Worship with Psalms

The Message of the Dog Food

2012-01-16T10:48:00.000-05:00

It all started with the dog. We have a cute little pug thatloves to sleep, play, and apparently eat. Yes, that little “Rascal” enjoys hisdog food. The amazing thing to me is how much that 15 pound pug can put away ina day. And by now you have figured it out – he was out of food.

My task was simple. I was to go to the store and buy a smallbag of dog food. While on the isle of canine cuisine and feline feast thesearch was on for the right bag. With a small bag in my buggy and a smile on myface I rounded the corner and discovered a deal. In fact, this was a sale thatI could not resist. The discovery caused me to replace the small bag on the shelf. I think you will agree I got a great deal. Idiscovered that for just two dollars more I could more than double the quantityof food. Yes sir, I exchanged 10 pounds ofkibble for 45 pounds of chunks.

So happy with my economic savvy I heaved the bag from the truckand carried it into the house. As the slick bag began to slide I kept it fromslamming into the floor by propping it upon the sofa table. Saved from the falland with my arms recovering I hoisted the bag up and moved it into the darkcloset perfect for hiding away the doggie delights.

In the dark it began to happen. At first it was just alittle, pop, pop, ping, and ping. Then as the bag shifted to the floor the avalancheflowed. Ping, ping, ping, bop, and bop went the chunks of cereal on thehardwood floors. Oh yeah, the bag had torn and was freely flowing the contentson the floor. I could only laugh. Apparentlymy little pug laughed too, because he sure seemed to smile as he snacked.

It was then that themessage of the busted bag hit me. Contained in the bag was something thatwished to escape and once out it flowed freely and lavishly on the floor. Thisreminded me of the love of God. God loves us all so much. We carry around hislove every day. And every day he wishes to lavish us with his love.

He wants to pour his love on you. He really wants to drownyou in his tidal wave of passion. And Ipray that you, being rooted andestablished in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deepis the love of Christ, and to knowthis love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure ofall the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19).

Take a second to consider the words of modern day hymnwriter David Crowder: How He Loves Me -

He is jealous for me Loveslike a hurricane, I am a tree Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy Whenall of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory And Irealize just how beautiful You are And how great Your affections are for me

And O how He loves us -Oh, O how He loves us - How He loves us all
Yeah He loves us - O how He loves us - O how He loves us -O how He loves

Always Enthusiastic,

Dr. Rusty Newman

How brief?

2012-01-08T16:06:00.000-05:00

Psalm 39

Life is so short. Recently, there has been the news of tragedy. No, I am not talking about the death of celebrity. These names you probably do not know. The result of a car crash and in a matter of seconds a young mother is removed in death. A flash and a young teen in seemingly insurmountable problems chooses death for himself. What’s the point?

Life is short. This is the question of the ages. Literary and philosophy have wrestled with the meaning of this brief life. King Macbeth sighed these despairing words:
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, creeps in this petty pace from day to day, to the last syllable of recorded time; and all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing (act 5, scene 5 Macbeth by William Shakespeare).
How long do we have anyway? Is there a number on our days? As surely as there is an exact measure on the ruler and an exact weight on the scales there is an exact time frame for our lives.

King David is no Macbeth. But apparently David considered in the time of trouble the same question as our fictional king. However, he does not do this in the same manner. “Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. Indeed you have made my days as hand breadths, and my age is as nothing before you; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah” (Psalm 39.4-5).

Instead of Macbeth’s despair King David looks to God to lift his burden. David wrestles with the question of mortality realizing his frailty, his weakness, even his vulnerability and comes to the conclusion that his entire life is in the hand of God. God is in the one in control. The life we live here while brief is to be lived for Jehovah.

So what’s the point? Since we know how short life is and the fact that we simply are not in control of the next breath lets live with intentionality. Do not get caught up in the meaningless, in the mundane, or even the trivial. Don’t let the small keep you from the enormous. Don’t allow worry to rob you of the opportunity of praise. Don’t be limited by your fragility and forget to live for God and eternity.

Make the most of today: love, laugh, lean on Jesus! Praise Him today. Present him today to a searching soul. Today really can be the best day to serve the Lord.

“And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you. Deliver me …” (Psalm 39.7-8a).

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

Suffering

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Psalm 60.3

We do not have a theology of suffering today. In fact, many in the church today have a haughty attitude toward anyone that remotely experiences hardships. We’ve more and more begun to sound like Job’s accusatory friends than hold to the biblical picture of suffering.

The Psalmist is direct with the Father in identifying that Israel is undergoing struggle. Amazingly, he notices that this is the will of God, since God is the one who has caused it. “You {Jehovah} have made Your people suffer hardship; you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger.”

Woven into the fabric of following the Lord is suffering. Suffering is not something we would volunteer for or even pursue. However, suffering is ordained by God as a pathway to righteousness and many times an indicator of His presence in our life.

There are four basic reasons we experience suffering. Quickly, let’s consider these and see if they do not hold true in our Christian experience.

1. Sin and selfishness: this is the tragedy of self induced suffering because of unconfessed sin in our lives. Suffering comes as a sign of discipline.

2. Satanic attack: this is the temptations and enemy tactics attempting to cause us to derail our pursuit of the Father’s plan for our lives.

3. Strengthening: this is trials introduced into our lives by God and for God’s purposes of increasing our faith and fellowship with Him. (Interesting to note: when Satan tempts you it is for you to fail; but when God places trials on you it is for you to FAITH).

4. Stretching: this is testing and examination of spiritual principles we have learned and are now called into application in our lives.

Now, if you have read this far I have to admit that no amount of suffering is pleasant. I want you to take courage. Your suffering is producing in you purification for holiness. In hardships you need to stuff your ears with cotton so as not to listen to the naysayers. You must get into the Word of God and grow. Dig into the gold of the pure word of God and come out with His promises.

Be of good courage and count it all joy when you suffer, especially suffering for righteousness sake. You can survive. You will make it through stronger on the other side.

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

Don't judge me by my past, I don't live there anymore

2012-01-02T11:43:00.000-05:00

We have all completed a day and looked back and come to therealization that not all was done in a good way. In fact, many days we have toadmit that we have failed. Whether it is in something we intended to do orsomething we never intended to do – we failed.

Modernity says to shake it off and go back and try harderthe next time. This time of year we hear about setting some new resolutions. I’mtold that many of these will not make it a month. Apparently we don’t

try hardenough.

What if trying harder is not the answer? What if tryingharder is in fact a way of denying what God really wants from us after all?Think about it – we try harder but still cannot save ourselves. We try harderand still hold within us the guilt and shame of our past and our sin. … my bones wastedaway through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand washeavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. (Psalm 32.3-4)

The answer is not trying harder but getting clean throughconfession. Yes, we have to own our failures before the Lord. But here’s thegood news- that’s the way to get clean, to be washed, to be covered. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and didnot cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to theLORD"--and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah (Psalm 32.5)

The answer then is not ritual it is reality. A ritualrequires you to try harder. The reality requires you to just own your need.Ritual will not bring about transformation.

I’ve come to own my past! And my testimony is that Jesus hascleansed me. My past is now covered by what he did not what I’ve done. So I cannow declare through Jesus: Don’t judge me by my past, I don’t livethere anymore.

Always Enthusiastic,

Rusty Newman

A Bottle for Your Tears

2012-01-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

A Bottle for Your Tears

Psalm 56.8

Imagine that every time you shed a tear in fear, worry, despair, and concern that you would collect them in a bottle. You probably have no such container of terror, but you do carry the wounds don’t you? Scars from battles waged and struggles into seemingly insurmountable odds.

What if I told you that even though you do not collect your tears that our Father has them? Supernaturally, mystically if you will, He has a collection of every terrified tear that ran down your cheek. You did not know that He cared that much for you did you?

David faced the opportunity of sudden ruin and death at the hands of his father-in-law Saul or the potential of complete humiliation, scorn, and slow tortured disembowelment from Achish the Gathite. Now this is the definition of a rock and hard place. (You can read all about this in 1 Samuel 21-22). Amazingly David knew he had a better option available to him.

You must understand that we always have another option open. Oh, it may look like things are grim; we may even experience horrific things upon this earth that no one would choose to endure. However, we can do as David did and cry out to the Lord in faith. You may not know how the Father will come through but have faith he will.

How do I know He will come through? David wrote, “You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book? When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back; this I know, because God is for me…In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (8-9, 11).

So go ahead cry – He will catch the tears. Sob and He will record them. But whatever you do please remember to believe that He can – and He will.

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman
(Re-print from several years ago - I hope this is a blessing to you all).

A Challenge for 2012

2011-12-31T22:17:00.000-05:00

Allow me to challenge you to grow in grace this year. A great place to start in 2012 is to begin with a great plan of reading through the New Testament. If you have never read all through the Scripture it seems like a daunting task. However, it is actually rather easy as you break it into a manageable reading plan. In fact, it is so simple that you can read through the whole New Testament in just 30 days.

