A Guest Post by Dr. Terry Dorsett –

Dr. Terry Dorsett serves as a church planting missionary with   the North American Mission Board of the SBC. He has a passion for helping young people discover a meaningful faith and then become leaders in sharing that faith with others

Dirt Biscuits and Beach Houses – by Dr. Terry Dorsett

I grew up poor. Though we often did not have what we “wanted,” we always had what we “needed.” With the help of scholarships, I worked my way through college, where I met my future wife. Through hard work, my wife and I have been able to provide a middle class lifestyle for our children. Though our children have never been rich, they have also never known the poverty I knew growing up.

This week my family is enjoying a lifestyle slightly more than middle class as we relax in a beach house for a week long family reunion with lots of relatives. Yesterday my kids and I were discussing how blessed we were to experience this level of luxury, even if only for a week. In the discussion we also talked about what it must be like for people who live in other nations in which such luxury is not possible, even for a week long vacation.

We specifically talked about Haiti, since our family will be visiting that small island nation next year on a mission trip. The poverty in Haiti is almost unimaginable by those of us who live in relative comfort in the United States. Food prices are so high in Haiti that many of the people eat what is commonly referred to as Dirt Biscuits. The biscuits are made from dried yellow clay mixed with water, salt and vegetable shortening or margarine. Though originally designed for medicinal purposes, the biscuits have now become the staple diet for a significant number of people in Haiti. It is hard for those of us who live in America to imagine people being so hungry they would eat a biscuit made from dirt. Yet, that is a common meal for far too many people in Haiti.

As we sit in our rented beach house enjoying family and eating far too much junk food, we cannot help but think about people in places like Haiti who tonight will eat a dirt biscuit to stave off hunger for one more day. Dirt biscuits have come up several times in our conversations the last few days. But it must be more than just a subject of conversation. It must translate into action. This is one of the reasons why our family will travel to Haiti next year to work with God’s Littlest Angels orphanage. We feel compelled to put feet to our conversation. We know we cannot change a whole nation in a week, but we can help a small group of children eat something other than dirt, even if only for a few days.

Those of us who have been blessed by God to have more than dirt biscuits to eat must do something to make a difference in the lives of those around us. The 25th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew reminds us that when we help the least of these in the name of Christ, then we have served Christ Himself. Let us learn to pray: “Lord, help those of us who have so much see the needs of those who have so little and respond in ways that can make a real difference.” And then let us put feet to our prayers.

The Original posting can be found at:

http://thoughtsfromdrt.blogspot.com/2011/06/dirt-biscuits-and-beach-houses.html

Written by Dr. Terry Dorsett:

Despite the rise of mega-churches in North America, the vast majority of churches remain small. It is often necessary for pastors of small churches to work another job in addition to serving their church, leaving them in danger of burnout if some of their duties are not delegated to others. Leadership teams working in partnership with pastors can truly make pastors healthier and ministry more effective. In Developing Leadership Teams in the Bivocational Church, Dr. Terry W. Dorsett provides concise and effective guidance for small-church congregations and pastors looking to build and strengthen their leadership teams.

http://www.crossbooks.com/BookStore/BookStoreBookDetails.aspx?bookid=58188

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A DAD

Today we come to the page of the album where we see dad’s photos. Often he is pictured, fishing, teaching us to ride our bike, cooking at the grill, giving piggy-back rides, and teaching us to drive the car.

• For some the page may be blank because dad wasn’t part of the picture.
• For some the pictures may not be so happy and memories painful.
• GOD HAS PROMISED TO BE THE FATHER TO THE FATHERLESS

Psalm 68:4-6
⁴ Sing to God! Sing praises to His name. Exalt Him who rides on the clouds — His name is Yahweh—and rejoice before Him. ⁵ A FATHER OF THE FATHERLESS and a champion of widows is God in His holy dwelling. ⁶ God provides homes for those who are deserted. He leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a scorched land.

Three Familiar Fathers – Some Negative Examples

• The Irresponsible Father “I’ll get around to it.”
• The Dictator Dad – “King of this castle” (Irritable, Impatient, Inflexible)
• The Absent Dad – “Where’s dad…hiding behind the newspaper

A Good Example from Scripture with 3 Crucial Characteristics

Luke 15:11-32
¹¹ He also said: “A man had two sons. ¹² The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets to them. ¹³ Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. ¹⁴ After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing. ¹⁵ Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. ¹⁶ He longed to eat his fill from the carob pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him any.
¹⁷ When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! ¹⁸ I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. ¹⁹ I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired hands.’
²⁰ So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. ²¹ The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’ ²² “But the father told his slaves, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³ Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, ²⁴ because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.

AN OPEN HAND – TOUGH ENOUGH TO RELEASE

This Tells us something about the Father’s Relationship to His Child

Remember that this is a parable that illustrates God’s love for us.

