THE BIRTHDAY OF THE CHURCH

This Sunday is the day of Pentecost, the birthday of the church. Most Christians know that the birth of the church occurred on the day of Pentecost, but I suspect most Christians don’t know what Pentecost meant to the Jewish people at that time. 

Pentecost was a Jewish festival fifty days after Passover. Pentecost celebrated the giving of the law to Moses and two loaves were offered to God in gratitude for the harvest. The Jewish law required that no work be done on the day of Pentecost. Crowds of Jews gathered in Jerusalem from various countries to celebrate this Jewish festival.

At the Ascension Jesus ordered the disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait. Just wait. Waiting is not easy for most of us but they obeyed. Scripture says:

“They all joined together constantly in prayer.” (Acts1:14)

There were 120 believers gathered together including the disciples, and other followers both men and women and Jesus brothers. They prayed for ten days! Perhaps this is a lesson to us that we need to pray more in order for the church to be in tune with and full of Holy Spirit power.

On the day of Pentecost the disciples were in the upper room praying. Scripture says:

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4

Hearing the noise, a crowd gathered. Peter preached to the throng of people. He gave a powerful, convicting message explaining that Jesus was the Christ and was crucified, died and rose again. He was seen by many witnesses for forty days and then He ascended to the right hand of God and sent the promised Holy Spirit.

When the people heard Peter’s message, “they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37)

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off— for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:38-41

Following this “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer….And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42, 2:47)

As a result, of this small group of Holy Spirit empowered men and women, within a century half the then-known world came to Christ.

There is so much more in the first two chapters of Acts. Read all of it today; learn more and be inspired by the birthday of the Church. And vow to spend more time in prayer and in the Word.

Lord, We thank you for the Church united in Him!

Blessings, Dottie

Ascension Day

High and Lifted Up!

Scripture tells us that forty days after Jesus resurrection, that is, forty days after Easter, He ascended to heaven. This means that Ascension Day 2017 is this week on Thursday, May 25th. There are accounts of this in Luke and Acts.The Scripture account in Luke reports:

Luke 24:50- 52 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continuously at the temple, praising God.

Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus met His disciples on the Mount of Olives. Imagine their excitement, believing that now Jesus would establish His kingdom on earth and fulfill the great promise the Jews had clung to for centuries. Christ would be king, not just of Israel but of the whole world. Then the moment was upon them; their beloved Jesus was with them. Acts 1:6-12 then reports:

They asked Him,” Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times of dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

They were looking intently into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood before them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

We need to take note today of this amazing event in history. Barclay says, “The Ascension was an absolute necessity. There had to be a final moment when Jesus was taken back to the glory that was his.” Barclay notes that the end of his resurrection appearances had to come to a definite end rather than just peter out. Also he says, “If Jesus was to give his followers unanswerable proof that he had returned to glory the Ascension was absolutely necessary.”

There is much to ponder about this amazing event in history when Jesus

returned to glory. And He’s coming back!

Blessings, Dottie

ASCENSION DAY

High and Lifted Up!

Scripture tells us that forty days after Jesus resurrection, that is, forty days after Easter, He ascended to heaven. This means that Ascension Day 2017 is this week on Thursday, May 25th. There are accounts of this in Luke and Acts.The Scripture account in Luke reports:

Luke 24:50- 52 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continuously at the temple, praising God.

Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus met His disciples on the Mount of Olives. Imagine their excitement, believing that now Jesus would establish His kingdom on earth and fulfill the great promise the Jews had clung to for centuries. Christ would be king, not just of Israel but of the whole world. Then the moment was upon them; their beloved Jesus was with them. Acts 1:6-12 then reports:

They asked Him,” Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times of dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

They were looking intently into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood before them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

We need to take note today of this amazing event in history. Barclay says, “The Ascension was an absolute necessity. There had to be a final moment when Jesus was taken back to the glory that was his.” Barclay notes that the end of his resurrection appearances had to come to a definite end rather than just peter out. Also he says, “If Jesus was to give his followers unanswerable proof that he had returned to glory the Ascension was absolutely necessary.”

