Thank you for visiting my site. Hope you’ll hang around a while, get acquainted, and come back soon and often. Your friends are welcome, too.
It seems a word about me might be in order, although it isn’t what I consider important. My background and training are in ministry. I felt called, was trained and inclined to serve. And tried to do that for several years in the Church, serving in about every capacity up to and including Senior Pastor. Hospital Chaplain, Greensboro, N.C.Fire Department Chaplain, and volunteer Chaplain for an Army Reserve Unit. Because of some personal and painful circumstances, I went through what I call an “eclipse of faith” (That’s Baptist speak for “backslid.”), resigned from the Church I was serving at the time and left the ministry. There was no scandal involved. I simply came to a place where my doubts were greater than my faith. When I reached a point where I felt I could no longer have served as MY pastor, I could not serve in that role for you or anyone else. Put simply, I could not “fake it.” I couldn’t wear a mask, so I resigned from the pastorate.
It doesn’t seem to be important to discuss details of those days past, beyond saying I’m extremely sorry I decided to resign and have made every possible attempt to re-establish a right relationship with God and the Church. I’ve discovered that the most difficult problem most of us have is accepting the fact that we’ve actually been accepted. Really been accepted and forgiven. Even when God is “faithful and just” and forgives us as we “confess our sins,” it’s hard for us to forgive ourselves. I still have to work on that, but I AM working on it. My desire to know and love God, and serve Him faithfully for the rest of my life is as much a part of me as breathing and having my heart beat. If you’ve ever been in anything close to this kind of situation, you know that a burning, yearning desire to serve won’t go away. I feel a deepening desire to study Scripture carefully and then feel equally driven to share some of the insights gained. The internet seemed to furnish an ideal outlet for me, a “bully pulpit” from which I could communicate some of my discoveries. In turn, it also can provide a forum in which those who choose to read and think with me can share their own insights. I would welcome and respect your thoughtful participation and response.
Beyond that, I have no other identifiable motive or reason for this undertaking. I’m not trying to get anyone to join anything. I’m not running for or from anything. I’m not trying to sell anything, because I really don’t have anything that is for sale. If you appreciate what is said, of course your encouragement in the form with which you feel most comfortable would be welcome. If you choose to reflect on my effort and respond with your own ideas, suggestions, and questions, that would be wonderful. I don’t have an “axe to grind,” and will not deal with denominational or political issues or any matters that are deliberately or unnecessarily controversial or divisive. That is simply not my purpose in this endeavour.
My approach will be: First, opening statements about how I study the Bible. This will deal with tools, techniques and methods I’ve found to be helpful in my own personal effort to grow spiritually. Then, I will use those tools to study specific passages in the “Book.” In the beginning, I’ll deal with parts that have been helpful to me, personally, as I attempt to follow Christ and apply ancient truths to present reality. Some of the discoveries have really brought great strength and hope to me, when both have seemed in dismally short supply.
I honestly don’t consider myself a “scholar,” but I try to be a careful “student.” If you find the approach to be helpful, without any strings attached, I invite you to join this expedition. This is an invitation not just to watch how my mind works, but also a sincere invitation and request that you share your own insights as well.
Wow! That seems to be more than enough for a beginning!! It is probably obvious to you that this is my first attempt at using a great tool. . . I’ll try to learn quickly and try not to bore you with my rambling or stumbling, bumbling efforts. And I will appreciate your patience and value your response.
To be continued. . .donkimrey
P. S. I’m really not skilled at the computer, although I’m trying. If you want to contact me directly, you may do so at Post Office Box 55, Sneads Ferry, N.C. 28460, Telephone (910) 328 1763
Very well thought out and insightful. I just got bogged-down with so many questions thrown at me all at once. But, then I am used to teaching a younger crowd! Sometimes the simpler it is the more meaningful it becomes. I am saying that you might want to start off with fewer questions. Some people need more explaning. Too many questions in the beginning might lose some people before they really get “hooked”. Build up the momentum, gradually, to keep your audiences attention. Then, end with a really thought-provoking question or more to keep your audience “tuned in.” Just a thought…Good Luck DK!! (That will be two cents, please…) 🙂
Dear Don, As someone I know will often use the phrase “good stuff”, that’s just what I say now “GOOD STUFF”. Will pass this on to my dear husband.
You have written excellent material. When you go into the word “acceptable” I would suggest that you will find that word well represented in Romans 12:1-2, in the well-known King James Version. It is used there twice, the first time to talk about something that is “acceptable” to God, and the second time something that is “acceptable” to us.
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Just a word of encouragement; I know you’re having a positive impact in places you might not see.
Follow the “Peter Principle”. Not the modern business one, but the “Make lots of mistakes and still be a champion for God” one. I’m not the first to make big mistakes and still be loved afterwards.