• He had an open and honest relationship with his son.
• He Had a mature and Secure Relationship with his son

AS PARENTS WE KNOW…

• There are times when we need to hold on to our children.
• There are times when we need to release our children. (Tough Love)
• Letting Go will not be easy to do.
• The Son’s Rebellion was severe – painful
• The son’s rebellion was severing – departed
• HE HAD SOMETHING TO REBEL AGAINST!!
• Apparently there were rules, standards, expectations
• Consider Adam and Eve and the rebellion in the garden

TWO OPEN ARMS – TENDER ENOUGH TO RECEIVE

Notice some things about the Return of the Son

• The Son walked Home
• The Father RAN to Greet him.

• The Father’s Response Demonstrated

• Compassion – moved when he saw his son
• Passion – RAN to meet him
• Expression – Ordered a Celebration

AN OPEN HEART – TRANSPARENT ENOUGH TO REVEAL

• Express Emotion

• Sharing Celebrations

• Bearing Burdens

• We do alright at showing Strength
• We need to work at showing sensitivity
• We do alright at showing displeasure
• We need to work at giving praise.

Invitation

• To Know the Father’s Heart – Salvation
• To have the Father’s Heart – Discipleship
• To Share the Father’s Heart – Evangelism

I thought about something this week after considering the challenge we all have to be the LIGHT OF THE WORLD and REFLECT Christ to a “crooked and perverse generation.” Notice that none of the servants went to tell the boy that His father longed to have him come home. We must share the Father’s heart with the world of lost children.

Here’s a show I created of our trip to the White Mountains a couple years ago.

Jesus: The Light of the World – John 8.12

Part Three

This is the final segment in the three part message on John 8.12.

If you would like information on how you can become a Christian through receiving the “Light of the World,” Jesus Christ, please contact me.  I can’t promise you that your life will suddenly improve, or that your circumstances will magically get better, all I can promise is what Jesus promised, you will exchange darkness for light, death for life.  Email me at dabent1988@yahoo.com or connect with me through FaceBook and let me share how you can make this life changing choice today.

Jesus: The Light of the World – John 8.12

Part Two

Jesus: The Light of the World – John 8.12

Sermon Series: THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE–JOURNEY THROUGH JOHN

“Jesus – The Light of the World”
John 8:12

INTRODUCTION

• Context: The Feast of Tabernacles
• · The Last of Seven Annual Feasts
• · One of three that ALL Jews were REQUIRED to attend
• · Seven Day Feast to commemorate the forty years in the wilderness
• · The Entire Nation Camped Out – reminder of the 40 years
• · Huge Menorah were lit – reminders of the pillar of cloud/fire
• o These Menorah were 75 feet tall
• o 10 Gallons of Oil
• o Wicks from the old and unusable priestly garments
• o These Menorah would actually light the streets of the city
• At the end of the feast, the lights were purposely put out.
• o Why? because the Messiah had not yet come.
• o Some propose it is at this point that Jesus makes his declaration.
• o Against the Sudden Darkness from Extinguishing the Menorah
• o In the Understanding of the Representation of God’s VISIBLE presence (the pillar)

John 8:12
Then Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”

NOTE: Jesus makes several “I AM” statements in the account written by John. Remember the purpose of John’s Gospel – That You May Believe that Jesus is Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have Eternal Life. (John 20.31)

• Seven I Am Statements of Jesus
• I AM the bread of life. John 6:35, 6:48…..
• I AM the light of the world. John 8:12, 9:5…..
• I AM the door. John 10:7…..
• I AM the good shepherd. John 10:11-14…..
• I AM the resurrection and the life. John 11:25…..
• I AM the way, the truth and the life. John 14:6…..
• I AM the true vine. John 15:1,5…..

JESUS’ CREDENTIALS AS LIGHT
Light is a symbol that has been used in throughout the Bible in connection with Christ. Here are a few examples:

• · Isaiah 9:2
  ² The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of darkness, a light has dawned.
• · Luke 2:32 (HCSB)
  ³² (Simeon’s prophesy declared Jesus to be…) a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel.
• · Matthew 4:16 (HCSB)
  ¹⁶ The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the shadowland of death, light has dawned.
• · John 1:4-5 (HCSB)
  ⁴ Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men.
  ⁵ That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.
• · John 3:19-20 (HCSB)
  ¹⁹ “This, then, is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed.

JESUS’ CLAIM TO BE THE LIGHT.
Jesus is not simply saying that he was “a” light to the world or that he was “another” light to the world. Jesus is not saying that He is holding the light or that He has the light or even that He is the way to the light. HE IS DECLARING THAT HE IS THE ONE AND ONLY LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

He’s declaring I am the Shekinah (the “glowing glory”) these enormous and brilliant candelabras symbolize.

The Menorah, Like the Pillar of Cloud and Fire, Symbolized:

• · It symbolized God’s Presence. “I am the one who was with you.”
• · It symbolized God’s Guidance. “I am the one who guided you.”
• · It symbolized God’s Protection. “I am the one who protected you.”

