Just Between You, Me, & God 8/2/2012

Throughout different stages of our lives there are people that come along and influence us in what we think, how we act, and how we relate to others. I’ve had many in my life. There was a Sunday School teacher when I was in the first or second grade, Mrs. Nelson, who taught me that no matter how old you are you can relate to and have fun with children and age is not a barrier to learning. There was my Boy Scout leader, Mr. Charlie Johnson, who taught me that we are all good a different things and that when we work together we are stronger than when we stand alone. My first real job bosses were Jack and Peggy Waldie who taught me to take pride in my work no matter what I was doing, that others depended on me and what I did, and that hard work was not just what you did when others were watching. There were others including family members, peers, clergy, and different parents. Often we grow up and feel like we know it all, that we no longer need guidance or influence by others but that’s just not true. We are constantly influenced by others every day. Why do you drive the car you do or wear the clothes you do? Because an advertiser influenced you by the way they presented the product. In my adult years, which are now more than the years of my youth, there has been an individual that has been a beacon to me, drawing me in to my relationship with Christ through his relationship with Christ. David Bleakley, known to most as Daddy Dave, has been that influence in my life. His kind and gentle spirit has helped to sand down some of the sharp edges and burrs in my life. His desire to share Jesus with others through multiple ministries has helped to lead me into ministry. His faith and hope in the promises of Jesus Christ has given me peace and comfort at the loss of loved ones and during different trials in my life. His passion to help others and to share God’s love with them has encouraged me to serve the Lord by serving others. His love for family and the willingness to turn things over to God and His control has caused me to make amends and to rely on God’s will and plan and not my own desires. Daddy Dave’s life has not been perfect nor has it been without tragedy, hardship, and heartache, but it has not been his alone. He walks closely with his Lord, stays in His Word, and humbles himself to the authority of God in all situations. I hope that you have just such a mentor in your life that will lead you to the Lord through their thoughts, words, and deeds. Thank you Daddy Dave for loving Jesus and loving me, forever and ever. Pastor Dean 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.

Pastor Dean Hanssen is the Ministries & Outreach Pastor for LHF.

Just Between You, Me, & God 7/23/2012

I used to belong to a procrastinators club but I could never make the meetings. There was always something else coming up that I needed to do. I’m still waiting for them to refund my dues to me. It’s easy to put things off. For instance, I wanted to mow the yard this afternoon so I wouldn’t have to use so much of my day off tomorrow doing it but it’s still pretty hot outside and it’s cool inside and I can sit in my chair while I write so, I’m writing. Maybe it will be cooler outside tomorrow. We all put things off that we need to do every day. Some are rather insignificant, like mowing the yard, or one of those “honey do” things, or starting that exercise thing or diet. There is a difference between procrastination and good timing, I’ve tried to tell Jeannie that a lot of mine is good timing but she just won’t buy it. Procrastination is just putting something off because you don’t want to do it for whatever reason. Good timing though comes from experience, good observation, and uncommon wisdom. Jesus had good timing. How much more experience do you need if you were around when everything was created. John 1:3 reminds us that, “Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.” Experience gives you a certain confidence that can be observed by those around you because you instinctively know how things work and what’s going to happen next, if you do this, then this will happen. Jesus observed our human condition and the fact that we are like lost sheep. Matthew 9:36, tells us, “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus teaches us to be good observers by observing Him and how He relates to other. Jesus, of course, represents the wisdom of the ages. 1 Corinthians 1:25 tells us, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” With this in mind, here is one thing that you cannot put off any longer, accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This is a limited time offer that expires with your last breath. Don't let this pass you by, there is nothing more important on your things to do list today than to accept Jesus. Let's take care of this right now. Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I accept You as my Savior and I want to change from who I am to who You want me to be. Forgive me of my sins, mold me in Your image, and help me to share this Good News with others today, amen. God bless you, and 1000 years from now let's gather around Christ table and share this experience. Pastor Dean

Pastor Dean Hanssen is the Ministries & Outreach Pastor for LHF.