Posts by: Brian Dolleman

Yesterday was Father’s Day. It got me thinking about all the things I got from my dad… like baldness. I have the exact same bald patches on my head as my father. I’m pretty sure it’s in the genes.

Another thing I got from m dad: my striking good looks – I’m just a younger version of him.

I also got his skinny tie from the 1960’s. I wore it on Sunday. It’s pretty fly.

My dad provided for me – I never had to worry about the basic needs in life. Because of him, I’m confident and secure.

My dad has always loved my mom – and I never had to worry about our family breaking up. His example taught me how to love one woman faithfully.

For my entire life, I’ve watched my dad worship God, serve the church faithfully, give generously and encourage his pastors. He modeled loving God, loving people and loving life… and I totally get it.

My dad doesn’t yell, stomp, get violent or lose control. He has shown me how to be calm, live peacefully and not let my emotions get out of control.

My dad taught me to work hard, give 10% to God and save money from every paycheck. He paid cash for every car. He paid off his home mortgages early. I’ve never seen him use a credit card. He saved for family vacations. He never spent more than he made. He helped me buy my first car. He paid for half of my college education. He gave me the down payment for my first house. He retired at age 50 because he could.

Because of my dad, I’m not in debt, I know how to handle money, I know how to invest and I’m taking care of my daughter like he took care of me.

We went on family vacations every year. Because of my dad, I love to travel (and I like road trips).

My dad loves dessert – I got that from him too.

The worst words I’ve ever heard my dad say: crud, crap and knucklehead. I’d be doing pretty good if that was the worst stuff coming out of my mouth.

I love my dad. Because of him, I know how to hire plumbers, mechanics and other handy-man types… and I know that everything I got from my dad (including my bald head) is a blessing.

Thank you daddy.

When you get to know Jesus, you discover what grace is all about.

Know Jesus & you will know grace…

Grace loves, gives & forgives.

Grace changes everything.

Without it, we’re all sunk. But grace is our lifeline.

Grace is the good news.

Grace does what we can’t.

It’s impossible to remain angry while embracing grace… open that angry fist and get a grip on grace!

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words… Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4.31, 32 NLT)

You know the story of Cain and Abel, right?

The first kids… Cain was a farmer. His younger brother, Abel, was a herdsman.

The brothers brought offerings to God. Cain brought some produce; Abel brought a firstborn animal from his herd.

God was pleased with Abel’s offering but Cain didn’t get God’s approval. There are many theories and ideas about why (including a pretty funny explanation of how God approves of meat-eaters but not vegetarians or vegans).

I’m not so interested in the theories of why one offering was better than the other. It’s what happened next that fascinates me – Cain throws a huge tissy fit.

“Cain lost his temper and went into a sulk. God spoke to Cain: ‘Why this tantrum? Why the sulking? If you do well, won’t you be accepted?’ Cain had words with his brother. They were out in the field; Cain came at Abel his brother and killed him.” (Genesis 4.5-8 MSG).

Yikes! What a terrible overreaction of hostility flowing from this little boy’s bruised ego.

I’m not even sure who Cain was mad at…

Was he mad at God? Himself? His younger brother? Everyone? Just embarrassed, hurt and mad at the world?

It’s scary what flows from us when we’re upset. Without grace we are bitter, angry, petty, vindictive and hurtful. Without grace, we destroy relationships.

We need grace.

Grace loves, covers, forgives, accepts, receives, restores, heals, blesses, encourages, rejoices and builds.

God, give us grace!

Remember the 1990’s’ expression “talk to the hand”? It’s a contemptuous way of expressing rejection, saying “no one is listening to you”. The phrase is usually accompanied by the gesture a traffic cop makes to stop traffic.

Contrast “talk to the hand” with a hug…

“Talk to the hand” communicates angry rejection. A hug communicates acceptance and love.

God has not put his hand up toward you in angry rejection. No, His arms are open with acceptance and love.

“God didn’t set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. He died for us, a death that triggered life… we’re alive with him!

So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind.” (1 Thessalonians 5.9-11 MSG)

Anger sticks up the hand of rejection.

