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

Two Books on the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit

By Charles Ryrie

Charles Ryrie’s writing on the Holy Spirit offers Christians a balanced, informative, biblical book about a subject that is often neglected, misunderstood or controversial. The Holy Spirit, he maintains and I agree, “is the solution to the problems in the church today.” The Holy Spirit “is the antidote for every error, the power for every weakness, the victory for every defeat, the supply for every need, and the answer for every question.” Pg 11

All Christians have the Holy Spirit. “We do not need to have more of Him, but we do desperately need to know more of Him and with the increased knowledge will come added faith, power, and control in our lives.” Pg 12

Through out the book Ryrie explains in careful detail the role the Holy Spirit played in the life of Jesus and should play in our lives today. This 202 page book is one to read and refer to over and over for inspiration, answers to questions and practical ways to walk in the light of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit can lead readers to a deeper faith that changes lives.

Spirit Rising: Tapping into the Power of the Holy Spirit

By Jim Cymbala

This is an excellent book on the Holy Spirit. Many will recall Cymbala’s book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire in which he details the beginning of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church which was birthed in prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. The results since then are a powerful testimony to how God has used Cymbala to bring many to Christ with transformed lives in the heart of Brooklyn and beyond. As in his other books, Cymbala focuses this book (and his life and ministry) on the power of prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit as revealed in Scripture. 

The book is divided into three parts. In Part 1 he describes and defines the Holy Spirit and gives a beautiful story of the Spirit’s power in the life of one person in his congregation. Part 2 describes the movement of the Holy Spirit giving the reader clear ways to recognize and nurture the spirit. Two real life stories are also included. In Part 3 Cymbala defines what happens when we surrender to the Holy Spirit, again with two real life stories.

This is a powerful, inspiring book by a humble man of God. I will read Spirit Rising over again to help me continually surrender my own life to the Spirit’s leading.

“You have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you.” 1 John 2:27

Blessings, Dottie

Psalm 119 Meditations and Prayers Relating to the Law of God

This is the second of twenty-two parts to this Psalm – the longest chapter and the longest Psalm in the Bible. This Psalm focuses on Scripture using these words to refer to it: law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, word and ordinances. The Psalm is written as an acrostic with each section beginning with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. I’ve journaled my way through this.

Beth. January 15-19, 2016

⁹ How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.

Dear Father, How can an older woman keep her way pure? How can anyone stay pure? It’s difficult or impossible for all of us humans. We only do this by living as your Word instructs us and with the power of the Holy Spirit. Only when we surrender all to you can we approach a pure and unblemished way of living.

¹⁰ With all my heart I have sought You;
Do not let me wander from Your commandments.

Father, with all my heart I have sought you – some of the time. Am I half-hearted in seeking you some times? I’m afraid so. I need your help. Give me one pure and holy passion for You, Lord. Hold me close. I love you, Lord.

¹¹ Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You.

Father, Your Word I have treasured in my heart – but not as diligently as possible. I’m a work in progress and I need to make your Word a priority. Journaling this Psalm is helping me see the need to do this. The Psalmist said he treasured your word in his heart so he wouldn’t sin against you. Wow! I guess all sin is against you. I never thought of it that way. Help me, Lord. Forgive my daily sins of self-centeredness and pride. Guide me in your humble path.

¹² Blessed are You, O Lord;
Teach me Your statutes.

Dear Father, You are blessed. I praise you Lord. Teach me your statutes. I know a statute is a law or a decree. I know from your word what your laws or statutes are. And Jesus said the most important law is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and the second one is to love your neighbor as yourself. I do LOVE you Lord. Help me focus on this more and love you more deeply. “Day by day, three things I pray. To see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly; follow Thee more nearly, day by day.” Thank you for this song in my heart that helps me keep your first commandment as well as the second one.

¹³ With my lips I have told of
All the ordinances of Your mouth.

Dear Father, With my lips I have told others about Your LOVE and GRACE and your SACRIFICE. Our culture is lawless – perhaps I should tell others about your laws, your commandments, and your expectations of us. I did journal about Your Son’s COMMANDMENTS. These go beyond the ten commandments of your Word. Guide me in thinking more about this.

¹⁴ I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.

Dear Father, I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies – your Scripture. Have I rejoiced as much as I do in all riches? I know we are blessed with money, comfort, food, shelter, and clothing and we can buy whatever we want or need. I haven’t experienced poverty of things. But I don’t wish for more than we have. Riches get in the way some times – we have too much. It takes up our time and energy taking care of our house and cars and stuff. Things do not satisfy for very long. I do cherish and rejoice in your testimonies. I praise you, Lord. Keep me in your Word.

¹⁵ I will meditate on Your precepts
And regard Your ways.

Dear Father, I will meditate on your precepts, your Word. Your Word does guide me, inspire me, delight me and inform me. It even entertains me. M and I have been reading the book of Acts together. What adventures the early Christians experienced, especially Paul. Thank you for your Word. I guess this verse refers mostly to your law as the Psalmist didn’t have the Gospel yet. I do regard your ways. Your ways are not the ways of the world. Guide me in growing in faith and in the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control.

¹⁶ I shall delight in Your statutes;
I shall not forget Your word.

Dear Father, I do delight in your statues. Or do I? I haven’t thought much about your law, precepts, commands, and statutes until I began journaling this Psalm. I do examine my heart often asking you to show me my sins. And I notice my impatience and irritation and self-centeredness often and turn to you and ask forgiveness. Journaling this Psalm is helping me delight more in your law. I will not forget your Word. It is in my heart, mind, and soul. And the Spirit brings to mind your Word. Help me grow in knowing your Word, relying on it and obeying it. I love you.

Blessings, Dottie

Resurrection Doubt? No, He's Alive!

Christ the Lord has risen! He's alive! 

Do we believe this? The disciples spent three years with Jesus, living and learning from Him. They saw the healings and miracles and knew He was the Messiah. But they didn't expect Him to die. They witnessed His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, though some ran away and hid. Some helped bury Him. Then they hid together and grieved.

Three days later they saw Him! Can you grasp the surprise, amazement, and yet belief in their voices?

Mary said, "I have seen the Lord! (John 20:18) She knew it was Him!   

The two men on the road to Emmaus did not recognize Him until He broke the bread and revealed Himself to them. 

They said, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32) Their hearts burned within them even before they recognized Him. Does your heart burn within you in His presence?

Thomas wouldn't believe the reports of the other disciples until he saw Jesus a week later. Then he said, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28) I imagine he said this with a hushed and humble voice. He may have even bowed before him. Wouldn't you? Do you now?

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most essential doctrine of the church. Any who don't believe this truth are denying Jesus, Christianity and Scripture.     

He said He was the Son of God. (Luke 22:70) He said He would rise from the dead. (Luke 18:33) And He did. He said He would return and He will. (Matthew 24:30) What a marvelous faith we have.

Blessings, Dottie

Gethsemane, Arrest and Trial, Crucifixion and Burial

Today I’m listing the holy week Scripture from Thursday night to Friday. Ponder the meaning of these events. Jesus, the son of God died for us.

Gethsemane – In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus sweat blood and tears. Matt. 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:40-46 He prayed “Let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not my will but yours be done.”

Arrest and Trial – Matthew 26:47-27:26, Mark 14:43-15:15, Luke 22:47-23:25, John 18:2-19:16. Pilate said, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” Luke 23:4

Crucifixion – Matt. 27:27-56, Mark 15:16-41, Luke 23:26-49, John 19:17-37.

Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

Burial – Matt. 27:57-66, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42

Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate and asked for Jesus body. “Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock.” Luke 23:53

In Christ, Dottie