There is much to ponder about this amazing event in history when Jesus

returned to glory. And He’s coming back!

Blessings, Dottie

RESURECTION APPEARANCES OF JESUS

FISHING, FAILURE AND RECONCILIATION

Often we spend the forty days before Easter focusing on Christ’s journey as he sets his face toward Jerusalem and crucifixion. What about the forty days after Easter? Scripture describes a number of Jesus’ resurrection appearances including the fact that he appeared to 500 people. (1 Cor. 15:6-7) His resurrection was no delusion by a few ardent disciples.

He talked with them, ate and drank with them, showed them his nail scarred hands and wounded side. And he taught them, loved them, and prepared them for his Ascension. And He prepared them to be His Church on earth.

One of the most compelling resurrection appearances (John 21:1-17 NIV) describes a fishing excursion of Peter and six other disciples. They caught nothing after hours of fishing. Early in the morning Jesus greeted them from the shore asking if they have any fish. They reply, “No” and he tells them “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they do, they are unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

John (recognizing Jesus) says, “It is the Lord.” Peter jumps into the water and swims to shore. (So eager!) The other disciples follow in the boat, towing the net full of fish. They have breakfast with Jesus on the shore and Scripture says, “None of the  disciples dared ask him, 'who are you?' They knew it was the Lord." I think they knew it was Jesus, but they were ashamed of their failure - their abandonment of him after his arrest. And Peter was ashamed of denying him three times.

The Scripture continues (John 21:15-16 NIV)

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”

         

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” 

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”                                                               

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me."  

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”    

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” 

Jesus lovingly questions Peter’s commitment and he questions it three times to give Peter the opportunity to affirm his devotion three times – thus erasing the failure in Peter’s mind (already erased by the cross).

Peter is identified as the overseer of the church. Feed my lambs, feed my sheep, take care of my sheep – all refer to his being the shepherd entrusted to feed the Word to the sheep – to the Church.

Take time to read and study his Word today and teach it to those in your care.

Blessings, Dottie

Psalm 119 Meditations and Prayers Relating to the Law of God

This is the third section of Psalm 119. There are 8 different terms referring to Scripture used 
through out. These are: law, testimonies, 
precepts statutes, commandments, judgments,
word and ordinances. Each one starts with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet and every section teaches us about God and his word and law. I have journaled through this.

Recently I ran across comments by Andrew M. Davis on Psalm 119. He calls this Psalm “a potent manual for meditation” and notes that “almost half of all references to meditation in the Bible are found in Psalm 119. His favorite verse, a prayer for insight he uses daily is verse 18 “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” He says “The ‘seeing of wonderful things’ in God’s law is a mental ‘sight’ which can be called ‘illumination,’ and it is the special work of the indwelling Holy Spirit.” When we meditate on the word we give it a chance to change us. Verse 18 is in this section with a slightly different translation.

Gimel. 

¹⁷ Deal bountifully with Your servant,
That I may live and keep Your word.

Dear Father, You have dealt bountifully with me! And I need all the grace, forgiveness and acceptance you can give me. I am your servant and you are my Lord. I don’t always remember this because you are also my shepherd, my savior, and my friend. With your bountiful grace and your guidance and help I will live for you and keep your word. Hold me close. I need to cling to you today. And I bow before you. You are my Lord.

¹⁸ Open my eyes, that I may behold
Wonderful things from your law.

Father, Open my eyes that I may see amazing things in your Word, in your law. Open the eyes of my heart to feed on your Word and to absorb your Word. Your Word is all about You!

¹⁹ I am a stranger in the earth;
Do not hide Your commandments from me.

Father, I do feel like a stranger on the earth – especially in today’s world. Hold me close and don’t hide your expectations or commandments from me. Show me when I fail to keep your commandments. I long for a better “world” with you.

²⁰ My soul is crushed with longing
After Your ordinances at all times.

Father, my soul is crushed with longing – longing for health, for peace, for comfort, for love and joy, for your presence. Do I long for your ordinances? I’m glad I know your laws and right from wrong. Keep me on the straight path, Lord.

²¹ You rebuke the arrogant, the cursed,
Who wander from Your commandments.

