflects the weight of suffering but it springs from anger and resentment toward God…Grumbling expresses an element of hope in God…but grumbling reflects a lack of hope and faith and is accompanied by a sense of doom.” (Quote edited by me…pages 84-85)

As I read that I was reminded of what the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 2:14: “Do everything without complaining and arguing.”  (New Living Translation)  (Some translations say, “Do everything without grumbling or complaining.”). Honestly, I have found myself doing both from time to time. When I’m at the end of my rope or my own strength, I cry out to God for help (groaning). But I have also complained when life is not going as I want it to (grumbling).

It doesn’t take a caregiver to do one of the other. I can say that life is much more satisfying when I’m groaning for God’s presence and help (found in the Scripture like Psalm 42: 1-2:”As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God.”) than when I’m complaining about what’s happening.

What about you? Groan or grumble?

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April 29

Monday, April 29th, 2024

Peace…in spite of.

Have you ever wondered what makes some people be as “calm as a cucumber” while others are frazzled to the bone with the same situation?

How can some be relaxed while others can’t stop wringing their hands?

How come the first move of some is to run to the doctor for a med at the first sign of stress while for others the first response is to drop to their knees in prayer? (Please don’t take that as me saying I’m against meds that serve a purpose).

Much has been made of the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is dependent on circumstances; joy is in spite of the circumstances.

Peace is the same. There is a settledness, a peace that some people have in spite of their circumstances. There is a well-told story about a lawyer named Horatio Spafford. He, his wife, and four children had booked a passage to Europe for a much-needed vacation, but at the last minute something came up that required his immediate attention. He sent his family ahead with the intention of joining them as soon as possible. The ship collided with another and sunk and only his wife survived. She sent a wire to him: “Saved alone.” In his grief, he booked the next passage to meet up with his wife. When they came to the spot of the shipwreck, the captain pointed it out to him. Mr. Spafford penned these words: “When peace like a river attendeth my way/When sorrows like sea billows roll/Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say/’It is well. It is well with my soul.'”

What kind of peace could lead Mr. Spafford to pen those words when his heart is breaking? A peace that is not dependent on circumstances. That kind of peace comes from the ONE who is bigger than the circumstances. Jesus once said, “My peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.” That’s the kind of peace I want. How about you?

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