As you begin this plan do your best to stick with it. You will be amazed at how simple it is and how much you grow through the reading of the Bible. The blessings and fellowship with the Lord will set your year right. It would not be surprising if this plan does not stir you to revival.

Read through the New Testament in 30 days:

1. Matthew 1-9

2. Matthew 10-15

3. Matthew 16-22

4. Matthew 23-28

5. Mark 1-8

6. Mark 9-16

7. Luke 1-6

8. Luke 7-11

9. Luke 12-18

10. Luke 19-24

11. John 1-7

12. John 8-13

13. John 14-21

14. Acts 1-7

15. Acts 8-14

16. Acts 15-21

17. Acts 22-28

18. Romans 1-8

19. Romans 9-16

20. 1 Corinthians 1-9

21. 1 Corinthians 10-16

22. 2 Corinthians 1-13

23. Galatians - Ephesians

24. Philippians - 2 Thessalonians

25. 1 Timothy - Philemon

26. Hebrews

27. James - 2 Peter

28. 1 John - 3 John

29. Revelation 1-11

30. Revelation 12-22

31. Catch Up Day

How big do you want it?

2011-01-25T16:12:00.000-05:00

We’ve been looking at blessings. I’ve asked you to pray every day for God to bless you!

Now let’s take a look back into the event of 1 Chronicles 4 – remember Jabez…

1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez,

saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.”

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “

Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!

Let your hand be with me,

and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”

And God granted his request.

Four part prayer request: (1) bless me (2) enlarge my territory

What does this mean historically and spiritually for Jabez?

Historically – time of the defining of the bonders for the people of Israel – he must have been surveying his property and looking at the boundary marks - I wonder if he had a vision for what he could do with just a little bit more…more means he wanted more influence, more responsibility, and more opportunity to make a mark for the God of Israel. I wonder if he thought, “I was born for more than this! – “Everything, you’ve put under my care, O Lord – take it, and enlarge it.”

Spiritually – glory of God (this is where we get into trouble…we want for our glory – but we get when its for His glory)

An Exciting Prayer – O God and King, please expand my opportunities and my impact in such a way that I touch more lives for your glory. Let me do more for you!

Advancement – a vision for more territory for the Glory of God

Appointments – when you pray in faith for more ministry amazing things occur – as your opportunity expands, your ability and resources supernaturally increase – people will be placed in your path who need something from God – I call these divine appointments (Wilkinson calls them Jabez appointments).

Availability – God is looking for followers who want to do more for his glory (sadly, most followers shrink from living the blessings and influence of God)

Example: when we consider the size of our territory we do some mental math…

My abilities + experience + training + my personality and appearance

+ my past + the expectations of others = my assigned territory

We hear that God want to work through us – but we think that means by or in association with.
God said – “Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Host” (Zechariah 4:6)

God’s spatiality is working through normal people to be extraordinary – he’s waiting on one thing – Availability

My willingness and weakness + God’s will and supernatural power = my expanding territory

When you take little steps you don’t need God – you don’t need directions – you don’t need a compass!
You are not designed for little steps! You are created with more in you than that! There is more to this life than all this!

“Everything, you’ve put under my care, O Lord – take it, and enlarge it.”

(Sunday's Worship Gathering notes from True North Church January 23, 2011. Seed thought for this message is The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life by Bruce H. Wilkinson)

Hang On!

2011-01-19T06:21:00.000-05:00

Devastation is a word I’ve heard a lot of people use as they turned the corner into this year. It may even be an appropriate word to use for many of us. It means two things:

{a} to cause severe or widespread damage to something

{b}to shock or upset somebody greatly.

When we turned the corner of this year it was very apparent that we left behind a very difficult year. Many of you lost a lot. Wealth, health, and hope limped away slipping just out of reach.

We are not the first of the generations to know such difficulties. And in fact, what we are experiencing pails in comparison to many other events in human history. Psalm 79 for instances is a complaint, no actually a review of factual events in prayer offered to Jehovah concerning the devastation of the holy city and her people in 587 B.C. Consider for a moment the fact that politically, socially, economically, and spiritually Jerusalem was ruined. No family was left untouched by the violence of God’s enemies. And to make matters worse there was not one temple left in which to offer sacrifice and prayer to the Father for intervention. Devastation may be too tame a word.

So what is the answer in times of devastation or near devastation? The whole of this Psalm teaches us – hang on! Hang on! Hang on to what? No, not what! Hang on to God.

Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake. (79.9)

There is the key to hanging on. The key to restoration and recovery is found in that one sweet line “for the glory of your name.” We seek restoration not on the basis of us but on the basis of HIM. To be restored and recovered is for His glory not ours.

I’ve been studying the terms of blessings in the Scriptures for practical and instructive reasons. Every time I turned the corner and discover God’s blessings for us I find they are attached to His glory. Could it be that we miss out on the blessings because we have forgotten to focus our energy for his glory?

The pathway to renewed blessings is through living for the Glory of God. Are you devastated? Cry out to him. Cry out for his glory. He will meet you – the sweet connection of a living soul and a living God. He will reach down and kiss you. He will exchange for you all your weakness for all His strength. He offers to you all that will carry you all that will assist you, and all that will encourage you in every moment.

Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake…Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise. (79:9, 13)

Always Enthusiastic,
Rusty Newman

Releasing the Blessing!

2011-01-17T13:07:00.000-05:00

Matthew 14.18-21

Blessing – Greek word eulogeo lit., "to speak well of" (eu, "well," logos, "a word")
Indicates an act of praise, consecration, and petition.

Blessings are released through an act of Praise
(Ex) Jesus assessed the situation – he seated the people in an orderly fashion- he obviously knew the exact extent of the need and what it would take to meet the need.

(AP) Now that you are becoming aware that God wishes to bless you and you need it – have you ever taken time to accurately assess your situation?

(IL) Many who are known for receiving great answers to prayer (George Muller, J. Hudison Taylor) carefully recorded their needs and God responses.
If you will assess your situation you will begin to notice what happens to you both small and large, as answers to your prayers.

Blessings are released though an act of consecration

(Ex)verse 19 -…and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks
Jesus sought the mind of God – Jesus recognized the Father as the source of supply – he had already conformed to the revealed will of the Father – (obviously take the small portion and feed the people)

(AP) we must seek a word from the Lord concerning his willingness to bless and the manner of behavior he will bless…
(IL) Moses and the rock…
We must seek the Mind of God and act on His promptings

Blessings are released through an act of petition
GO Back: Blessing – (Greek word) indicates an act of praise, consecration, and petition.
Jesus blessed God and requested a blessing on the food (object of need)

Our prayers for blessing should include Praise, Consecration, and Petition
Praising Him builds our faith
Consecration is offering our self to Him to use however He wishes (Settles the issue of Lordship)
Now we are ready for making an effective Petition

Bessings are released through an act of obedience
Ex: Jesus gave to the disciples and they gave to the people – not only did Jesus ask for the blessing he was involved in the blessing

(AP): when we ask the Lord to bless certain people or activities we must remember that God may want us to be the channel of blessing.

“Lord, If I am to be the channel of blessing for you blessing to this missionary, show me, and I will act accordingly.”
The blessed food still had to be passed throughout the crowd.

(What do you want to happen in your life (in your family, your church, workplace, your community) that goes beyond what human resources can accomplish?

(Message notes from January 16, 2011 True North Church)

Ask the Blessing!

2011-01-15T11:16:00.000-05:00

Blessing is a sovereign act of God by which he causes someone or something to supernaturally produce more than would be naturally possible. We can ask for a blessing! Overcome some mental and spiritual obstacles to our asking…
Three Facts to lean on:

Blessings are unlimited by the size of our need
Ex: imagine the hopelessness and helplessness of this situation…disciples overwhelmed (v. 15) Jesus was determined to prove that there is no limit to what may be accomplished when we have God’s blessings.

AP: We often view our situations as either too large for our faith or too small for God to bother with. (Many times we try to determine if the solution to our problem is within the realm of possibility before we approach God)

Genesis 18:10-14 The Message

One of them said, "I'm coming back about this time next year. When I arrive, your wife Sarah will have a son." Sarah was listening at the tent opening, just behind the man. Abraham and Sarah were old by this time, very old. Sarah was far past the age for having babies. Sarah laughed within herself, "An old woman like me? Get pregnant? With this old man of a husband?" GOD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh saying, 'Me? Have a baby? An old woman like me?' Is anything too hard for GOD? I'll be back about this time next year and Sarah will have a baby."

Sarah was afraid to claim the blessing in the face of insurmountable odds.

But God is not limited by the size of our need – Is anything to hard for the Lord?

Blessings are unlimited by the cause of our need

Ex: The disciples wanted Jesus to send the people away – look at verse 16…Jesus gave them the assignment to feed the people – all of them.
They made a desperate attempt (and failed) to gather enough food – v 17 all they got was 5 small cakes and 2 sardines. (Is it possible that the predicament was caused by their carelessness?)

No matter the Lord said– v 18 – bring them to me…

AP: Many people labor under the misconception that prayer is available or effective only in situations they did not cause or affect. (I would ask God for rescue – but I brought this on myself…) Praise God! This is when He is most joyful about our coming to him for help!! – we get convicted of our humanity (hopeless and helpless) we find our limits and then can discover that he has no limits!!