Father, I know you rebuke the arrogant, the cursed who wander from your commandments. I hope I’m never in those categories. Deal gently with me. Help me stay true to you.

²² Take away reproach and contempt from me,
For I observe Your testimonies.

Father, Keep my pure and holy, take away any reproach or contempt. I do delight in your revelations about yourself in the word and your testimonies are true. Keep me faithful to you.

²³ Even though princes sit and talk against me,
Your servant meditates on Your statutes.

Father, No matter what others think or say that upsets me or tries to lure me away from you and your Word, I will cling to you and meditate on your statutes. Show me the way daily.

²⁴ Your testimonies also are my delight;
They are my counselors.

Father, I’m learning to delight in your Word, the things you reveal and testify to in Scripture. They are my counselors! Yes, they are, most of the time. Help me focus on your Word consistently and not be drawn away from you. I love You.

Blessings, Dottie

Psych Info: DIAGNOSING STRENGTHS

Q. I’ve heard that mental health professionals use a manual to diagnose each client. I would like to know more about this. Can you tell me what areas are evaluated using this manual and is it reliable? 

A. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association, was designed to provide a clear description of each diagnostic category so that clinicians and researchers could learn, communicate about and treat individuals in a consistent and effective way. The intent was to define a given disorder by listing its specific symptoms or behaviors so that it is distinguished from every other disorder. 

Though the Diagnostic Manual has been criticized in a variety of ways over some period of time, it has had great influence in the mental health field. Insurance companies and the pharmaceutical industry rely on it to monitor the appropriateness of treatment. Clinicians must use the Diagnostic Manual in order to submit insurance claims for clients.

The Diagnostic Manual includes five areas of evaluation. The first one includes all of the psychological diagnostic categories except for personality disorders. Number two includes personality disorders (in grained personality patterns such as paranoid, schizoid, narcissistic) and mental retardation. Number three lists general medical conditions which may be affecting the client’s functioning. Number four describes interpersonal and environmental factors or problems (such as job loss, marital problems). Number five is called the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) which is a measure of the individuals over all level of functioning. 

Mental disorders can not be as precisely diagnosed as heart conditions or cancer but the Diagnostic Manual does provide a framework, including a range of behavior or symptoms, to assist clinicians in evaluating a client’s mental and emotional functioning.

There are problems with this, however. Human nature and personality are complex, involving mind, body, spirit and emotions. It is difficult to pigeon hole or label individuals and this is often done after just a fifty minute evaluation. Also labels can change. We grow, learn and mature through out life and often our past labels no longer fit us.

It is sad when someone has been given a mental health diagnosis incorrectly but it follows them in their medical chart endlessly or when they have changed and this change is not recognized. Also, because of the need to qualify for insurance coverage, the tendency is to use the diagnosis that will give the most coverage. This can encourage giving a more severe diagnosis than necessary.

In the April 2001 issue of Social Work, Dr. Dennis Saleebey suggests another problem, the need for a sixth category detailing Diagnostic Strengths. The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) defines competent functioning mainly as the absence of symptoms.  In Saleebey’s suggested sixth category of Diagnostic Strengths clinicians would list the strengths of each patient. This would include skills, talents, virtues, interpersonal abilities, family support, a strong faith and so forth. 

This idea is supported by the work of Daniel Goleman in his book Emotional Intelligence in which he gives evidence that characteristics such as self-awareness, persistence, empathy, and optimism produce successful, happier and healthier lives. 

The Diagnostic Manual is an essential and valuable tool in the field of mental health.  I agree with Saleebey, however, that there is a need to include the patient’s strengths in the evaluation. Too often the mental health field focuses on what’s wrong rather than what’s positive or valuable in a person’s life or make up. 

When choosing a therapist, find one who will recognize your strengths in the midst of your symptoms and problems.  Pay attention also to your own strengths. As I said before in a prior post, choosing a therapist with a similar world view is important no matter what. This is especially true if your faith is very important to you or if you want to explore spiritual issues. To do otherwise is like trying to communicate in two different languages.  

Blessings, Dottie

“Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success. Proverbs 15:22 NLT