Grace opens its arms with love and acceptance.

Let’s do for others what God has done for us… give grace.

Speak encouraging words. Build up hope. No one left out, no one left behind.

No more “talk to the hand” angry rejection of others. Instead, hug.

Arms open with acceptance and love.

I recently heard a comedian say, “I carry a gun for when I get my feelings hurt.”

My first reaction – giggle.

My second reaction – think about the sad truth of his joke…

Our bruised egos inspire terrible overreactions of spite.

Jesus was rejected at a particular village because He didn’t intend to stay there very long. Disciples James and John picked up the offense for Jesus and were inspired to unleash some fiery judgment…

“Lord, should we call down fire from heaven and burn them up?” (Luke 9.54)

Uh, talk about overreaction! Jesus rebuked James and John…

“You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” (Luke 9.55, 56 NKJV)

Grace saves – not destroys.

Grace breathes forgiveness – not fire.

Grace changes everything.

If you’ve read the New Testament, I’m sure you noticed these words coupled together: “grace and peace.”

“May God give you more and more grace and peace…” (2 Peter 1.2)

It’s always in that order – “grace and peace,” not “peace and grace.” Why? Because that would be putting the cart before the horse.

It’s “grace and peace” because we cannot know the peace of God in our hearts until we have experienced the grace of God in our lives.

God’s grace brings peace – not stress, anxiety, worry, fear, shame, resentment, bitterness, anger or frustration.

Trying hard, working, striving, getting wound-up and freaking out will never bring peace in your life.

Relax. Receive God’s grace. You will have peace.

A trouble-free life was never promised to any of us.

If you’re alive, you’re gonna face some troubles…

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” (Romans 8.35, 37).

Having troubles doesn’t mean God has stopped loving us.

He loves us – he always has and he always will.

Despite our troubles, overwhelming victory is ours through Jesus Christ.

Our current troubles will not have the final word.

We’ve been given a sneak peak and we know that the story ending is good: overwhelming victory is ours!

Here’s a really important truth: even in our troubles, we don’t have to be “troubled.”

Paul explained:

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed…

we are perplexed, but not driven to despair…

we are hunted down, but never abandoned by God…

we get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4.8-10).

Jesus said it this way: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled.”

We have a loving, compassionate, grace-giving God who knows what we’re going through. He does not abandon his kids.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8.28)

On Saturday, I ran a half marathon – from Tukwila to Alki. After running a few miles through an industrial area, a new view came into sight: the Seattle skyline.

This new view was in sharp contrast to what I had been looking at. The old view was ugly and cluttered. The new view was majestic, clean and beautiful.

The city skyline was there all along.. I just wasn’t close enough to see it.

Proximity affects perspective.

Grace puts us right with God and makes us close to Him.

Grace changes our perspective.

Grace gives us a new view.

“Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ – that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.” (Colossians 3.2 MSG)

See things from his perspective…

He’s not: stressed-out, depressed, angry, worried, overwhelmed, afraid, insecure, bitter or running on empty.

He is: victorious, life-giving, more than enough, our advocate, all-sufficient, loving, compassionate, our savior, our healer and our provider.

Remember, proximity affects perspective.

Get close to Jesus and you will have a new view.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it.” (Matthew 11.29 MSG)

A friend of mine recently said it this way: “Stress, strain, worry and fear does not flow from our Jesus. If we find ourselves in that place, we have found ourselves… not Jesus.” -Zac Gandara

Listen to people talk… you’ll quickly notice themes (like your computer’s desktop wallpaper / theme):

“Things are really difficult right now.”

“It’s just challenging.”

“Life can be hard, you know?”

-and-

“Things are great!”

“I’m having the time of my life.”

“God has been good to me.”

There’s no question – life brings challenges, obstacles and difficulties. This is true for everyone.

However, for those who have experienced God’s grace, their outlook on life is different. Grace changes everything!

Jesus said, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it.

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11.29-30 MSG).

I love this!

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.

God won’t put anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.

Keep company with Jesus and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.