Doing Life Together

If People's Stuff is not an Issue with God...

2010-07-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

I recently made this statement–

"People's stuff is not an issue with God and
it shouldn't be with us."

It was all about being accepting, loving and forgiving...

It is so much a part of our human nature to be exclusive that every once in a while we need to be reminded about our responsibility to do and be 'the above.'

Here in lies the controversy...

There are so many people who have family members, friends and even strangers that they have reached out to. With so much love, acceptance, and forgiveness and yet no results. It seems that because of their love and acceptance some people begin to take advantage of them with no effort or desire to change.

There are some who really learn how to play the "guilt card" on those of us who call our selves Christians, and if we don't respond just the right way to them it can even get mean!

So what do we do? How do we respond?

First of all we always love, accept, and forgive – even when we don't want to, we are always ready to help when it's within our power.

Secondly, we learn to listen to the Holy Spirit. If a person really wants help and is just having trouble getting to where they need to be, God will never shut off the flow to them, but don't be naive. There are people out there that don't really want your help, they just need you to live the way they want to live - know the difference. It doesn't mean that someday they won't change, but for right now they have bought into their life style and don't want to change.

Finally, we always love, accept, and forgive, even when we don't want to, we are always ready to help when it's within our power.

I'd always rather error on the side that I get taken advantage of, than never opening up my heart and missing out on helping someone I could have helped...

I really would like to get your thoughts...

Love ya always...

Developing Responsibility

2010-04-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't told a "Jack story" for a while, so here goes. You can imagine with two teenage boys in the house how much training is going on...

One of the things that the boys are learning to do is get themselves out of bed every morning with out being woke up by us. They each have nice new alarm clocks, but they still have to be set and then turned on each night.

Jack does not want to comply, so it's gotten kind of frustrating to say the least. Mom decided that whatever brother got Jack up got paid 50 cents by Jack – it still didn't work, he just doled out the money each morning to his brothers.

So, it was time for a talk.

Mom said, "Jack, you need to learn how to do this because some day you are going to have a job and what do you think your boss is going to do if you show up to work late all the time?"

"Well...Well...I suppose I'll get fired..." he replied.

"Yes, that's right." Mom agreed. "What's going to happen when you get married and loose your job and as a result, you can't pay your bills? Where are you and your family going to live when they take your house away from you?"

"Well...Well...I suppose we could move back in here..." he finally said.

Let's just say that Jack got an ear-full, and for some reason he's starting to get up on his own now...

We all have to do things we don't want to do. We all have to be responsible with the things that God expects of us on our journey to grow up.

Come on, you don't need an ear full – you and I just need to grow up...

Love you...always,

Health Care

2010-03-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

Wow! Are you thrilled? Ticked-off? Clueless or indifferent about what is going on concerning the debate and passage of Health Care Reform in our country?

Opinions along with a boat load of emotions are flying everywhere, I mean some feel this is the best thing to happen in our country in a long time, others feel that this is going to do us in– and are frustrated about it.

In politics, this stuff is inevitable – so there you have it. I am so grateful that we live in a country where we can express freely, where we can vote and participate in the process, it's great and I wouldn't trade America for anywhere...

But here's something that concerns me...I wonder how many Christians have had their responsibility to our leaders which is to pray swallowed up in all the rancor and emotion of the hour...

I understand how this so easily happens...after all we deal with the flesh and it's appetites everyday–and oh, how our flesh loves this stuff.

So just a little Pastoral reminder...in the midst of all this freedom of speech remember that whether you agree or not, President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and all the congressional leaders that are serving in our nations business should be getting our prayers at least... Check out what Paul said.

And then remember 2 Chronicles 7:14...our only real hope of surviving anything.

I love the debate, but let's remember that it is our responsibility, whether appreciated or not, to uphold this nation and all of our leaders in this incredible privilege called "Prayer"

Just something to think about...

Love you,

Hati Update

2010-01-29T11:27:00.000-08:00

It doesn't seem how insurmountable the tragedy so many of us get back to life as usual so quickly. I find myself riding in that boat to, so that's not a judgmental statement– it's just the way it is.

Hati, an island nation so close, yet so far...