Colossians 2:6 - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him

Daily we must admit our personal failures…falterings…faithlessness and ask for His sufficient grace.
God’s blessings are not limited by the cause of our need.

Blessings are unlimited by the available resources

Ex: can you see the disciples – they may want to pull Jesus aside so as not to embarrass him…Rabbi, all we have is 5 cakes and 2 sardines – these folks have to go somewhere…

God’s Blessing is not limited to the human resources available.

AP: too often we make our plans on the basis of what we think we can do rather than on what God can do through us as we obey Him. We must learn to seek the mind of God and not look at the past results as a measure of what to do.

J. Hudson Taylor (China Inland Mission)

“God’s work done God’s way receives God’s supply”

Many times we fail to ask for God’s blessing because we assume it must come through an existing or known channel.

(40 years in the wilderness)

We should not be discouraged because we cannot see how God will bring about a needed blessing. Proverbs 25:2 - It is the glory of God to conceal a matter…

What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Matthew 6:31-33 The Message

(Sermon Notes from True North Church Preached January 9, 2011)

Matthew 14:13-21

Let God Arise!

2011-01-08T10:22:00.000-05:00

The year was 1589. Henry of Navarre, the protestant champion of the French Huguenots, and his armies were held up in the town of Dieppe. They were threatened with destruction by the armies of the Catholic League under the Duc of Mayenne.

Weather was not favorable either for fog had begun to roll in and was keeping Henry’s artillery from taking aim on the enemy. To make matters worse reinforcements had failed to arrive. The men’s courage was gone in the face of insurmountable odds and the obvious strength of the enemy.

“Come!” said the King, “lift the psalm. It is full time.” Now above the clang of weapons there arose the melody of Psalm 68. May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him…

With the sound of the Psalm ringing in their ears the men of Dieppe forced through the royalist lines, splitting their forces. The fog lifted, and Henry’s cannon fired on the opposing ranks of soldiers, the cannon actually marking the cadence of the psalm. The League was scattered.

May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him.

Psalm 68 was a favorite of Charlemagne and Oliver Cromwell. It might just be a favorite of yours. Are you under siege; insurmountable odds; over your head? It’s time - lift the Psalm – Sing it out – Sing it Loud – fight now for the Lord has arisen – He is mighty to save.

May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him…Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah (Psalm 68.1, 19)

Always Enthusiastic,
Rusty Newman

The Rock of Blessing

2011-01-01T10:39:00.000-05:00

Psalm 31:3 …you are my rock and my fortress.

Before he was the King of Israel, David sought the wisdom and protection of the cliffs, crags, crevasses. On the plains his small band of ill equipped and outnumbered men were no match for King Saul’s mighty Israeli battalions. But on the rocks, in the hills, his small band was not only safe they experienced the blessings of victory. No doubt that with every experience of safety David with this awesome heart of a worshipper saw the immediate parallel to his true “Rock of Refuge” – Jehovah!

David sings two things about His Rock Refuge God that have been described by some, weak in faith – dim witted, as illogical. He sings that God is his rock and yet asks God to be his rock. Listen to the song –

Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue;

be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.

Since you are my rock and my fortress,

for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Low faith and no understanding of faith ask, “How, can Jehovah be and yet be asked to be a refuge at the same time?”

How much we just don’t know?! Charles Spurgeon understood that this a logic not of words but of the worshipping heart. He wrote that this teaches us to ask God that we may, “enjoy in experience what we grasp by faith.” We know by faith that Jehovah is many things, because the Bible tells us. Hearing who Jehovah is in truth and theory is much different than proving God to be those things by personal experience.

Do you believe that Jehovah is all powerful? Of course you do. Then you should pray that He prove himself strong in your weakness. Do you believe that Jehovah is wise? Then ask him to show his wisdom in ordering your life. In the very same prayer you can ask Him to be to you loving and gracious and merciful and everything else that the Bible tells us he is.

The Prayer that opens the door for blessed experience is patterned this way – “You are______________ then BE ___________________.”

Learn this, Live this, and you will step into the Rock of Refuge and discover He is a strong fortress to save.

Always Enthusiastic,
Rusty Newman

Hope in Sorrows

2010-12-28T10:33:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have sorrow? I don’t mean – “I’m sorry I ate one more piece of pizza.” Or “I’m sorry I ran that red light – Officer!” Real sorrow something you feel deep in your soul. It can sneak up on you, but the worst kind of sorrow is that kind you can see coming from miles away. In times of sorrow we are real good at offering a biblical prayer from Psalm 69.1 “Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.”

I have encouragement for you. In fact, there is a truth from Psalm 69 I wish I could implant in your mind so that in no way it would ever be removed. Hear this loud and clear:

The Lord hears the needy
and does not despise his captive people.
(Psalm 69:33)

Here’s a fact of life. In our world there is always a lot of pain and evil. It is simply the way it is like. Let’s take this fact up a notch; God does not always remove the pain or troubling times. Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, prayed with a great deal of agony asking that the cup he was about to drink might be taken from him. He saw the sorrow coming and God did not remove it from him. Jesus had to go through the sorrow.

God did hear his prayer and did not despise his agony. Instead He strengthened Jesus so that he could endure to expire for the Glory of God. You can not inspire until you have expired.

Be assured that this will be the case with you also. Whatever cross you are given tell God about it and know that he will hear your prayers and come to strengthen you. You will certainly praise him for it one day. Because you expire you just might inspire someone else for the Glory of God.

Real Harmony

2010-06-03T16:30:00.002-04:00

I read somewhere that from 1500bc-850AD there were 7,500 “eternal covenants” agreed upon among various nations. And none of them lasted longer than two years. Peace and harmony appear to be elusive. Many times it feels like they are just out of reach for us and within others grasps.

This reminds me of the funny line from the Dennis the Menace movie of several years ago. Walter Matthau playing the grouchy Mr. George Wilson said, “Why is it that when everyone else feasts on the pleasures of life I’m the one who gets the indigestion?”

Can you enjoy the pleasure without the indigestion? Could peace and harmony actually be available to you?

I actually think it is more than available. We may have been on the outside looking in and even feel a day late and dollar short but we can get in on this. Listen to what the Bible has to say about our pathway to peace.

Ephesians 2:11-15 - But don't take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God's ways had no idea of any of this, didn't know the first thing about the way God works, hadn't the faintest idea of Christ. You knew nothing of that rich history of God's covenants and promises in Israel, hadn't a clue about what God was doing in the world at large. Now because of Christ—dying that death, shedding that blood—you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything.

^14-15The Messiah has made things up between us so that we're now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then he started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody.

Here’s how peace affects our life.

1) Peace gives us a release (from our Sin).

Romans 8:1 - Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

2) Peace gives us a reason (to fellowship with Jesus and Christian family).

Romans 8:14-17a because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

3) Peace gives us assurance (of our salvation).

Romans 8:31-39 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

4) Peace gives us a hope.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Always Enthusiastic,

Dr. Rusty Newman

Life Arises!

2010-05-27T08:07:00.000-04:00

Have you ever noticed that while you are minding your own business life happens? It appears that all is going well, everyone is getting along, and out of no where – boom – you are hit with a struggle, pressure, or problem. I call that life arising! This happens to everyone.

For Christ – followers we have a real hope during these sudden outbreaks. Our hope is the resurrection life of Jesus Christ. We gain this hope through a simple adjustment in our lives. We gain it thru FAITH; simply taking God at His word.

1 Thess. 5:16-19:

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire

Here are some simple steps of FAITH:

Relate everything, minute by minute as it arises, to the adequacy of what Jesus is in you, and assume that his adequacy will be powerful –

1 Thess. 5:16 – proves we can be cheerful, in fact, must be cheerful. There is no excuse for gloom or doom for the Christ-follower.

1 Thess. 5:17 – pray without ceasing – this means that you expose by faith every situation as it arises, to the power of the one who lives in you.

Any pressure, promise, problem, responsibility, or temptation you expose to the Lord Jesus in faithful prayer.

1 Thess. 5:18 – when you have done all this you have no alternative but to give him thanks in EVERYTHING. A good rule of thumb is the thank before you receive, thank as you receive, and thank after you receive. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)

If there is any situation that you are not ready to step back – in recognition of the total adequacy of Christ in you – then you are out of the will of God – and “quench the Spirit”. 1 Thess.5:19

You are called by God to this HOPE – to walk by faith.

Have you learned to step out of every situation and relate it wholly to what He is in you, and faith say “Thank you”?

Always Enthusiastic,

Dr. Rusty Newman

Toad-ness

2010-03-05T20:25:00.003-05:00

Have you ever heard the story about the princess and the frog? Sure you know the one. This princess is enjoying her golden ball when unexpectedly it drops into a stream. The ball is rescued by a frog. Short version princess kisses frog and frog becomes a prince.