Hey Don, Thanks for the comment over at my site. I’ll be sure to check in on yours too. I’m sure I’ll learn quite a few things from your blogging approach!
Hi, Don~
Years ago, I told my minister that I felt that I was pushing a huge rock up an impossible hill when I tried to work out spiritual matters. He said this to me: “Join the club!” The journey continues….
Very well thought out and insightful. I just got bogged-down with so many questions thrown at me all at once. But, then I am used to teaching a younger crowd! Sometimes the simpler it is the more meaningful it becomes. I am saying that you might want to start off with fewer questions. Some people need more explaning. Too many questions in the beginning might lose some people before they really get “hooked”. Build up the momentum, gradually, to keep your audiences attention. Then, end with a really thought-provoking question or more to keep your audience “tuned in.” Just a thought…Good Luck DK!! (That will be two cents, please…)
+1
What a thoughtful thing to do! I appreciate your sharing your opinions and will certainly try to keep all good suggestions in mind. The things you read early on were just “starters.” i reckon I leaned a bit toward the “Socratic method” in teaching…That is, in trying to provoke someone to think (not necessarily agree with me), it makes more sense to ask what they think. Plus, one of my sons who’s one of my greatest mentors and teachers almost always ends our sessions with a question: “Does that make sense?”
Thanks for dropping by. Hope you’ll look at some of the other posts and contribute more of your insights. ~donkimrey
Thanks so much for taking time to write. I also addressed your reply on the site. I’d like for you to know that I place great value on such comments as yours and hope you’ll feel free to drop in often, comment freely, and offer any suggestions you have which will enable me to do a better job. I’m also interested in knowing how folks come across my site. Do you have a blog? I’ll certainly owe you a return visit, along with this appreciation for your taking time to help me improve. Good wishes to you. ~donkimrey
I enjoyed reading your testimony. Thank you for stopping by my page. That was very encouraging to me, as I am very new to this site. This is my first month being on site. Hopefully, we will be able to fellowship. I would like that.
Hi dk. I’m pleased to meet a brother in the Lord and to read your testimony. We all have different experiences, thrill at different promises and have problems with others.
Because my conversion was so dramatic I’ve NEVER had a moment of doubt (chapters 4-7 in my life story will explain just how dramatic). When God works in such a way, it is impossible to doubt Him (although this doesn’t apply when I ignore His promise and choose to go my own way at times, but I never doubt that He IS)
Because of my early life and my years of Catholicism I haven’t had problems accepting that I am accepted by God, ADOPTED by a perfect Father into His family and that my sins, once forgiven, are completely GONE and God has NO remembrance of them.
As I say, we all have different experiences and that is great. I love to read how God is working in the lives of others. I’m about to check out your blogs.
Angela
Hello there! I miss seeing you around the site the last few days. Perhaps you have your ear to God’s mouth, waiting to hear a rhema word from Him. I hope to hear what the Lord has given you to share, very soon. God bless you!
Actually, I have been “listening.” Racked up in a hospital bed, there isn’t a lot more you can do. In addition, I’ve really been wrestling with one of the “Saints” (Jacob, coincidentally.). Haven’t found a lot about him that’s admirable. It’s also a tough subject for me to grapple with because I’ve got a friend who’s just like him. It isn’t the kind of thing people like to read, and it’s certiainly not the kind of “comeback kid” I want to deal with. But it seems to be something which needs to be dealt with. Incidentally, I’ve gone through a couple editions now of God’s Comeback Kids. Wish you’d check out some sample chapters and let me know what you thing: Godscomebackkids.com. How are you doing/ I love that infectious, contagious enthusiasm! donkimrey
I too have had a place in ministry and have allowed doubt to have place in my heart. Not doubt of a loving God, but doubt in man’s ability to truly seek Him in the “buisiness” of church. Baptist also. I have seen the other side of this “industry” and have stepped out of the “work force” to take a good long hard look at scripture and what God has intended for His church. Visiting other denominations and reading history of the church. I find your writing to be most descriptive of what is in my heart. There is so much more to scripture than surface words and I appreciate your in depth look/searching of the scripture. As you take in to account the history and the meanings behind the acts mentioned in the scriptures (such as the annointing with oil) you search in full, the meaning. I appreciate this curiosity to KNOW Him more. I would like to follow your research. I also appreciate the respect that you give in gentle confidence to opposing thoughts that may come with a bit of rudeness and disreguard to people. Your nature seems to flow as the Love that His word imparts.
In short, I dig your personality that comes through your words and thoughts. Thank you for sharing. I will be following.
Hello Don! Thank you for stopping by my blog at Faith1st Ministry. I like you, have been very busy of late but I will take the time to check your other site out and your book. I wish you God’s best in your work for Him! God Bless! — Sebastian
Sounds like we are on the same page with using this great tool called blogging. I’m looking forward to reading your posts.