In Old Jerusalem there was a Fountain Gate.
So named because of its proximity to an artesian well
within the city walls.
We need a fountain in our lives. Jesus declared that
for the thirsty there could be rivers of water within
the soul.
The prophet Jeremiah prophesied that Israel in his day
had traded a reservoir for a broken cistern.
A cistern does not have it's own supply. It is left
to catch water from wherever it can.
We need a fountain with a trusted, pure, source not
a cistern of questionable source.
Too many today are using a cistern to fill their
lives with worldly junk. If you fill your self
with polluted water, you will have a diseased
soul.
Why settle for a cistern when you can have a
fountain?
Friday, August 29, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Losing Weight
Losing weight...some shudder at the very mention
of these dreaded words.
Recently I have endeavored to change my lifestyle.
In the process, I have lost 19 pounds.
I can tell you that it's not easy. No more Dr. Peppers,
doughnuts, or double cheeseburgers.
I have come to the conclusion that it's easier to
maintain weight than to lose weight.
Moderate, haphazard exercise is all that is required.
Maybe eating less or drinking more water than coke.
But it's not as hard as losing weight.
Losing weight requires consistent, aggressive exercise.
Losing weight requires more than eating less. It
requires eating right. It requires commitment.
Lifestyle change.
Funny thing...the Bible talks about losing weight.
Lay aside every weight...so that you can properly
run the race.
How about you? Are you just maintaining or are you
losing weight?
Oh, it's much easier just to maintain. Low commitment,
little effort, small change.
One problem. I don't think you can finish the race
that way.
You see to lose weight requires great commitment, great
effort, and great change.
It even requires dedication that goes above and beyond the
ordinary.
Do you have what it takes?
of these dreaded words.
Recently I have endeavored to change my lifestyle.
In the process, I have lost 19 pounds.
I can tell you that it's not easy. No more Dr. Peppers,
doughnuts, or double cheeseburgers.
I have come to the conclusion that it's easier to
maintain weight than to lose weight.
Moderate, haphazard exercise is all that is required.
Maybe eating less or drinking more water than coke.
But it's not as hard as losing weight.
Losing weight requires consistent, aggressive exercise.
Losing weight requires more than eating less. It
requires eating right. It requires commitment.
Lifestyle change.
Funny thing...the Bible talks about losing weight.
Lay aside every weight...so that you can properly
run the race.
How about you? Are you just maintaining or are you
losing weight?
Oh, it's much easier just to maintain. Low commitment,
little effort, small change.
One problem. I don't think you can finish the race
that way.
You see to lose weight requires great commitment, great
effort, and great change.
It even requires dedication that goes above and beyond the
ordinary.
Do you have what it takes?
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Language Of Repentance
King Saul said, "I have sinned. Let's go worship."
This is not the language of repentance.
He showed no remorse for his disobedience. In fact,
he was up on the mountain building a monument to
his supposed victory when Samuel found him.
Acknowledgment without remorse is just
declaration.
Declaration without repentance is like a trigger
without a gun.
King David demonstrated the language of repentance.
"Purge me with hyssop," he said.
The publican would not even look up toward heaven
as he prayed for forgiveness.
Peter wept bitterly.
Jesus preached it. "Repent, for the kingdom of
heaven is at hand."
Let us not pretend that we can carry on life as usual
with sin present. It must be repented of and while
using the proper language with the proper attitude.
If we fail to repent, then perhaps God will reject
us as he rejected King Saul.
This is not the language of repentance.
He showed no remorse for his disobedience. In fact,
he was up on the mountain building a monument to
his supposed victory when Samuel found him.
Acknowledgment without remorse is just
declaration.
Declaration without repentance is like a trigger
without a gun.
King David demonstrated the language of repentance.
"Purge me with hyssop," he said.
The publican would not even look up toward heaven
as he prayed for forgiveness.
Peter wept bitterly.
Jesus preached it. "Repent, for the kingdom of
heaven is at hand."
Let us not pretend that we can carry on life as usual
with sin present. It must be repented of and while
using the proper language with the proper attitude.