This story is originally a German tale by the master story weavers the Brothers Grimm; it's called The Frog King. In the original version instead of a kiss the princess gets very irritated at all the questions of the frog and violently throws it against a wall. SPLAT - Instant Prince!
Encounter the wall and encounter the truth.

We spend a great deal of time hoping to be "kissed" by a Royal and rescued from toad-ness. Honestly, Toad-ness is a trap. Its a curse placed on us that we cannot escape on our own. no way of escape, purchase of escape, or earning through goodness.

Toad-ness becomes a way of life. Sure something inside of us cries out that we must be more than all this-royalty even. But we appear to be stuck this way - slimy, green, and longing for flies.

Toad-ness, after a while, becomes familiar and comfortable. It even starts to feel normal. The apostle Paul even felt this way - he claimed, in so many words, that he was the ugliest toad of all - 1 Timothy 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst.

The Frog King was released because of the kindness (albeit begrudgingly given) of the Princess on three nights - what was the kindness she gave? In a word, GRACE.

Grace is the KISS that releases us! Look at the grace-kiss: Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.... The passionate kiss of grace is Jesus Christ...encounter the wall - encounter the truth!

The only way our toad-ness can be changed is through Jesus!

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

Where you going?

2010-02-11T08:34:00.002-05:00

Where are you going? This is the question that leaders help people wrestle with. It happened in the life of Israel - Moses at the border of new territory proceeded to give a challenge to the people. It may be a challenge for us today as well.

"Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey Him and commit yourself to him, for He is your life. Then you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." Deuteronomy 30.20

Where are you going? Are you going into new territory? Are you heading into uncertainty? Are you living in enemy territory? No matter - make a choice. It is up to you to decide. Choose to love the Lord God, obey him and make a commitment of your life. He will provide. He will protect. He will bless you.

I close with this prayer:
My Father, You are the Lord my God. I desire to love you, listen to your voice, and hold fast to you, for you, Lord, are my life. I have made my choice. Amen!

Always Enthusiastic,
Rusty Newman

BTL!

2010-02-04T08:50:00.002-05:00

This is what the Lord says: Do not be afriad! don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's. 2 Chronicles 20.15 NLT

It is so difficult to not be afriad. Sometimes, we can only see the enemy and the obstacles. We seem to know the difficulties and the challenges more than anyone else.
We ask ourselves: Do I have enough for the struggle? You know "enough" - desire, tenacity, drive, determination, resources, commitment, skill, friends, knowledge, leadership... Do I really have enough?

In the spiritual realm do I have "ENOUGH" - faith, prayer, anointing, favor... Or even "enough" healing from past wounds...

I'm wrestling with all these issues in attempting to overcome fear. I think all of us are too. All this is minor if you keep the FACT that this battle is not your battle but God's.

Listen up - Hear this loud and clear - the ALMIGHTY One, The One and Only God says - He speaks to you (powerful huh?) "I've got this one! don't be scared you have enough cause you have ME. Discouragement can run away because encouragement is flooding from within - in the place that I reign! relax, no FEAR! I've got this - watch and see!

So through this day keep in mind these letters - BTL. You can share them - BTL. You can remember them - BTL. You can even say them - BTL.

Battle is The Lord's!

Always Enthusiastic,
Rusty

The Other Side

2009-10-28T09:39:00.000-04:00

Psalm 28.6-7

Every wonder how you got where you are? For those of us that drive there have been those occasions that we loose ourselves. You have been rolling along and all of a sudden look around and ask, “How did I get here?”

Life can also hand us these moments. Walk long enough in this journey and you will find yourself in difficult times. The amazing thing to me is that we can get into difficulties while doing good, best, and even great things for the Lord.

When life brings us to these moments we may even ask some questions. How did I get here? Where is the Lord? Did He not know I was heading here? Then as you wrestle with these moments, if you dare ask audibly in the presence of the super-spiritual, you will hear “wisdom”.

Here’s a list of the “wisdom” we receive from the “Studs-of-Spirituality”:
• Have faith – that’s all YOU need to do!
• It’s all about building YOUR character!
• Have YOU even prayed about it?
• Learn YOUR lessons and YOU will not go through this again.

We sit with these friends that would give Job’s buddies a run for their spiritual badges and shake our heads. What is all this about? What is the Lord up to?

We long to get to the answer to our prayers. Answers like the parting of the seas, the food falling from the sky that tastes like angel’s bread (or Krispe Kreme doughnuts – all the taste and no fat - WaHOO!), lame walking-blind seeing stuff, you know – BLESSINGS!

Truth is that regardless of the situations we find ourselves in with the Lord we are blessed. People around us may not be able to see the hand of God, we cannot see it either all the time, but He is still moving in our lives. He is still working.

We long to get to the other side of the prayer requests. The celebrations on that side are wonderful. Listen to David on that side – “Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.”

We will get there again, the other side of the request. In the meantime I remind you that this journey is watched by the Lord. You may be wondering and even wandering but Father is advancing His kingdom through you. Paul in chains came to this conclusion. He was on the hard side of the request when he wrote: “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;” (Phil. 1.12-13).

Where are you? You are right where the Father can advance His gospel in you and around you and through you. Stuff cotton in your ears so you don’t have to listen to the “Super-Spiritual-Seriously-Shallow” and come up strong in the Lord. One day soon you will be on the other side of the prayer request.

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

Acceptations!

2009-10-19T09:09:00.001-04:00

Psalm 19.14

I’m not sure that it is even a word. Sure there are expectations. There are even anticipations in the vocabulary. The cool thing is that the computer spell check did not toss the word, but come on it’s a computer! So is it a word? Is acceptation a word?

If it is not a word it is a reality. Acceptation is a personal word because it deals with those things that are acceptable. It is a physical word and a philosophical word too. It deals with those areas of our spoken words and our inward thoughts.

Do you ever stop and think about what you’re thinking? Is your thinking moving you closer to the Lord or further away? In other words does your mind meditate on those things that build toward faith in God? Or is your meditations filled with fantasy and fancy never materializing into what is honorable to the Lord?

We need from time to time to examine well our thoughts. Consider, if you will, that your thoughts today will generate toward actions tomorrow. You thoughts can impact your words which will impact your steps.

The Psalmist took stock of his thoughts and words. He lifted them to the Father to seek after His acceptations. Listen to his examination: Let the words of my mouth and the mediations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

When it is all said and done the one with the acceptations is the Lord Jehovah. Take some time today to think about what you are thinking and consider what rolls off your tongue. Bless the Lord with all you think and all you say all day.

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

Rock

2009-08-11T10:23:00.001-04:00

2 Samuel 22.2

I have always been fond of rocks. There is even an old friend of mine that has a rock collection from every place around the world she has lived or traveled. The kinds of rocks I like are the big ones you can climb on and crawl over and even explore. They fascinate me.

The Scripture speaks of rocks and even on a few occasions gives us an image of Father God as our rock. In 2 Samuel 22 David sings a song of the great deliverance he has experienced from all his enemies. In this song he runs with the thought of Father as his rock.

Listen to him sing:

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold, my high tower, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, for he saves me from my enemies.” (2 Samuel 22.2-4).

Let’s consider for a minute that the imagery of God as rock conveys several exciting things. First, we see the image as protection and shade. In the near eastern desert regions spring rains produce quick vegetation that sweltering sunlight kills in a matter of weeks. However, drop a rock –bolder at the edge of the desert and a small oasis will emerge. Father is like that for us. Many of you are in a desert place on life journey right now. Father has provided you with spiritual rain. And get this, please don’t miss this. He is your ROCK in that desert for an oasis.

Secondly, we see the image as refuge and security. Psalm 18, which is the identical song of David as 2 Samuel, reveals that in a time of flight David found refuge in the wilderness rocks and high places. He knew every crack and cranny, he knew all the secret passages in that rock. He was secure because in the rock he was higher than his enemies. Don’t waste your times of flight and crisis. Use these times to get to know your Father God. Explore Him intimately through the Word. Find all the secret passages of security in him. Stop running to the imitation salvation's of food, drugs, improper relationships, and escapism of the world – they cannot save you. Run to Jesus, the only true, living, and lasting savior.

We also see the image as foundation and strength. In Psalm 40.2 we read that “…He set my feet on the rock.” Jesus closed down the Sermon on the Mount with the story of building your house on sand or a rock. Listen to Jesus. Cause the winds, rains, and storms will come. It is the house on the rock that makes it. Get it? Your life will only make it when you are built on the rock foundation of Jesus Christ.

Wow – how’s that for a ROCK?

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, for he saves me from my enemies. Psalm 18.2-3

Always Enthusiastic,

Dr. Rusty Newman

I Doubt That!

2009-08-05T10:15:00.000-04:00

Psalm 95

One of the things I love about kids is that they can tell a story. Oh the imagination of unbridled creativity. And let me tell you I’ve heard some whoppers. Let’s see now there was a huge three headed monster in the closet. On one occasion there was a sudden drive by haircut incident. This one our daughter after she had given her self bangs – oh the tears that day, and that was just my wife crying.

