The Other Side

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!

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

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!

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?

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

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

You are such a delight

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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

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?

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!

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

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