If we fail to repent, then perhaps God will reject
us as he rejected King Saul.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Judgment and Mercy
Mercy is greater than judgment.
Judgment has no power to change.
It can only condemn.
We have not received condemnation
because we have received mercy. God's
mercy has changed our lives.
Mercy is reciprocating. It has to be
given to be received.
When we fail to be merciful, we trouble
our own soul and spirit. We halt the
cycle of mercy.
If we are quick to give mercy, we affect
not only the receiver of that mercy, but
ourselves as well.
You see, mercy changes the giver as well
as the receiver.
Remember however, to be received, mercy
must first be given.
Show mercy today.
Judgment has no power to change.
It can only condemn.
We have not received condemnation
because we have received mercy. God's
mercy has changed our lives.
Mercy is reciprocating. It has to be
given to be received.
When we fail to be merciful, we trouble
our own soul and spirit. We halt the
cycle of mercy.
If we are quick to give mercy, we affect
not only the receiver of that mercy, but
ourselves as well.
You see, mercy changes the giver as well
as the receiver.
Remember however, to be received, mercy
must first be given.
Show mercy today.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Understand God?
Recently I stood beside the casket of a two month old baby.
There are very few times in my life that I wish I wasn't
a pastor.
This was one of them.
What do you say to a grieving mother and grandmother to
minister to them after a useless, preventable death?
What do you say when they ask the "Why did God allow this?"
question?
I have done some thinking on this matter and I have concluded
that I don't want to understand God.
If I could understand God he wouldn't be much of a God. And
I need a big God. One who is greater and stronger than all
of my troubles.
Buddha can be easily understood by man for he is made by man.
Jehovah God is not a created being. He is just the great
"I Am".
So, the price that we pay for having a God we cannot under
stand is that sometimes he is going to allow things that hurt
us and we don't understand why.
At the point of the end of our understanding, trust must begin.
We must learn how to trust a God whose ways are past finding
out and whose riches are unsearchable.
We must hold tightly to his hand at all times, and trust him
to do His best for our lives.
Isn't trust what living for God is all about anyway?
You need a God you cannot understand.
There are very few times in my life that I wish I wasn't
a pastor.
This was one of them.
What do you say to a grieving mother and grandmother to
minister to them after a useless, preventable death?
What do you say when they ask the "Why did God allow this?"
question?
I have done some thinking on this matter and I have concluded
that I don't want to understand God.
If I could understand God he wouldn't be much of a God. And
I need a big God. One who is greater and stronger than all
of my troubles.
Buddha can be easily understood by man for he is made by man.
Jehovah God is not a created being. He is just the great
"I Am".
So, the price that we pay for having a God we cannot under
stand is that sometimes he is going to allow things that hurt
us and we don't understand why.
At the point of the end of our understanding, trust must begin.
We must learn how to trust a God whose ways are past finding
out and whose riches are unsearchable.
We must hold tightly to his hand at all times, and trust him
to do His best for our lives.
Isn't trust what living for God is all about anyway?
You need a God you cannot understand.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Crooked Nails
God loves crooked nails.
I recently built a house for my family. What an adventure!
I learned a lot of things, among which is that there is
much waste created when you build.
Especially nails.
I am still finding nails on the ground after a rain. I
suppose that's going to go on for awhile.
Nails are discarded by the carpenter because they are
of no use to him. Crooked nails can't be driven.
They are tossed aside, useless, stepped on and over like
trash.
I was working one day and my stapler jammed. I looked
around for a nail to unjam it and found a straight one.
I quickly learned that a straight one wouldn't work. I
needed a crooked nail.
Since there was no shortage of them, I quickly found one
and it worked perfectly.
Amazing...What the carpenter had tossed aside as useless
actually was useful after all.
Then it hit me. God loves crooked nails. He loves to
take the crooked nails of our society and use them.
People that have been tossed aside, considered useless,
stepped on and over by most are actually valuable to
God.
Of such is the kingdom of heaven. And oh, I'm glad it's
that way.
Today, if you feel useless, don't despair, there is yet
hope for you for when you are weak, He is strong.