Recently, there is a dispute about the size of a lizard that attacked my girls inside my truck. It really is hard to believe that a creature that large – let’s say 7-9 inches long really jumped on their legs from the dashboard. But if they say so! I just think it was the insurance Gecko discerning if we had enough coverage.

While stories and tales can grow with time, there is a consistency about the story from the Lord. His promises are true and reliable. These promises are not like the promises we offer. Our promises come with conditions because we have not the power to control all circumstances.

However, Jehovah’s promises are sure, reliable, and always true. We can give quick assent to this and yet when faced with trials or challenges many times we run quickly to doubt. Doubt rises in us even when we have seen, hear, and known the power of God.

Do you ever doubt that God will answer your prayers? How about doubt that He can? But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-7).

Doubt can get you in trouble. Look what it did for Israel - "Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, As [in] the day of trial in the wilderness, When your fathers tested Me; They tried Me, though they saw My work. For forty years I was grieved with [that] generation, And said, 'It [is] a people who go astray in their hearts, And they do not know My ways.' (95.8-10). Here’s the point, whenever you doubt God’s ability, availability, and actions biblically speaking you have tried God.

Father, the heart gets hard when it fails to believe that you can do. Forgive us of these hardened moments. Open our hearts today, create a soft place in there that is only available to you; that is completely open to you. In our days of Massah may we believe you more than our circumstances. You are always faithful in every promise. Amen.

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

Are you looking?

2009-08-03T10:06:00.001-04:00

Psalm 63.2

One of my fondest memories from growing up was being a part of a JROTC program. This wonderful leadership program was instrumental in my life. One of the awesome things to me was the opportunity to be around men who had or were currently serving in the Army. To me, they are men to be greatly respected for their courage, commitment, and dedication to the ideals of our nation.

The men in charge of this program had in recent days been responsible for the training of actual combat ready forces. However, their mission now was to instill in us a sense of discipline and pride while developing leadership skills.

One of the ways they accomplished their mission was in teaching us to align in proper formation and perform close order marching drills. Early on I was selected to serve as a squad leader. My job was simple. Make sure the line was straight. Also on uniform day make sure all the squad was properly attired. At first, I did not do so well. Our retired Master Sergeant patiently helped me see what I did not see.

His favorite line of instruction was, “You are looking and not seeing.” I found out that meant I was actually looking at the wrong things. Sure everyone was in line, but the line was not straight.

This may be what happens to us in worship. We go to worship. We sing the songs. We even listen intently to the sermon. But we do not see the Lord. Truth is He is there. Truth is He desires to manifest his presence around you. Trouble is we are not looking for him.

What is your expectation for worship? Are you expecting to see God move in your life and in your church? Are you really thinking that Jehovah will transform your life and those around you with His power?

Unfortunately, too many of us trust our programs and pageantry more than we do the power of God. The Psalmist entered to worship with this desire: I want to see God! Listen to his heart in Psalm 63.2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory.

“You are looking and not seeing!” Open up those eyes and look for God.

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

Suffering

2009-07-30T08:57:00.001-04:00

You are such a delight

2009-07-29T09:13:00.001-04:00

Psalm 149.4

You’ve heard the old southern phrase I am sure. I say it when I look at our dog – Rascal the pug. Honestly, it works with him perfectly. Almost daily when I look at his face the thought hits me, “Here’s a face only a mother could love.”

But oh what a face! Come on now, you know that there is a face that just came to mind for you. It’s the face of someone you love dearly. And every time you see their face either in person or with your mind you cannot help but smile.

The reason that person makes you smile is because of the relationship you have with them. I am the father of four unbelievably talented children. All of them are athletes excelling in their individual sports. Here’s a challenge, all of them are leaders too. (Try raising four leaders in one household, it’s awesome and loud.) And, no matter which one of them I see first their face always makes me smile.

I know what you are thinking. Sure, they make you smile they are your kids. Okay, guilty as charged. But here’s the jump to the point for you today. Are you a child of God? Are you a Christ follower? Has salvation come to you through Jesus Christ?

If so, guess what? Just the sight of your face creates pleasure in our heavenly Father. He loves you. He delights in you. He is even pleased by the sight of you. Listen to this: “For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation” (Psalm 149.4).

The Hebrew word of pleasure is ratsah. This is awesome because it means to delight in the appearance of one. Oh yeah, it even means to believe in you. Don’t let this slide by you today. Our Father, Jehovah, when he adopted you into his family signified through that moment that you are his child. Because you are his child you are delight to him and he really does believe in you.

How can you fail today? Jehovah believes in you. After all you have a face your Father loves.

Always Enthusiastic,

Dr. Rusty Newman

Conditional or Unconditional Praise

2009-07-28T09:46:00.002-04:00

Conditional or Unconditional Praise
Psalm 118.24

I can remember as a child stating emphatically to my father, “I just don’t feel like it.” Funny now I cannot remember all those things I didn’t feel like doing. The list most likely included cleaning my room, cutting the grass, doing my homework, clearing the dishes from the table, and going to school.

There was one time I remember vividly when I didn’t feel like it! The “it” was going to church. I think someone had said something about me in the youth group. I am sure that surprises you since you are in a church that never talks about anyone. Laugh, Laugh, sigh.

What surprised me is the response from my Pastor-father. It was probably one of the first “grown-up” conversations we ever had; opening the door to many wonderful ones since. Shockingly he revealed calmly to me that there are times we don’t feel like it. As he guided me through the discovery of why I didn’t feel like it, both human and also heavenly Father(s) helped me recognize that praise and worship of the Lord has little to do with feelings. Oh sure emotions are involved, but they can be so fickle and rest so on our selfish agendas.

There are days you don’t feel like praising the Lord. Sure circumstances can be tough. This world leaves many wounds and scares. However, there is an amazing thing that takes place when we praise the Lord.

The Psalmist did not place any conditions on daily praise. Listen to his song; “This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Since this is the day the Lord made, and simply because that fact alone is true, we will rejoice and be glad in IT. Oh yeah, look at this, the Hebrew word for rejoice means “to go around in a circle”. Almost sounds like a dance of joy – oh no, it is the dance of joy.

What? Oh what happened with me not feeling like it? Dad blew my mind. He said the choice on that day was mine. I could even chose to stay home from church with no parental discipline. The only thing he said was, “you know what the right thing to do regardless of how you feel…so it’s your choice.”

Huh? Oh, I went to church! It wasn’t half bad either.

This is the day the Lord has made, let’s go around in a circle with exultation and gladness of the Lord!

Always Enthusiastic (and maybe about to be dizzy),
Dr. Rusty Newman

What are you waiting for?

2009-07-27T09:39:00.001-04:00

What are you waiting for?

Psalm 27.14

Human beings are not by nature patient creatures. Hard wired into our DNA and tied to our own ego centric desires is to get what we want when we want it. Babies express this through wailing. Toddlers express their agenda through temper tantrums. Teens exclaim that most wonderful phrase with rolled eyes – “WHATEVER!”

Adults have it all figured out. Come on by now we’ve learned our lesson, right? We may not cry, stomp, or roll our eyes (in public) but we do allow our impatience to impact our attitude, actions, and stress levels. Think this through and you may come to the same conclusion – We do not like to wait!

The One who made us knows this flaw in our human wiring. This may be why He consistently (daily) places us in situations requiring waiting. It is through waiting we discover we are not in control. It is also through waiting that we can discover He is still in control.

Waiting does not have to be a negative thing. It can be very productive. David wrote, “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” The Hebrew word used in this song is transliterated “qavah” and is translated into English as wait, but in Latin another of her meanings rolls off the tongue. The Latin word equivalent is “expecta” or expect!

You see when you wait on people you may get frustrated, but when you wait on the Lord you can have a hopeful expectation. Expect the Lord to act – he will. Expect the Lord to move – he can. Expect the Lord to do the miraculous – it is in his power.

Let me suggest a formula for successful expectant waiting upon the Lord. Here’s an acrostic I’ve written for “WAIT” it will describe what to do the next time you have to wait.

W-Weep to God in Prayer

A-Anticipate God’s Miracle

I-Investigate the Scriptures

T-Trust the Timing of God

“Wait, I say, on the Lord!”

Always Enthusiastic,

Dr. Rusty Newman

Fill ‘er Up!

2009-07-23T08:53:00.000-04:00

Psalm 23.5

Thirsty and tired you stumble into the encampment. Unsure of your welcome by the nomadic assembly of shepherds but you are exhausted. To your surprise you are warmly greeted and quickly taken into the shade of a waiting tent. The first sense of refreshment has now become apparent to you. At least you are out of the heat.

In the middle of the desert the most precious thing is not silver or gold but H20. Carefully each sip is measured and rationed for the preservation of the community. But now you are in need. So the glass is brought to you.

One of the amazing things in the culture you’ve stumbled into is the sense of hospitality and service for one in need. Every time you take a sip from the cup, no matter how much you drink, immediately your cup is filled to the brim again. Amazing how generosity can feel to one in need.

