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