I recently built a house for my family. What an adventure!
I learned a lot of things, among which is that there is
much waste created when you build.
Especially nails.
I am still finding nails on the ground after a rain. I
suppose that's going to go on for awhile.
Nails are discarded by the carpenter because they are
of no use to him. Crooked nails can't be driven.
They are tossed aside, useless, stepped on and over like
trash.
I was working one day and my stapler jammed. I looked
around for a nail to unjam it and found a straight one.
I quickly learned that a straight one wouldn't work. I
needed a crooked nail.
Since there was no shortage of them, I quickly found one
and it worked perfectly.
Amazing...What the carpenter had tossed aside as useless
actually was useful after all.
Then it hit me. God loves crooked nails. He loves to
take the crooked nails of our society and use them.
People that have been tossed aside, considered useless,
stepped on and over by most are actually valuable to
God.
Of such is the kingdom of heaven. And oh, I'm glad it's
that way.
Today, if you feel useless, don't despair, there is yet
hope for you for when you are weak, He is strong.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Alone
Alone
Do you feel alone?
You are not the first nor will you be the last. We can be in a room full of
people yet still feel as if we're all alone.
Elijah felt that way once. He was alone.
In a cave.
Elijah declared to God that he was the only one left that still served Him.
God quickly set him straight by telling Elijah that there were 7,000
others who had not bowed a knee to Baal.
Imagine...
Elijah thought he was alone and there were 7,000 others just like him.
Elijah was alone because he never connected with those who were just
like him. Why did he not connect?
Was it because he didn't take the time or thought he didn't have time?
Maybe he meant to but never got around to it. Or perhaps he was so
selfishly involved in himself that he failed to see the others.
Or....maybe he knew about the 7,000 but because they didn't meet his
standards he didn't think they were in the church?
Are you alone? Maybe today would be a good day for you to reach out
and connect to someone.
You may find that you will no longer be alone.
Do you feel alone?
You are not the first nor will you be the last. We can be in a room full of
people yet still feel as if we're all alone.
Elijah felt that way once. He was alone.
In a cave.
Elijah declared to God that he was the only one left that still served Him.
God quickly set him straight by telling Elijah that there were 7,000
others who had not bowed a knee to Baal.
Imagine...
Elijah thought he was alone and there were 7,000 others just like him.
Elijah was alone because he never connected with those who were just
like him. Why did he not connect?
Was it because he didn't take the time or thought he didn't have time?
Maybe he meant to but never got around to it. Or perhaps he was so
selfishly involved in himself that he failed to see the others.
Or....maybe he knew about the 7,000 but because they didn't meet his
standards he didn't think they were in the church?
Are you alone? Maybe today would be a good day for you to reach out
and connect to someone.
You may find that you will no longer be alone.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Personal
This posting is on a personal matter.
I am six months away from being forty. Doesn't seem possible.
I am feeling a need to take better care of my body. So, I am beginning, not just a diet, but a life change in my eating and exercise habits.
To begin this momentous occasion, I am going to endeavor to lose thirty pounds by September the first. In order to motivate myself, I am asking for sponsers for at least $1 per pound for every pound I lose.
The money raised will go toward Sheaves For Christ. For those of you who may not know, SFC is the youth fundraising arm of the UPCI. Most of the money raised helps missionaries, people who are near and dear to my heart.
Sooooo, will you come on board and help me become a new me and help missionaries all over the world as well?
Sign up today and I will keep you posted on my progress via email.
God Bless You!
Daryl Clenney
I am six months away from being forty. Doesn't seem possible.
I am feeling a need to take better care of my body. So, I am beginning, not just a diet, but a life change in my eating and exercise habits.
To begin this momentous occasion, I am going to endeavor to lose thirty pounds by September the first. In order to motivate myself, I am asking for sponsers for at least $1 per pound for every pound I lose.
The money raised will go toward Sheaves For Christ. For those of you who may not know, SFC is the youth fundraising arm of the UPCI. Most of the money raised helps missionaries, people who are near and dear to my heart.