There is still a custom today among these Jewish herdsmen that expresses the heart of grace. The cup is placed on the ground in front of the guest. Then the water pitcher is brought to fill the cup. The water is carefully poured to the brim and then increase to gently flowing over the top down the sides and allowed to pool at the base of the glass. The image signifies that your host is prepared to give you all the resources he has in order to meet your need. While under the protection of your host you will know no lack at all.

Through the blood of Jesus our savior you have been brought near. Through his sacrifice you who were far off have been allowed to come into the tent of the Almighty. He has brought you in and sits you down and …“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.”

It’s all yours through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

Joy Will Return

2009-07-21T07:26:00.000-04:00

Psalm 51.8

Every time without exception that my eyes fall upon the 51^st Psalm I stand in absolute awe of the grace of the Almighty. You know the background to this famous Psalm – it is described for us in the prelude as the response to the confrontation David experienced because of his known sin. This psalm gives to us a pattern for true repentance for our sins.

There is something else here that makes me marvel at our Lord’s love. It is the simple fact that if David could be forgiven of his multiple sins produced by this event then we have hope. Even more than that not only did he receive forgiveness he also came away restored.

Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me-- now let me rejoice…Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you…Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. (8,12,14).

Do you see the pathway to victory? Repent – confess all your sins to the Lord. He already knows them all but he is looking for you to be honest with yourself. Rejoice – you’ve been treated with mercy and goodness and grace by the Lord Jesus. Paul reminded us in Romans that where sin increased grace increases much more – now you can shout! Restore – you do not have to stay down, stay depressed, and stay pitiful. Since the Father has restored you to usefulness and productivity stay available to him.

Joy will return! It’s a promise of the Lord.

Always Enthusiastic,

Dr. Rusty Newman

How brief?

2009-07-09T10:01:00.000-04:00

Psalm 39

Life is so short. Recently, there has been the news of tragedy. No, I am not talking about the death of celebrity. These names you probably do not know. The result of a car crash and in a matter of seconds a young mother is removed in death. A flash and a young teen in seemingly insurmountable problems chooses death for himself. What’s the point?

Life is short. This is the question of the ages. Literary and philosophy have wrestled with the meaning of this brief life. King Macbeth sighed these despairing words:
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, creeps in this petty pace from day to day, to the last syllable of recorded time; and all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing (act 5, scene 5 Macbeth by William Shakespeare).
How long do we have anyway? Is there a number on our days? As surely as there is an exact measure on the ruler and an exact weight on the scales there is an exact timeframe for our lives.

King David is no Macbeth. But apparently David considered in the time of trouble the same question as our fictional king. However, he does not do this in the same manner. “Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. Indeed you have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before you; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah” (Psalm 39.4-5).

Instead of Macbeth’s despair King David looks to God to lift his burden. David wrestles with the question of mortality realizing his frailty, his weakness, even his vulnerability and comes to the conclusion that his entire life is in the hand of God. God is in the one in control. The life we live here while brief is to be lived for Jehovah.

So what’s the point? Since we know how short life is and the fact that we simply are not in control of the next breath lets live with intentionality. Do not get caught up in the meaningless, in the mundane, or even the trivial. Don’t let the small keep you from the enormous. Don’t allow worry to rob you of the opportunity of praise. Don’t be limited by your fragility and forget to live for God and eternity.

Make the most of today: love, laugh, lean on Jesus! Praise Him today. Present him today to a searching soul. Today really can be the best day to serve the Lord.

“And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you. Deliver me …” (Psalm 39.7-8a).

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

The Land of the Between

2009-07-07T09:31:00.001-04:00

Psalm 27.7-9

I’ve just received a phone call from an appliance repair shop. They are coming to fix a problem with an appliance they installed. A problem they created. Did you get that? A problem they caused.

Here’s the deal. With no appointment, no concern for my schedule, no thought about what I am doing the receptionist informed me (the customer) that I had to be at the house to let them (the serviceman) in right now. When I asked about why there was no appointment made with me I was informed that they (the store) do not make appointments with the customers. I get a warning call!

Trials are along those lines too. They give you no appointment. You do not get a friendly reminder on your calendar that notifies you that in three weeks you will have a flat tire on the interstate.

On days like this the Bible gives us a recipe, wait patiently. This recipe goes against our nature. But it fits wonderfully into the divine nature that Christ provides to his children. It is the balance between this world and the next.

That is where we live by the way. We live in the land of the between. We experience the things of this world knowing that with Christ as our Savior we have the experience of heaven awaiting us. It is the message Habakkuk received from the Father while he was protesting that God was not doing anything about the troubles of this world. The Lord simply reminded him that he needed to wait. (Habakkuk 2.3).

Oh man! Wait? It is so difficult but necessary living in the land between. You may be in-between today. It is okay, you can now activate the power of God while you wait. Look at these powerful words and apply them to your time in-between. “REST in the LORD, and WAIT PATIENTLY for Him; do not FRET because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. CEASE FROM ANGER, and forsake wrath; DO NOT FRET – it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who WAIT for the Lord they shall inherit the earth.” Psalm 37.7-9 (emphasis mine).

Always Enthusiastic – Always Between,
Dr. Rusty Newman

Ready or Not Here I come

2009-07-02T08:25:00.001-04:00

Psalm 32.7

When my children where little they loved to play hide and seek. There was always something fun about hiding from me. But I think the fun for them was the security that dad would look for them.

If you have small children they most likely played the game the same way. You start to count and then they go hide in the middle of the room. Or hide behind the sofa with their faces sticking out to see you when you come their way. And of course, who can forget the giggles and snickering erupting with every close step.

As I was reading this morning’s P.O.D. cast from God (Psalm Of the Day), I was taken back to these incent games of summer. Would you like to go back and play hide and seek again? It maybe that right now you are in desperate need of hiding away for a moment.

Stress, pressure, pain, emotions of the past and even shame bombard us. Enemies, tragedies, and the inequities of life can seemingly surround us. Where do you go then? What is your safe place? Who is your refuge?

The world announces loudly, “Ready or Not – Here I COME!!”

Have you found your hiding place?

King David wrote, “You are my hiding place; you shall preserve me from trouble; you shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.” (32:7). So go ahead and hide in plain sight – as long as you hide in Jesus. Now that you are secure in Him relax, enjoy, and let yourself go in Him. What is that I hear? Did you just giggle? Its okay I did too.

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

We can rebuild

2009-06-30T09:04:00.001-04:00

Psalm 30.2

When I was a boy a favorite TV show of mine began somewhere in the opening credits with this phrase, “We can rebuild him. We will make better than he was before.” Then for the next few seconds we would be reminded how they made the 6 million dollar man. What a show!

In so many ways that really does describe the carnage of life. We get shattered, bruised, broken. Sometimes we cannot recognize the life we have. But before you despair let me mention the work of our Lord. He is the healer, the great physicians, the rebuilder of all things.

Psalm 30:2 gives us a marvelous promise in testimony. “O Lord my God, I cried out to you and you healed me.” For just a minute consider the weight of that word healed. It is the Hebrew word “rophe”. This word is given to us in one of the compound names of our God – Jehovah Rophe (Exodus 15).

This one little word tells us volumes about the heart of our God. He not only wants to heal you, he can heal you. Rophe has three basic meanings for us. It means to restore – now I love this image biblically because it is the picture of having what was broken, stolen, or lost returned in better shape than before. When you became a Christ-follower he supernaturally restored to you that which was broken, stolen, and lost – your ability to be at one with the Father.

Rophe also means to heal. Exactly, it means to heal one of the infirmities, illness, and even bitterness of life. This is not only physical healing. This is also emotional healing. The Lord cares about our emotional health as much as he does our spiritual. There are scars and wounds in us that people cannot see, but our Lord has the power to heal us even there.

The last of the three meanings is powerful to me. Rophe means to cure. For a long time I could not see the difference between heal and cure. Then one day it hit me. Healing is what we need in the now and cure is what we need for eternity. Cure is when some ailment does not return – ever! The Father is not content to only restore to you what was lost. He also has healing for you. But this is not enough for him to be satisfied. His complete and perfect work is to cure you.

Are you rebuilt yet? Me neither – but as a work in progress I can confess that in my day of trouble I cried out to Jehovah Rophe and he healed me.

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

A Bottle for Your Tears

2009-06-26T10:12:00.001-04:00

Let’s just Praise the Lord

2009-06-22T09:11:00.001-04:00

Psalm 22

Here is my declaration to start this week: I am tired of being tired. I am sick of being sick. I even have decided that troubles will not trouble me.

Oh, don’t get me wrong – I am tired. But I am not going to let that get in the way anymore. I am not sick, in fact, “I’m feeling much better!” And, well, you cannot live ten minutes in this world and not have troubles. Do you ever get tired of being tired and down on being down?

I have come to the conclusion that many times we miss out on what the Lord wants to do because we get distracted by our problems. We can spend so much time in the “woe is me” section that we miss the “what a mighty God” point in our lives.

Psalm 22 is one of those wonderful famous Psalms that picture for us the horrors of the cross of Calvary and our Savior Jesus dying for us. Every word drips with pathos and passion from the One who had never known a moment out of the presence of the Holy One and now is despised and rejected.