Well, enough of that, there is good news and miraculous events flowing out of one of the worst catastrophe's in a very long time. As they continue to find people alive, there is a revival breaking out in this nation. Even though many of the churches are gone, the people are crying out to God– and He is responding.

Where the land was filled with poorly constructed buildings, it's now being swallowed up by people who are coming from everywhere to cry out to the Lord...

There may not be any or much of a building left, but the people are gathering, the Pastors are preaching, and people are being saved!

Jesus is still Lord and people are experiencing the Lord in a powerful way!

A special thanks to all of you who responded to our plea for financial help, it is going to help immensely and is going directly to many points of need...God Bless all of you.

Let's all continue to pray and do what we can to keep helping. I hope you have time to watch this incredible video before you jump off...

Love you,

UPDATE: Cornerstone helped Raise $1,900.00 for the Haiti Relief Effort!

Cornerstone Relief Efforts

2010-01-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

The earthquake in Haiti has caused a global catastrophe and countless lives have been affected. This crisis must take priority in our lives, much like 9/11 did. We must put aside selfishness and pray for these devastated families. God has called us to come together in unity to intercede and show compassion. This is not only the heart of Cornerstone, but it is the heart of the Body of Christ. As the tragedy unfolds, we as believers must show our faces. This is a true focal point and we must stand as one in Christ--sending our love, prayers, and support to the people of Haiti.

Remember, God is good, even when we don't understand events in our lives that happen...

Love ya...

(To Jump to Cornerstone's Website, Click HERE)

All Time Best Seller

2010-01-02T03:31:00.000-08:00

As I am reflecting on this new and upcoming year I am thinking a lot about some changes I want to make in my life. Some of them I know that I will follow through with– others will probably just go by the wayside.

A few weeks ago I felt the Lord was really dealing with me about the time I was spending (or not spending) in His Word. I felt the challenge to read at least one scripture a day...remember, "Everyday, One Scripture". I have to say that this has already change me, and impacted my life.

Paul teaches us that Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. I must admit that I am starting to see God with a fresh perspective. Some of us who have been around a while could use it.

If we ever hope to have any real understanding of who God is and what His desires are for our lives, we need to realize that it will only come through whatever relationship you and I have with His word.

In the midst of all your resolutions for this new year, let's not forget to pick up the "All Time Best Seller!"

It will change your life...

The $164 Challenge

2009-12-11T06:27:00.001-08:00

If you want to step-up to the challenge right now... click HERE!

Also, if you haven't subscribed to my blog yet, take a few seconds to subscribe in the "Subscribe via Email" section to the right... thanks!

The Lamp in My Life

2009-12-09T19:19:00.000-08:00

Ok, there isn't a one of us on the planet who claim to know God who doesn't struggle with reading God's Word. If you, in fact, believe that the Bible is the Word of God and is the guidepost for our lives–then you know how important it is to read it.

Hence the struggle.

Who has the time to read this book? Who wants to read this book? Who gets anything out of this book? Can it really help that much? Does it really matter?

I am not sure about anything, except I do know that it matters. Oh yeah, it matters!

The psalmist said that first of it is a "lamp unto my feet", there is nothing that will locate you more quickly and honestly than the book called the Bible, God's Word.

Your friends can schmooze you, or you can schmooze yourself, but this book will light up your life, not to make you feel like a failure, but the reality is until you know where you are you will never know where to go. The rest of that verse is that it will also light up your path, that's a big help in our journey to live for God...

Enough preaching, if you want more of that then just visit the media page at iamcornerstone.com, but suffice it to say that we need to read this book...

How about this, "Everyday One Verse?" That's it. Nothing less. Everyday you read one verse. I am not kidding, take the challenge, there is no excuse, just one verse.

Let me know how it works out for you! Good luck, and I love ya...

Africa 2009

2009-10-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

Just returned from a great ministry trip to Kenya, once the work was done we spent 3 days on the Masai Mara game reserve and saw some incredible animals...no hunting, but some great photo's...enjoy,

Talk is Cheap

2009-10-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

I started this new series called the "Surrendered Life" I knew upfront that this would not be a series that people would stand up and readily embrace, maybe because of my own struggles with it...