JESUS’ CHARACTERISTICS AS THE LIGHT
There are many characteristics of light that we could examine but I just want to call your attention to two of them.

• · Light Reveals (John 3:19-20)
• · Light can also Blind.

Only two groups of people are unaware of the presence of light. Those who are blind and totally unable to see, or those who close their eyes tightly and refuse to see.

INVITATION

• · Have you trusted in Jesus Christ as the “Light of the World…
• · Have you trusted Him as the “Light of YOUR world?”
• · Are You Reflecting Him as the Light of Your Life?

Philippians 2:12-16
¹² So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³ For it is God who is working in you, [enabling you] both to will and to act for His good purpose.
¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling and arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars (light) in the world. ¹⁶ Hold firmly the message of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run in vain or labor for nothing.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING AHEAD

What would happen at your house if it was learned that some special dignitary, royal ambassador, or your mother-in-law, was coming to visit? I don’t know about your house, but here’s the way this would play out in mine. As soon as my wife, Andie, hears that we have company coming (for example her sister who is somewhat OCD) she starts making plans and preparations. A whole menu of cleaning needs to be done, groceries need to be purchased, and plans need to be finalized. Honestly, there have been times when I have heard someone was planning to come by that I have toyed with the idea of keeping the information to myself simply because of the work that I know it will bring.

Another example might be Thanksgiving. I love hosting Thanksgiving for our family. I really enjoy every part of it from the planning to the shopping, the cooking, and even the cleaning afterward. I start planning for Thanksgiving a couple months in advance because it’s such a big deal, and I want it to go well. As one slogan states: “Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail.” Making everything come together and work out means work ahead of time.

But I am thinking about a totally different and often—I fear—overlooked event. There is a far more important occasion that is taking place this week and I’m challenged and convicted by the amount of attention and preparation that is put into it. This week, and every week, we have an appointment with the creator of the universe. What I have discovered, however, is that people regularly wait until Sunday morning when it’s time to head out the door to put any thought or preparation into this occasion.

Even in the pastor’s house (confession time) this has happened. I’m not talking about the sermon or the music, but some of the basic things. How often I have heard, “I don’t know what I’m going to wear” just moments before it was time to head out the door. How often have I reached for my Bible and notes only to find them not where I expected them to be. We fail to plan and as a result we find ourselves distracted from the purpose of the day.

So, here’s my thought on this Thursday—just a few days from Sunday. Let’s get ready now…in every area of our lives…for this very important occasion and event. Here are some thoughts that I want to personally do (aside from the “pastor stuff” that I need to do) to be better prepared for Sunday, and they are things that you can do as well.

· Pray –

• o Pray for the church service
• o Pray for your heart and mind to be open
• o Pray for the pastor (believe me he needs it)
• o Pray for the people who serve in the service (music, ushers, etc)
• o Pray that God will “show up” on Sunday in church
• o Pray for the people who will be there who have needs

· Rest –

• o Saturday night get to bed earlier rather than later
• o It’s really hard to focus on God in church when you are tired
• o Get up and out of bed earlier rather than later on Sunday morning

I know that it really frustrates Andie, but I try to be in bed no later than 10PM on Saturday nights. It doesn’t matter what movie is on, what company we have, at 10:00 I intend to be in bed. Obviously, my Sunday activities are a little different then most, but the fact is that all of us need to rest if we are to be ready. I think many people succumb to the enemy before their heads leave their pillows Sunday morning. They say, “Oh, I’m just too tired to go to church” and then stay in bed.

· Take Care of the Basics –

• o Decide what you are going to wear the night before and have it ready
• o Keep breakfast simple (Frozen waffles have saved our home numerous times)
• o Be ready for the unexpected as much as possible—go with the flow

I’m actually thinking back to some of our Sunday mornings as a family when our children were younger. We actually drove two cars to church just to avoid some of the stress that can occur on Sunday mornings. One of the things that helped was being prepared the night before. Having the kids clothes out and ready. Showers, baths, whatever were done the night before. We almost always had at least one or two guests (friends of the kids or others) who had spent the night, so we would keep breakfast quick and easy. I know that without thinking ahead there would have been many Sunday morning disasters in our home. Even with preplanning we still faced our share of struggles.

You might be like I was, and didn’t ever really think about working to get ready for Sunday, but I have found that it makes a great difference, and not just because I’m a pastor. I know it will make things better and smoother in your Sunday morning experience too.

So…get ready, and I’ll see you Sunday morning!

I would love to hear from you. Comment here with some of your family experiences (I love the funny ones) and maybe some tips that you have found work best in your home. In addition, jot down some struggles you might face on Sunday morning, perhaps someone will have an answer for you as well.

Pastor Dave “Big D” Bentley

Continuing our look at the Believer’s Battles in Spiritual Warfare.

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