Just like in the pain of the cross we find hope, peace, and promise we stumble across the answer in verse 3. The answer my friend is not blowing in the wind. No the answer is found in the Hallelujah. “But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.”

Sometimes you have to stop crying and praise Him. Sometime you have to stop trying harder and praise Him. Sometime you have to look above yourself and your situation and praise Him. The answer is found in praise.

Praise Him and you will not miss Him.

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

I need fuel

2009-06-19T09:24:00.000-04:00

Psalm 19:12

My son was almost completely out of gas for his jeep. It is so low that he feared even driving it to the fuel station. “Dad, I have to have gas to make this thing go!”

I disagreed with him completely. He, in fact, does not need fuel to make it go. With his physical abilities he could push it!

I know what you are thinking – come on dad he will not get very far that way. Actually, this mode of transporting that jeep would be dangerous because he could not control the direction of the vehicle with safety. And now that we’ve had this little chat I believe you’ve convinced me. He does need the fuel.

What fuels your life? Have you thought about that lately? What is it that makes you go? A lot of people would say their heart. I have come to the conclusion that if your heart is what drives your life you are dangerously out of control and will not get very far.

Our hearts were never designed to fuel us. The heart, or center of emotion as we consider it in biblical thought, has the capacity to fool us not fuel us. David wrote, “How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.”

You see what David discovered is that at his core he cannot trust himself. This confession is a repentance of who he is as a son of Adam. The flesh is always lurking just ready to pounce suspecting or unsuspecting.

This is why we must be filled with the Spirit of God. He alone restores the image and nature of God to you. He alone can direct you, drive you…FUEL you!

You need fuel to make the jeep go – and you need the Spirit to make you go!

Oh, Father, there is no way we can know all the sins sneaking around our hearts. Clean us up Lord of these hidden secret faults of our human nature. Now, please fill us fresh with your Spirit so we may be fueled for the life of Christ. Amen.

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

Bullies and Battles

2009-06-18T08:52:00.000-04:00

Psalm 18.18

Bullies come in all shapes, sizes, and even sexes. They happen to have a common playbook. I guess you could call it “bullies 101”. They use intimidation, fear, lies, subtle innuendos, and sometimes physical force.

They have this way of knowing the right moment to strike. It is kind of internal radar that signals when you are facing multiple challenges. And BOOM they strike. It has always been this way. It may always be this way.

David dealt with his bullies and battles. In fact, he never really shed the Benjaminites. This was the tribe of Saul’s family (the first king of Israel) and they never got over David’s anointing or success as King. They were pesky, relentless, and always lingering nearby.

Like the bullies of our day they were looking for one wrong move, one missed word, one out-take of life to pounce. Here’s how David described it, “They confronted me in the day of my calamity…” in other words they hit me when I was down.

Now you may have to deal with bullies from time to time. We all do. I want you to remember something powerful – The bullies are yours but the battle is the Lord’s. David testified that when he was down and the bullies fired their rockets of complaints and criticism the Lord proved to be mighty.

Listen to the whole verse and now take comfort – “They confronted me in the day of my calamity, But the LORD was my support.”

Bullies are going to hit you when you’re faced with multiple challenges. Take heart, have faith, believe the Lord – the battle belongs to him. Let him fight on your behalf.

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

Overflowing

2009-06-15T08:54:00.001-04:00

Psalm 45

Overflow, what a great word. Just think for a minute of all the things that can mean. Let’s ponder for a minute and see if we cannot produce a smile.

Overflow bowl of homemade ice cream from Bluebell. Overflow cup of lemonade. Overflow plate of bar-b-que and stew. Overflow room in church full because the worship center is packed (every preacher smiled on that one). Overflow heart that is rushing over the edge with wonderful thoughts of Jesus.

Overflow is a wonderful expression for passionate worship of the Lord. The sons of Korah came to a place of overflow in their service of the Lord. Almost in a tremendous moment of exuberance, like they could not help themselves, they took up pen to compose a shout to the Lord.

“My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” (45:1). They could not help themselves but praise His name. They could not help themselves but to dream of the glorious wedding day when King and Bride will be united. In the words of the old spiritual I love – Oh Happy Day!

Allow your heart to get full today. Do not fight back the thoughts, emotions, and dreams of your Lord. Go ahead Overflow with praise to the one who is “…fairer than the sons of men…the Mighty One with…glory and majesty – your throne, o God, is forever and ever!” (3-6)

Oh happy day (oh happy day)
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When my Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
He washed my sins away

He taught me how (oh, He taught me how)
To wash (to wash, to wash)
Fight and pray (to fight and pray)
Fight and pray
And he taught me how to live rejoicing
yes, He did (and live rejoicing)
Oh yeah, every, every day (every, every day)
(oh yeah) Every day!

Always Enthusiastic,

Dr. Rusty Newman

Are we picking teams?

2009-06-10T09:52:00.003-04:00

Psalms 70.5

If you were in charge of picking teams for a great contest of strength who would you look to first? Most of us honestly would look to the folks who are trim, fit, and even muscular. You know the ones who look the part.

Amazingly, the Father is in the selection business. However, he has a different category of contestant that he is attracted to. He looks not for the strong, self-confident, and fit. No he seems to be attracted to the ones who are weak, poor, and even needy.

Now I don’t know about you but this doesn’t seem like that great of a dream team. But to the Father it is the perfect mixture of non-talent. He is drawn to those who need him. And last time I checked, regardless of your physical structure, we all need him. The difference is some of us come to realize this fact and call upon his name.

Lord, thank you for being drawn to us when we are poor, needy, and helpless. I am so grateful that your team is mighty because of your strength and not ours. I am so glad that when we are down you are up. When we are out you are in. When we resign you never quit!

“But I am poor and needy; make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay.”

Always Enthusiastic,

Dr. Rusty Newman

He doesn’t forget

2009-06-09T10:52:00.001-04:00

Psalm 9:12

We’ve joked in my house how bad our memories are from time to time. Events, incidents, jokes, and even sometime people, unfortunately, slip from our memory. Recently I was in a conversation with some old friends and they recalled events that took place over 20 years ago like it was yesterday. I was amazed and even remarked that I did not remember these things and insisted that I must not have been there. But apparently I drove the car and there is still photographic evidence.

Amazingly, however, there are times in our past that we would like to forget. Hurts and struggles could go as far as I am concerned, but they stick around. Painful decisions and encounters have a way of reminding us of what we have done and always at the least opportune moments.

There must be something to it when we cannot remember the good but refuse to let go of the bad. Let me remind you that in the rough moments of life you are not forgotten. No, the One who needs to know knows. The One who can help heal the hurt and restore the ruin He is aware.

The Psalmist in a day of victory over his enemies remembered that the Lord remembers his people; especially when we cry out in humility before him. That humble cry comes from one who has come to realize that they can do nothing about their situation but God can do everything. So cry out we do. And He hears us. He avenges. He declares war upon the enemy. He is the victor.

There are a lot of things to forget, but let’s not forget how to make the humble cry.

…He does not forget the cry of the humble.

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

Soul Thirst

2009-06-03T10:46:00.003-04:00

Psalm 63

If you ever taste you will never be the same. If you ever dare to drink deep of the love of God you will discover a joy so rapturous no other will satisfy. “…My soul thirst for You…” (63:3)

People who have only heard about the Lord do not understand why you get so filled with excitement over the prospect of worshipping in His presence. Oh if they could take a glance into His wonderful nature they might know. If they could by faith have their sins washed away by His wonderful provision of the blood they would know. If they could bask in the light of His love they would too be filled with wonderment.

Now don’t be like those who have seen into the fellowship and long for the trappings of the mortal world and wander away. Keep your soul at full thirst. The way to stay thirsty for the Father is to drink in His presence every day.

It is not in striving harder after God that you find Him. It is in believing by faith that He is yours and you are His. Drink deep of His love right now. Let him know how marvelous it is to be His child.

Oh Father, create a thirst in our souls for you and you alone. Then satisfy our thirst with your presence for only your presence can satisfy. As we are satisfied with you cause us to desire a deeper drink of your inexhaustible love. Amen.

Always Enthusiastic,

Dr. Rusty Newman

Wide Awake

2009-06-01T14:27:00.001-04:00

Psalm 121.3

As I sit a write these short lines to you I can hardly keep my eyes open. It is Monday and since that follows Sunday they tend to be a little difficult in the tired department. Tuesday is my day – just about recovered from Monday…anyway I ramble, on with the idea.

When tiredness sits into our bodies we usually are not our best. Our minds clutter up and mine chases thoughts over hill and dell. We may not even make the best decisions when we are tired. I used to hear that you never wanted to buy a car that was made on a Monday for this very reason.

Your enemy knows that you are not on your “A-game” when you are tired. That may be why you face some series of temptations on those days. I think he delights in hitting you when you are down, tired, and out of it.

Here again is another place that we can pause and praise our Lord. The psalmist reminds us that the Lord is not sleepy, not even the least bit drowsy. “He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber not sleep.” (3-4)

The Lord never has a weak moment. He is never tired. He never has a bad day. I am so glad that in the middle of my waking sleep walk I can have confidence in Him. I may be struggling – He never struggles. I may be sleepy and in need of taking care of every step – He is never asleep and ever watchful of the place in which my feet need to go.