Sooooo, will you come on board and help me become a new me and help missionaries all over the world as well?
Sign up today and I will keep you posted on my progress via email.
God Bless You!
Daryl Clenney
Rest
Rest
Picture coming home after a good day's work. Picture yourself in your recliner with a tall, cold, glass of ice tea. A good book in your lap.
Or maybe an Astro's game on the radio.
That's rest. Or at least restful.
But that's not real rest.
Noah sent out a dove from the ark. She flew all over her world and never found rest. When she returned to the ark, Noah took her in. Noah's name means "rest".
You will never find rest in the world. Only in Jesus. "Come unto me," Jesus said. "And I will give you rest."
People look for rest everywhere but in Jesus. They waste their lives trying to satisfy their soul with things that are temporary.
True rest can only be found in Jesus.
Do you need rest today? Try Jesus. You will find...
REST
Picture coming home after a good day's work. Picture yourself in your recliner with a tall, cold, glass of ice tea. A good book in your lap.
Or maybe an Astro's game on the radio.
That's rest. Or at least restful.
But that's not real rest.
Noah sent out a dove from the ark. She flew all over her world and never found rest. When she returned to the ark, Noah took her in. Noah's name means "rest".
You will never find rest in the world. Only in Jesus. "Come unto me," Jesus said. "And I will give you rest."
People look for rest everywhere but in Jesus. They waste their lives trying to satisfy their soul with things that are temporary.
True rest can only be found in Jesus.
Do you need rest today? Try Jesus. You will find...
REST
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Higher
HIGHER!
Drawing closer to God always requires separation. We cannot have a deeper walk with God without leaving something behind.
When the three disciples that Jesus chose went up to the Mount of Transfiguration, they left some things behind.
This is why the Lord commands us to come out from among the world and be separate. He desires for each of us to have a close relationship with him, but he knows it can never happen until we are ready to leave the world behind.
There is danger in going higher. The danger is pride. You look down from your high and lofty perch and began to think that you are better than everyone else.
"Let's build three tabernacles and stay," was the demand of the disciples.
But Jesus made them come down from the mountain.
You cannot stay once you arrive. You must come down. For every mountain there is a valley.
Yet when you come down, you are different from when you went up.
You are carrying with you an experience that will never be forgotten. An experience that will forever change your life. An experience to dwell on and learn from until your next trip...
HIGHER!
Drawing closer to God always requires separation. We cannot have a deeper walk with God without leaving something behind.
When the three disciples that Jesus chose went up to the Mount of Transfiguration, they left some things behind.
This is why the Lord commands us to come out from among the world and be separate. He desires for each of us to have a close relationship with him, but he knows it can never happen until we are ready to leave the world behind.
There is danger in going higher. The danger is pride. You look down from your high and lofty perch and began to think that you are better than everyone else.
"Let's build three tabernacles and stay," was the demand of the disciples.
But Jesus made them come down from the mountain.
You cannot stay once you arrive. You must come down. For every mountain there is a valley.
Yet when you come down, you are different from when you went up.
You are carrying with you an experience that will never be forgotten. An experience that will forever change your life. An experience to dwell on and learn from until your next trip...
HIGHER!
Monday, May 26, 2008
New Beginnings
I love new things. There is nothing like the smell of a new car, the feel of a new pair of shoes, or the excitement of wearing a new suit or tie for the first time.
This is a new beginning for me. I am excited about it. I love to write; to share the things that God lays on my heart. I hope that they will bless you as they have me.
I guess one reason I like new things is because, "...if any man be in Christ he is a new creation. Old things are passed away, all things are new."
Being a Christian is about new beginnings. Every day is a new day. As fresh as the morning dew is God's mercy.
God Bless You!
Daryl
This is a new beginning for me. I am excited about it. I love to write; to share the things that God lays on my heart. I hope that they will bless you as they have me.
I guess one reason I like new things is because, "...if any man be in Christ he is a new creation. Old things are passed away, all things are new."
Being a Christian is about new beginnings. Every day is a new day. As fresh as the morning dew is God's mercy.
God Bless You!
Daryl
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