Suffice it to say that we all have issues with this, even when it comes to God...no one really wants to embrace His will for their lives...oh I know we say we do, but when it comes to God, talk is cheap...

Listen to something Jesus said...

Matt 7:21 Mess

"Knowing the correct password ,
saying 'Master, Master,' for instance, isn't going to get you anywhere with me.
What is required is serious obedience —
doing what my Father wills."

It doesn't take us long and we learn the lingo. We know how to talk Christian, but do we really know how live our lives for Him? I want to explore this, so many people are just settling, giving up on any real commitment to the cause and the life that God wants them to live.

A lot of people live their lives doing
what they believe God wants them to do...the way they want to do it.

I don't want to live my whole life doing what I believe God wants me to do because I said 'No' to Him somewhere along the way. I'm tired of listening to peoples excuses on why they don't do whatever it is that God asks! Learning to surrender to God and His will for our lives is the smartest thing we can do – running our mouths with nothing to back it up is not.

How about over the next several weeks we learn how to do something new–
"Surrender to God."

More to come!

Love ya...

Con-flicted

2009-09-19T14:20:00.000-07:00

Wanting to live for God, but struggling to live for God –Conflicted! Everyone, and I mean everyone, faces and goes through this. I don't care how much you think you love God, living for Him can be such a struggle. How many have given up and just walked away. How many are on the verge of giving up because of feeling so conflicted!?

You can only ram you head against the wall so many times before you begin to wear out. Before your "Want to" begins to wane.

Here's a little advice, something Paul said – it might help.

Rom 8:1-2 Message;

8 With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. 2 A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.

I like the way the KJV puts it;

"...there is now no condemnation, no confliction to those who are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit..."

Here's what that means, you can listen to your failing flesh all day long and let it bring one conflict after another to you or you can rest in what Jesus has done for you. It doesn't mean we quit trying to do right, but we rest in that even if we don't, in Him...with Him, there is no conflict about you.

Learn this and stay in the game, don't give up, because in reality that is the only way we lose. Give up and walk away and lose, stay in the game and let God be God and quit being so "Con-flicted." He is always on your side!

On my way to Africa on Monday the 21rst, stay in touch here: www.Africa2009.com
We will give updates and photo's everyday, we hope...

Love you and don't forget..."I'll Be Back"

♠

Fighting Mad...

2009-09-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

So many times when it comes to the passions we have in our lives we associate negativity with it...especially as Christians.

I have taught all my life that the Devil has no creative ability in him, in other words he can only take what God has created and pervert it. Therefore, all the passions that we experience in our emotions and flesh were created by God, so they are good things.

How about a couple of examples? How about lust– most generally considered to be evil, but how about lust for God or for the spouse that God has given you? how about lusting for the things of God? OK, enough of that.

Hate, how about because you love God– you hate the sin in your life? How about hating the things that the Devil does in and through people? How about hating the evil in this world? How about hating your addictions and the places that the enemy has caused you to go, or the family curses that have plagued your family?

Did you know that it is your emotions? Yes, even lust or hate can motivate you to make some necessary changes in your life. They can motivate you to obey God. Emotions will never sustain you– our faith does that. Sometimes you have to just get sick and tired of being sick and then you might do something about it!

I like it when Christians get fighting mad! Mad enough to do something about the junk in their lives...oh yeah!

Just something to think about: Let God use your emotions, Lord only knows the Devil has used them...

Love ya...

34 Years and Counting...

2009-08-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

I guess that whenever you are reading this Anne and I will have celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary, it was on the 23rd. It's funny I still remember that day like yesterday. It was a bright sunny day, we were married in the garden on the campus at Simpson College.

Because it was August and outside, we did the ceremony at 11:00 AM. Anne wore a white dress simplistic in style, but made it stunning when she put it on. Daisy's were the flowers for the day. As our family and friends began to gather the DJ started the music and we were off. Dr. Roger Bettsworth, the professor of religion on campus, did the ceremony.

I am almost positive that the guys that I asked to stand up with me were only thinking about the Kegger I had promised them afterward– if they behaved. But the only thing I could think about was the young woman walking down the grass isle towards me. I was and am still so in love with her. I was young but committed to be something to her. I wanted to live my life, whatever that was going to be... with her.