Bless you Almighty for you never have a moment of weakness. I am safe in your arms and secure in your plans for you are not asleep. I can rest because you need no rest. Amen.

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

Confidence in You

2009-05-28T12:24:00.002-04:00

Psalm 88

Troubles, terrors, and trials can consume our lives. Many times we seek to understand and even question God’s hand. It feels like we have been abandoned, left to our own designs in the midst of our troubles. Why does it appear to be lonely in times of struggle?

Could it be that when we are in over our heads it is the Lord’s plan? As the waters are slipping over us in the crashing of the waves this is the way God reminds us that we cannot handle all this. We are powerless without Jehovah. Even the things we think we can handle, if truth be told, are still over our heads.

Here’s the place I’ve finally arrived in my thinking about our lives. The Father is orchestrating our lives in such a way that we finally admit to Him that we cannot and only He can. When you get to the end of yourself and realize that you have no ability, no skill, no intellect mighty enough to handle all that life throws your way – happy day!

You see friend the Lord has never planned for you to have to handle it all. He delights in coming through for you. He is waiting right now for you to admit that you cannot handle it. He is eager to rush in to your situation and show that He is your God.

Heman the Ezrahite in the middle of frustration and emotions of abandonment confessed this one thing he would not cease to do and that is cry out to God. “But to You I have cried out, O Lord, and in the morning my prayer comes before You.” Heman knew his only hope was still the Lord. Look at this confidence in Jehovah – to You I pray. Hear the consistency of his devotion – in the morning my prayer. See the pattern of prayer as it rises before the Lord.

Seek Him in the day when He can be found. Cry out to Him in complete confession – O Lord God Almighty I cannot and you never said I could. And you can and you always said you would. I have confidence in You O Ancient of Days.

Always Enthusiastic,

Dr. Rusty Newman

Put me on Trial

2009-05-26T09:42:00.002-04:00

Psalm 26.2

If you were put on trial for being a Christ-follower would there be enough evidence to convict you?

“Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.” (Psalm 26.2 NLT) Sit on the witness stand. Prepare for the cross examination of a lifetime, eternity. Consider now your actions and attitudes.

Now, that you are on the stand, who do you wish to judge you? David in the 26th pleaded with the Father to be his judge. He knew something of the way man judges. You see man cannot see the heart, the intention, or even the final outcome. No man looks at the short side of things. Man has a way of taking a poll and determining the questions of right and wrong based from popular opinion not the Word of God.

The majority is not always right in this world. In fact, many times they are dead wrong because their plan is to do what’s right in their own eyes. Man has an agenda and judges from that standpoint. Man’s agenda is pride and selfishness.

Now when God is the Judge we have a different matter altogether. God also comes at this from his vantage point. But his perspective is perfect. His pathway is not one of variances and popular opinion. Last time I checked our God does not take polls or even consider the bent of culture.

No, God’s agenda never changes. His agenda is His love and righteousness. And since we cannot arrive at his righteousness on our own His love has provided for us a pathway. This way is a path to righteousness through the love of Jesus Christ his son.

So Judge me Lord, not according to the standards, whims, and ways of humanity. Judge me Lord according to your righteous standard. Yes, I know this is higher, challenging, and difficult. But, Lord, I would rather trust your standards that have not changed than my own kind. May I be found in you – yes, Lord – May I be found in you righteous and pleasing through my faith. May there be more than enough evidence to convict me of being your man – a true Christ-follower.

Always Enthusiastic,

Dr. Rusty Newman

Can Hope Return

2009-05-20T10:35:00.001-04:00

Psalm 80.3,7,19

The day of grace is over. Israel has crossed that final line with Jehovah. Our God is gracious, merciful, and longsuffering; however, he is no push over. As Asaph pens the 80^th he can see the Assyrian army on the horizon. “Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved!” He cries out to Israel’s shepherd.

Years of drunkenness, debauchery, and immorality has eaten into the national character. No longer is the nation seeking after the Lord. Now there is no integrity or principles, not even a common faith that in any way would awaken the people. Hosea, on the scene, is unveiling the events: “Harlotry, wine, and new wine, enslave the heart.” (Hosea 4:11).

Here they come, one by one the nations fall to Assyrian Tiglath-pileser. The gathering storm is on the horizon. King Hoshea proved to be as unwise politically as he was ungodly; he crossed the line. Jehovah has had His fill. Now Assyrian King Shalmaneser advanced closer to Israel and dealt with her disloyalty.

It was autumn of 722 b.c. Israel is demolished because of Assyria. No, because of sin! Hold up a minute. Didn’t the psalmist pray the scriptural prayer of Aaron from Numbers 6 not once but three times? “Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved!” Yes, he prayed for the grace of God. The problem is Israel had sinned away her day of grace. Hearts cold from a lifestyle of sin no one seeks after God.

If God dealt this way with His nation what hope do we have as Americans? We are sinning away our day of grace. We seek counsel with the unwise and ungodly. We follow the appetites of political correctness. We murder the innocent and promote the open annihilation of the unwanted through abortion. Must I go on?

“Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved!”

Is there hope for us? Return and He will restore! He did for Israel – Hosea saw that too. “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for my anger has turned away from him…they shall be revived…” (Hosea 14:4-7).

“Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved!”

"The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Always Enthusiastic,

Dr. Rusty Newman

Trouble with bullies

2009-05-18T08:34:00.002-04:00

Psalm 18

Bullies come in all shapes and sizes. Today we can easily refer to them as terrorist. They play on your emotions and get in your head. And even when they are not nearby they can rob you even of restful moments.

The enemy is the ultimate bully. He plays on your fears; introduces moments of doubt into your life; and can even attack you. James 4:7 gives us a solution to the bully situation. He says we must “resist the devil…” in other words stand up to the bully. From the days of Barney Fife this has always been the answer but it is never easy; even if you are decorated and dedicated lawman like “iron blood” Fife. You can stand up; but only when we follow the pattern in the entire verse, listen to it all. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

The key of resistance is submission. Why do we know this works? Because we know who our God is completely. The psalmist, in a time of terrible terrorist torment, submitted to the Almighty. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliver, my God, my mountain where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.” (18.2)

We can resist because we can submit to Jehovah who personifies seven strengths. He is the Foundation; a stable place to stand. He is the Fortress; our security for the onslaught. He is my Freedom; our source of refuge in times of trouble. He is the Forever-One; our sovereign God. He is the Formation; our strength in high defenses. He is the Force-Field; our shield of protection that extinguishes all the flaming darts of the enemy. He is our Future; our sure salvation is secured in Jesus.

Bullies don’t stand a chance against our God!

Always Enthusiastic (always running to Him),
Dr. Rusty Newman

Deserves our worship

2009-05-17T10:01:00.001-04:00

Psalm 137.4

Worship is the highest thing that we humans can do at the feet of the Lord God Almighty. We come into His presence, undistracted by the stuff, focusing upon Him. We praise the One who is altogether lovely, the One who is the bright and morning star, the One the only One worthy of our Worship.

Life brings us into circumstance and situations that rattle our worshipping heart. You may find your way into one of those valleys today. You may be wandering in a time of discouragement and distraction. The Psalmist felt this pain. He struggled with the ability to worship in spite of circumstances. “How can we sing the Lord’s song on foreign soil?”

Are you on foreign soil today? Are you at the edge of the enemy’s camp? Are you discouraged? Lonely? Despised?

“If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you…” (137:5,6)

He deserves our worship regardless of outer circumstances. He knows where you are today – worship him. Lay down your burdens at his feet – worship Him. Put aside the distractions by focusing on His beauty – worship Him. Lose yourself in Jesus today – he will cover your sins and comfort your sorrows.

Always Enthusiastic,

Dr. Rusty Newman

What Do You Think?

2009-05-14T08:01:00.001-04:00

Psalm 104:34

Your brain is an amazing muscle. It stores unbelievable amounts of facts, figures, and images. The most powerful super computer ever developed is that 3.5 pound mass in your skull. A physician accustomed to performing autopsies humorously declared that he has never seen a brain even close to being over used.

Every once in a while you may want to think about what you are thinking. For just a minute consider the Lord. Think on Him. Allow your mind to flow with the powerfully images of who He is. Imagine if you would The Almighty seated upon the throne.

Can you see the majesty of the Lord? “He wraps Himself in light as if it were a robe, spreading out the sky like a canopy…He looks at the earth, and it trembles; He touches the mountains, and they pour out smoke.” (Ps. 104:2, 32) Dig in deep with your thoughts, He is inexhaustible! “But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Cor. 2.9).

Think about what you are thinking. Recognize that the Father delights in your thoughts of Him. The Psalmist thought of this as he prayed, “May my meditations be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord.” (Ps. 104.34)

Father, may all our thoughts of you be sweet and please you. Allow all of us to open our minds in creativity as we consider you and worship. Amen.

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman