Dale Tedder

Launch Date for New Blog

2009-12-07T11:38:00.002-05:00

I'm looking forward to launching my new blog. As of right now, the official date will be Monday, January 4. I'm hoping to have most of my ducks in a row by then. I'll provide a link to it on that day.

Thanks,
Dale

New Blog Coming Soon

2009-11-24T14:45:00.003-05:00

I'm excited to share the news that I'll be launching a new blog beginning in January, 2010. It will finally look (I hope) a whole lot closer to what I've been trying to do for several years.

I'd like to thank Rick Thomas at Counseling Solutions for all his help in getting this up and moving in the right direction. I think it will more faithfully serve as my online ministry.

Make sure to check back so that you can be redirected to the new site.

Many blessings during this Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas Season.
Dale

A Prayer for Thanksgiving

2009-11-22T08:10:00.003-05:00

Most gracious God, you crown the year with your goodness. We praise you that you have ever fulfilled your promise that, while the earth remains, seedtime and harvest shall not cease. We bless you for the order and constancy of nature, for the beauty of earth and sky and sea, and for the providence that year by year supplies our need.

We thank you for your blessing on the work of those who plowed the soil and sowed the seed, and have now gathered in the fruits of the earth. And with our thanksgiving for these blessings, accept our praise, O God, for the eternal riches of your grace in Christ our Lord; to whom, with you, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, be all glory and honor and worship, for ever and ever. Amen.

Taken from The United Methodist Book of Worship

Prayer for this Lord's Day

2009-11-22T08:04:00.003-05:00

"By Thy grace, O God, I will go nowhere this day where Thou canst not come, nor court any companionship that would rob me of Thine. By Thy grace I will let no thought enter my heart that might hinder my communion with Thee, nor let any word come from my mouth that is not meant for Thine ear."

Part of a prayer that comes from John Baillie's Prayer Diary.

Prayer Requests

2009-11-22T08:02:00.002-05:00

If you have a prayer request for this week that you would like to share with others and me, please click on "comments" immediately below this post and write it out in the provided space. Doing that will enable anyone who clicks on "comments" to read and pray for your request(s).

You may also want to check back later to discover how you can pray for someone else...or offer your support and encouragement.

If you have a prayer request that is more private in nature, then please do not hesitate to email me directly. My email address is DaleTedder@yahoo.com. It would be an honor and a blessing to pray for you.

Blessings,
Dale

Tozer Devotion for this Lord's Day

2009-11-22T07:59:00.003-05:00

Effectively Communicating Truth

Many of us who preach the unsearchable riches of Christ are often pretty dull and hard to listen to.

The freshest thought to visit the human mind should be the thought of God. The story of salvation should put a radiancy in the face and a vibrancy in the voice of him that tells it. Yet it is not uncommon to hear the wondrous message given in a manner that makes it difficult for the hearer to concentrate on what is being said. What is wrong?

The conventional answer, "The speaker is not full of the Holy Spirit," does not tell us enough. Many who by every test of life and love are temples of the Spirit manage to sound like a worn-out phonograph record that was not very good in the first place.

It is true that only the Spirit-filled preacher can be morally effective at last; but for the moment we are thinking only of the ability of a speaker to command the attention of his hearers. And if the speaker cannot keep his hearers immediately interested, his message cannot possibly have a long-range effect upon them, no matter how spiritual he may be.

Verse: But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. 2 Timothy 4:17

Thought: Let's move beyond pablum formulas to spiritual food that contributes to maturity. Unless we do, believers may never grow beyond babyhood and our congregations will remain in spiritual infancy.

Prayer: What a solemn responsibility to proclaim Your truth, Lord! May I not hinder Your Spirit's work by lack of prayer, dependence upon You and thoughtful preparation.

Taken from the Tozer Devotional page at the Christian Missionary Alliance

Majesty

2009-11-22T07:58:00.001-05:00

Scripture for this Lord's Day

2009-11-22T07:55:00.002-05:00

John 18:33-37

Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" [34] "Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"

[35] "Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"

[36] Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."

[37] "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

Go Make Disciples by John Piper

2009-11-22T07:54:00.000-05:00

Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 47

2009-11-22T07:49:00.001-05:00

The Lord's Prayer

122. Question: What is the first petition?

Answer: Hallowed be Thy Name. That is: Grant us first of all that we may rightly know Thee,[1] and sanctify, glorify, and praise Thee in all Thy works, in which shine forth Thy almighty power, wisdom, goodness, righteousness, mercy, and truth.[2] Grant us also that we may so direct our whole life-- our thoughts, words, and actions-- that Thy Name is not blasphemed because of us but always honoured and praised.[3]

[1] Jer. 9:23, 24; 31: 33, 34; Matt. 16:17; John 17:3. [2] Ex. 34:5-8; Ps. 145; Jer. 32:16-20; Luke 1:46-55, 68-75; Rom. 11: 33-36. [3] Ps. 115:1; Matt. 5:16.

The Manhattan Declaration

2009-11-20T17:40:00.002-05:00

Friends,

This declaration is a light in the darkness. It is salt in a dark and decaying world. It is good news indeed.

I would encourage you to read it and then, if you agree with it, sign it. May God use it for the good of our country once again.

http://manhattandeclaration.org/index.php

Here are a few articles on it, to give you more of an idea of what this is...

http://www.worldmag.com/webextra/16155

http://www.breakpoint.org/commentaries/13534-the-manhattan-declaration

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091120/u-s-christian-leaders-to-issue-call-to-defend-truth/index.html

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091120/christians-urged-not-to-abandon-conscience-proclaim-the-gospel/page2.html

Blessings,
Dale

from Pastor Dale's Journal

2009-11-17T20:33:00.003-05:00

Great time in God's Word this morning. Wisdom kept emerging... from God's Word, not me.

Proverbs 8:10-11 - [10] Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, [11] for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

James 3:13 - [13] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

James 3:17-18 - [17] But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

What day is it?

2009-11-17T20:09:00.002-05:00

Haven't blogged in far too long. Very busy. A tad bit undisciplined. A touch apathetic. All in all, not very commendable. Looking forward to getting back in the zone. Seems to be how I operate.

Dale

My New Hero, Ezra

2009-10-26T11:44:00.003-04:00

Ezra 7:6 - this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him.

Ezra 7:9-10 - He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. [10] For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

You may not know much about Ezra, though you’ve probably heard of him. He has a book of the Old Testament named after him. For me, he exemplifies much of what I believe my own purpose is as a pastor. More than that, however, I believe he’s a model for all Christians.

Ezra was a descendent of Moses’ brother, Aaron, the chief priest. Ezra was a teacher, we’re told, who was well versed in the Law of Moses (Ezra 7:6). The end of verse 9 tells us that the hand of God was on Ezra. Why? Because, according to verse 10, Ezra “devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord as well as to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”

In other words, Ezra passionately STUDIED God’s Word, LIVED God’s Word, and TAUGHT God’s Word to others.

A pastor, or any Christian for that matter, must first STUDY God’s Word. This is obvious. This is where the pump is primed and fresh water is poured into the soul. This is where the renewing of the mind takes place so that it will become fertile ground for transformation later.

This leads to the next point – LIVING God’s Word. If you don’t believe the teachings of God’s Word and are not practicing it’s laws and principles each day, then one might ask why you are studying it in the first place. The Word of God makes us wise for salvation, teaches us, rebukes us, corrects us, trains us in righteousness so that we may become thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:15-17). We don’t study it to win Bible trivia contests or to impress our congregations. We study it so that we might become more and more like Christ.

But Ezra did more than study it and live it – He TAUGHT it. He passed along his knowledge to others. He added value to their lives from what he learned. And it’s the fact that he did faithfully study it and live (or practice) it that brought credibility and integrity to his teaching. You see, the goal of any disciple of Jesus Christ is to reproduce himself in the lives of others. This is accomplished through learning what it means to be a disciple of Christ, faithfully living that calling out each day, and then passing it along to others. It’s what I call “pouring your life into another person.” Jesus put it this way in the gospel of John,

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. (John 12:24)

In a sense, we die to ourselves as we diligently study God’s Word, conform ourselves to it’s standards, and pass it along to others – even at personal cost. But any sacrifice offered is more than worth it because, as Jesus put it, it produces many seeds.

How do we pass along God’s Word to others? This can be done in a variety of ways. You can teach others God’s Word from the pulpit, in a classroom, in a hospital room, in a counseling session, over lunch with a friend, around the family table at breakfast or dinner, or written correspondence. The list could go on and on.

Finally, I love how Ezra did all of this. The text says he devoted himself to it. He gave his life to it. He was committed to God’s Word in all of its life-transforming fullness. And because he was so devoted, we learn that God’s hand was on him. God has appointed his Word as a primary means of grace (as it works with his Spirit) whereby we are enabled to intimately know God and his Son Jesus Christ, know about the character, attributes, and works of God, learn how to love and serve God, discover how to become more Christlike in our daily lives, as well as how to spend eternity with him.

God’s Word: Know It – Live It – Teach It To Others.

Not a bad purpose statement for all of us. I want to be like Ezra. How about you?

Stand Firm,
Dale

Reflections from Pastor Dale's Prayer Closet

2009-10-25T09:19:00.002-04:00

Scripture readings from this morning's time in the prayer closet...

Leviticus 16 - after several days navigating through rules and regulations about open wounds and sores, it was nice to read so much this morning about the Day of Atonement, Aaron's high priesthood, the scapegoat, etc. Christ was in every verse. Very edifying.

2 Kings 4 - Awesome to see God's power made manifest in and through Elisha's miracles. Also, it was encouraging to see the hospitality of the Shunammite couple... instigated by the wife.

Psalm 119:105-144 - The beauty of God's Word. What a gift to God's people. A few highlights...

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:111-112
Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
[112] My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.

Psalm 119:127-128
Because I love your commands more than gold,
more than pure gold,
[128] and because I consider all your precepts right,
I hate every wrong path.

Psalm 119:133
Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me.

Jeremiah 37 - Verse 2 really spoke to me this morning...

Jeremiah 37:2
Neither he nor his attendants nor the people of the land paid any attention to the words the Lord had spoken through Jeremiah the prophet.

How frustrating that must have been for Jeremiah. And yet, he remained faithful to God's call in his life to preach the words that God gave him. He was even unjustly arrested... which is such a biblical pattern.

Joel 1

Matthew 26 (especially verses 36-46, which spoke so powerfully about the prayer life of our Lord... and our frailty in prayer and watchfulness)

Hebrews 2 - WOW!!! What a chapter of exaltation to our Lord!!! - Highlights...

Hebrews 2:1-4
We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. [2] For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, [3] how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. [4] God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Hebrews 2:8b-11
...In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. [9] But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
[10] In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. [11] Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.

Hebrews 2:14-15
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil-- [15] and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Hebrews 2:17-18
For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. [18] Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

God gave me answer to the questions of suffering, pain, loss, and grief this morning. And while it is right and proper to mourn with those who mourn, we must also never forget who our loving, holy, and sovereign God is. He reminded me of this fact this morning...

Job 38:4-7 and Exodus 3:14 (You're going to have look these up for yourself. It will do you good.)

From the Lutheran Book of Prayer...

"Lord Jesus, the Lover of my soul, take full possession of my heart today. Make me a dwelling place of Thy Holy Spirit.

"Save me from the follies of sin and the despair of a guilty conscience.

"Give me grace to grow in knowledge of Thee and of Thy Word that, living to Thee, I may die daily to sin and the world and serve Thee with all my heart. Abide with me gracious Savior, that I may continue from day to day in Thy presence until life's journey is ended and I come into Thy presence to praise and glorify Thee, world without end. Amen."

Gracious Father, please stamp this prayer upon my own heart and mind and make it my own. Amen.

Have a great Lord's Day today!
Dale

Prayer for this Lord's Day

2009-10-25T09:09:00.002-04:00

Almighty and most merciful God, you know the thoughts of our hearts.
We confess that we have sinned against you and done evil in your sight.
We have transgressed your holy laws.
We have disregarded your Word and Sacraments.
Forgive us, O Lord.
Give us grace and power to put away all hurtful things,
that, being delivered from the bondage of sin,
we may bring forth fruit worthy of repentance,
and from henceforth may ever walk in your holy ways;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

From The United Methodist Book of Worship

Prayer Requests

2009-10-25T09:08:00.002-04:00

Tozer Devotion for this Lord's Day

2009-10-25T09:04:00.003-04:00

Secret Helpers

In the sixth chapter of his Galatian epistle Paul settled forever the scope of our Christian responsibility: "Therefore as, we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:10). This is in harmony with the truth found in the widely known story of the Good Samaritan, where it is established that our "neighbor" is anyone who needs us, whether or not he is of our kin or nationality. I do not see how we can escape the force of this double witness; and to tell the truth, I do not believe any honest person can.

That we should do good in Christ’s name no one can deny. How to do it without letting our right hand know what our left hand is doing (Matthew 6:3) is an art not many have managed to learn.

Verse: But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:3–4

Thought: There is a tendency to seek the spotlight when helping others so that recognition and commendation are ours. But blessed is the helper who helps the one in need secretly or unobstrusively. Such help is easier to accept and of it God is fully aware.

Prayer: May I be a helper, Lord, who in Your name helps others in secret.

Taken from the Tozer Devotional page at the Christian Missionary Alliance

To God Be The Glory

2009-10-25T08:59:00.000-04:00

Scripture for this Lord's Day

2009-10-25T08:54:00.002-04:00

Psalm 34:1-8
Of David.

When he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left.

I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
[2] My soul will boast in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
[3] Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.

[4] I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
[5] Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
[6] This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
[7] The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.

[8] Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Josh McDowell Testimony Part 1

2009-10-25T08:53:00.000-04:00

Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 43

2009-10-25T08:46:00.001-04:00

The Ninth Commandment

112. Question: What is required in the ninth commandment?

Answer: I must not give false testimony against anyone, twist no one's words, not gossip or slander, nor condemn or join in condemning anyone rashly and unheard.[1] Rather, I must avoid all lying and deceit as the devil's own works, under penalty of God's heavy wrath.[2] In court and everywhere else, I must love the truth,[3] speak and confess it honestly, and do what I can to defend and promote my neighbor’s honour and reputation.[4]

[1] Ps. 15; Prov. 19:5, 9; 21:28; Matt. 7:1; Luke 6:37; Rom. 1:28-32. [2] Lev. 19:11, 12; Prov. 12:22; 13:5; John 8:44; Rev. 21:8. [3] I Cor. 13:6; Eph. 4:25. [4] I Pet. 3:8, 9; 4:8.

What I'm Reading

2009-10-22T16:31:00.002-04:00

computer gone

2009-10-21T21:11:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts. My computer has been in surgery since last Thursday. Hope to get it back tomorrow.

Dale

The Seven Deadly Siphons

2009-10-16T13:20:00.003-04:00

by Gordon MacDonald at Leadership Journal...

Loss of spiritual passion seems to be the inevitable result of:

Words without action. We are tempted to think that saying something actualizes it. We have a momentary feeling of spirituality when we talk about wanting to pray more or "have more time in the Word."

Busyness without purpose. Ministry produces activities, programs, conversations. If our choices of time-use are not disciplined by call and purpose, our energies become like a lazy, shallow river.

Calendars without a Sabbath. A datebook filled with appointments but absent of significant hours (days) of quiet and reflection—written in first—is an abomination (an old and harsh word) to the God of the Bible, who said, "Six days you shall labor … the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God."

Relationships without mutual nourishment. Pastors tend to be acquainted with too many people but know too few people. The spiritual masters have told us for centuries that without soul-friends, we won't gain spiritual momentum.

Pastoral personality without self-examination. Too much ministry is built on unresolved anger, unhealthy needs for approval, and the instinct to control. Failing to explore our soul for unwholeness ultimately takes its toll.

Natural giftedness without spiritual power. A pastor can go a considerable distance in ministry with catchy words, people skills, political savvy, and a facility for organizational dynamics. But kingdom work demands qualities that only a filled-up soul can offer.

An enormous theology without an adequate spirituality. A pastor cannot represent a view of reality that includes Creation, evil, reconciliation and conversion, sacrificial service, and eternity—a mind-boggling expanse of conviction—and have a spiritual-exercise regimen that is pea-size in contrast. A great theology demands a great spirituality.