Dwell...

"Let the Peace of Christ rule your heart...

Let the Message of Christ dwell..."

[Colossians 3:15,16]

As sit in the studio and pray before speaking tonight on Cornerstone Television Network, the Old Rugged Cross is being played in the background by my brother and great friend, Rick Gallagher...I am overwhelmed with the Presence of our God!  "In Christ Alone" we stand...our feet set on solid ground...and we rejoice in the "blessings beyond belief" that Christ has poured out on our family and in Jackson's life! Our God is a Great and Awesome God...

I know many of your are wondering...Jackson is doing very well!  The last 3 days have been tremendous days of rest, sleep and "family time" - as Kelly, Jackson and I were especially missing our Bubba (Carter) and Princess Jordyn - in a great place of sanctuary at the farm!  

{Brotherly Love...}

Yesterday's appointment with Jackson's surgical team went very well!  His Chest X-ray was completely clear, and his oxygen saturations and heart pressures have never been better!  He is "almost" doing too well from the doctor's perspective...because appearances can be deceiving!  

{Stitches are out...}

{Nurse Joann - CT Surgical Team - and her "ducklings"}

{Jackson said "cheese" and then "Thank You" when it was over!} 

We have found that it is harder to keep a 2 year old contained than what we had anticipated, as Jackson is not able to climb stairs, ruff house, run, ride bike, swim or be in a nursery for 6 weeks!  Obviously...this is where we need you to focus your prayers!   This is a giving us a whole new definition to the word "recovery".

We will remain in PA for the rest of this week, and then travel home to Charlotte over the weekend - and we look forward to being home and embracing our church family and friends who have been so wonderful in their support, love and encouragement!  

Continue to keep all eyes on Jesus...and dwell in the Presence of our God!  

For those of you who were unable to watch tonight's show on Cornerstone Television, below is my teaching script and the show will be archived at www.ctvn.org next week...

Mr. and Mrs. Barrett - no matter what I find, what diagnosis I share, we will prepare for the worst, yet remain hopeful for the best!"

I never will forget those words or the moment that Dr Speer walked into the ultrasound room to share the news that our unborn son – Jackson Douglas – has hypo-plastic left heart syndrome.  My wife and I had a miscarriage between our first and second child, and we thought we were prepared to hear the worst…but how does one receive the news of a fatal diagnosis that you can hardly pronounce, yet medically understand?   How does one respond to a storm - that they did not choose - but has been thrusted upon them?  How does one dwell in the Presence of Almighty God - Our Creator and Our Sustainer - when our dreams are shattered by the voice of a stranger?

 

We live in a world that thrives on drama.  A culture that seeks happiness, comfort and possession through perpetual motion, spontaneous reaction and instant gratification…But how do we respond – not react - to earth shattering news?  How do we – as God’s chosen people, who are to clothe themselves in love, peace and joy - respond in our daily decisions, let alone the storms in life?

As Kelly and I have walked this broken hearted journey over the last 3 years, many have asked – including ourselves – how do you still believe in a perfect loving God when your son is in this condition?  Where do you find the strength, the joy and the peace to deal with unknown and the uncertainty in Jackson’s life as you walk through the valley of the shadow of death?  We dwell in the Presence of God, by fixing our EYES ON JESUS!

Jesus told us that in this world we will have trouble.  That is His Promise in John chapter 16, not mine.  But we – who know Jesus - are to take heart, because He overcame this world.  Not He will overcome or is overcoming…no He overcame the very trouble, trial, and decision that you are now facing…have faced…or soon will face!  And it is this message of Christ that we are to dwell upon! 

I want to pause - just for a second - and look at two verses found in Colossians chapter 3. 

In Colossians 3 verse 16 we are taught to

"Let the message of Christ dwell among us..."

but do not overlook verse 15...

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts."

Why would we dwell on the message of Christ – if we first don’t know the peace found in Him? If we do not have a personal relationship with Christ – peace will not rule our hearts.  And if it is peace that we desire – we must first come to Jesus.  If we want to find rest in the current circumstance…or make the wise decision… or overcome the obstacle…we must first let the Peace of Christ rule our heart, so can dwell in His Message!  

We must wait upon Him!  But not just wait upon him for the next step, we must wait upon Him without an agenda!  We must Dwell in His Presence!  For it is in His Presence that we find His Promise, Power and Peace.

In the midst of the storm that you currently face, the journey you traveling, I encourage you to respond to the invitation of Almighty God to come into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.  Allow the Peace of Christ to rule your heart today, so you can dwell in the Presence of God that is found only in relationship with His Son. 

Jesus is not a temporary retreat.  He is our Rock, our Refuge, and our Redeemer!  In this very moment, allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to a place where Christ becomes your home…not your hotel!   Let the Peace of Christ rule your heart, and dwell in His Message.