Like most couples when they start off, we had no idea where life was going to take us, but I was so glad I was going to be able to do it with her.

Honestly, I don't remember anything the preacher said that day. All I was thinking about was that Anne Marie Leonhardt was becoming Anne Marie Berry, and the most beautiful woman in the world had said yes to me.

Now here we are, 34 anniversary's later! So much has happened in between, we have lived a lot. I could say so much, but the only thing I really want to say right now is that I love her more. If I could do it all over again, I would do some things differently, but not without her.

She is the rock of my life, I can only pray that I have been her's. Our lives together have become big, have become full of so much good, but at the beginning and end of each day it's just her and I – I would have it no other way.

Solomon said that the greatest gift that we would ever receive in this life is the woman, the wife that God gives you. Can I just say that there is a reason why he was called the wisest man to have ever lived!?

Anne...my love, mi amor...I Love you!

And I love all of you...

Honey I Shrunk God...

2009-08-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever run out of you? Have you ever found yourself boxed-in a corner with no where to go? The issue at hand was beyond you– it's right here at this point that we become open to "Help" Where we start looking for a solution outside of ourselves...

Everyone gets here...even our hero's...

Sometimes when we get here people say things like, "God, if you are real, I could use some help!" "God, if you are out there, I have to have some help!"

You know where He is- all you have to do is look. But in order to look, you have to lift your eyes from the issue at hand...you have to take your eyes from you to Him.

Even when your current issues are screaming for your attention, you have to find a way to remind your self how able and willing God is to help. In order to do that you have to look His way.

Do you remember when we were kids how we would play with magnifying glasses? Now that some of us are older we don't play with them but use them. What does a magnifying glass do? It makes things look bigger. It doesn't change the size of the object, it just makes it look bigger.

We can't make God bigger, but we can make our perspective of God bigger. When you take a look at God your perspective becomes better. When God gets bigger to you, your problems grow smaller...

So quit shrinking God and start shrinking your problems by letting God be bigger in you life...

Glad to be a part of your life...
Love ya...

God Doesn't Mess Around with this Stuff

2009-08-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

Friends,

In our new series "Help" I talked about guarding your heart – that led to a discussion about forgiveness. We learned that God may be merciful, but doesn't put up with his kids harboring unforgiveness in their hearts, regardless of the offense.

Jesus warned us that if we don't forgive, God won't forgive us. Paul told us that it would disconnect us from the Grace of God, obviously something that we need!

If you want to get the whole message please go to www.IAmCornerstone.com, launch the Media Player and watch, listen, and/or download the podcast!
(This lesson will be available starting 8-11-09)

Suffice it to say again that God doesn't put up with us as Christians hanging on to our offenses!

Here's the thing, as I reflected on the message I really don't want anyone to think that forgiveness automatically demands that you continue relationship with the offender. Jesus doesn't have an issue when we love from a safe distance.

We have all been offended by people, it's a given, so I am interested in some of your thoughts. I hope we can stay Biblically-based and not get too much into the emotional side of this.

But how have you dealt/dealing with this very important issue in your walk with God!

Waiting to hear your thoughts! Love ya...

Help!

2009-08-05T11:37:00.000-07:00

Well, here I sit- in a campsite out in the woods somewhere in Iowa. The kids are off swimming and Pastor Anne and I are sitting at a picnic table with both laptops open. Go figure-we even have Wi-fi…

Last week we began the new series “Help”. Remember, we talked about the “Tide of Emotion”? It’s a fact that there are a lot of people who are at a place in their lives that if they don’t get some of it… “Help”, they are going to be in trouble. It might be in their finances, their marriage’s, or something with their kids and it’s taking them to the brink.

John Lennon said it;

"When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody's help in any way.
But now these days are gone, I'm not so self assured,
Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors."

Lennon didn’t know where to turn, but we do. So as we explore this series I pray that even in your point of need you let God in. Let Him be your “Help” in your time of need…see you this weekend…

Yes I’ll be there, two nights of camping is enough for all of us…

Love ya…

To see this series videos and others,
visit the media player on our website, or Click Here!

Abortion Doctor Responses

2009-06-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

Obviously emotions are running high with this one...I hope that having the opportunity to voice some feelings was helpful...There is no justification how this so called doctor was taken out...but not feeling bad about it doesn't make you a bad person...in my mind the question is now what are we going to do to help make women make better choices...

Winning them to Christ is a start, but christian women are having abortions at an alarming rate...so we have to do more...we have to engage...pay attention to what our friends are thinking, have open conversations about this subject...

How about being more involved in things like foster care and adoption...it's one thing to stand up and proclaim that abortion is wrong, but it's another thing to give women an alternative to it...

Let's let this passion that many have been feeling motivate us to get involved and be a part of actually decreasing this damnable practice in this country...

Uh Oh...now we have to do something...

Abortion Doctor

2009-06-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

Wow...the emotions are running high with the murder of one of a few late term abortion doctors...I don't think that there are too many Christians who would condone the murder of this man...but the feeling that is running rampant is that there are many who do not feel sorry that this has happened.

Some feel guilty that they are having these feelings but struggle with it because of the atrocities that have taken place to almost 60,000 aborted babies at the hands of this one man...

It is obvious that this murder was wrong and should have never taken place the way it did, but what do we do with all of these feelings...

I have some more thoughts but I would love to have you weigh in...

Pastor Dan

Truth...

2009-05-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

When all the dust settles where does the truth that governs your life find it's footing? In a culture where information flows so freely, comes at us relentlessly, from every direction, how do we know where to find our bearings? Who do we believe, who do we trust. Knowledge has to come from somewhere. Or does it?

So many of those who are throwing stuff at us from so many directions speak from where? Probably no where otherwise where would they find time to write all this stuff...I laugh about people who try and tell us how to do stuff who have never done anything...OK "Stuff" is the operative word today...

I am interested in what you have to say, but to start things off, I got to say that I believe that all truth comes from Truth Himself...

Jesus said, "I am the truth and the life...so you want life, you better get the truth...

So many people say that because men penned the scripture you can't trust it, but don't leave God out of the equation...it's part of the miracle.

It is a book that has withstood the test of time...every generation since it was given has challenged it's relevancy and authenticity...

Some of the most so called brilliant people in every generation have done everything they could to disprove and compromise it as a book of truth...

So think about this...it's still here...we are still faced with a choice to believe in it or not, faced with a choice because it hasn't gone anywhere...

I choose to let it be my guide, I choose to let the Holy Spirit that lives in me help me sort it out...

What's your thoughts? No really...

Hypocrisy

2009-05-06T14:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed how people on the outside think that we are a bunch of Hypocrites...They do because we don't live up to a standard of expectation that someone, somewhere along the way established.

Actually we have educated them by standing up and preaching about things that they shouldn't do...the only problem was we were doing what we were telling them not to do...Thus the reputation of a Hypocrite was born...

In the beginning of my walk it was about Jesus and that was it, but somewhere along the line it became about me...what I was doing or what I wasn't doing...I call it a performance based mentality...when that happened it quit being fun...it seemed like the harder I tried to change the less I changed...

I don't know how it happened but at one of my lowest moments...I learned something...this isn't really about me, it's about Jesus...it's not about me living up, it's about living in Him...

I found this great verse...Matthew 6:6 Message

Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play with God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.

Wow...quit role-playing before God...quit making it about you and what you think you are suppose to be and just find that place in God where you know that you are accepted and loved...

Let Him make something out of your life and leave it at that...

Well it's just a thought, what do you think, what have been some of your struggles...

Vacation Silence

2009-04-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

Well I hate to do this, but I'm going on vacation today...A week in the Carribean with my best friend...Let's start the dialogue when I get back...until then start thinking about what's on your heart, the questions you have always wanted to ask...

Up and Running

2009-04-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

Well I'm going to try this blogging thing...why not, I'm a tweeter...I'm on face book, and now this...

I look forward to carrying on some great discussions...it's not been a part of the ministry that I have traditionally carried out...lecturing carries it's own unique challenges and definitely has a place, but it doesn't foster an openness where someone can have a safe harbor to ask the questions they have...

Some do afterward, but most just move on with unresolved issues...

So let's talk...