I Cannot Imagine

Today I would like to share the story of my song is called I Cannot Imagine. I wrote it on August 19th of 2016. When I think about my life and the things that I could live without, a vast myriad of things come to mind. I imagine I could live without a car, even though getting from place to place may require help from a lot of different people. I imagine I could live without a house, provided I have at least a tarp or some other covering over my head. I imagine I could live without fantasy and adventure and thriller movies, even though I don't like to imagine that, lol! I could go on making an extensive list of things I imagine I could live without, but my heart and mind come to a standstill when it comes to things I imagine I cannot live without.

Of course, the first things that come to mind trying to imagine I could not live without would be the basic essentials of life. The air I breathe. The food I eat. The water I drink. The sorts of things that make human life and existence even possible. But then I come to a deeper realization of things I don't think I could live without and the list grows quite lengthy. I try not to imagine it, but I don't think I could live without my wife, Melinda. I know that if I were to lose her, God would somehow give me grace to get through…but I still do not like to imagine such a thing.

Through the years, people have derided me for having nine children due to their perception that it somehow negatively affects the culture in which we live and puts a greater strain upon the earth and its resources, but I cannot imagine losing one of my children. That would devastate me just as losing my wife would devastate me. With that being said, my faith in God gives me the hope of God’s grace should something like the loss of a child ever occur; grace that would help me bear such grief and sorrow; grace that would help me through the long, dark nights of loneliness and sorrow; grace that would give me a constant awareness of God's presence in my life.

The good news is that because I have had over 40 years of experiencing God's amazing grace as a new creation in Christ, I have evidence that tells me God can get me through anything. The other bottom line truth is that I cannot imagine trying to live my life apart from the love and grace and presence of Almighty God.

Following is the story behind the song I Cannot Imagine from August 2016:


 Sometimes I feel so bombarded by the cares of the world that I forget how good life is. Currently, we are going through a dry time in our finances...not having a paycheck for over 6 weeks is rough...and exacerbated when you break a tooth...AC goes out in your house...and then goes out in your office...and then you get a water bill for about 10 times what it normally is...oh, and then you throw in online harassment or trolling, as the kids are saying these days, and it is understandable why one might feel bombarded! But Truth trumps feelings...and we are determined to get to the Truth. Our bottom line? So what if we lose everything? What's the worst that can happen? We could die…but that just means our physical bodies die, but our true being…our inner core identity…is instantly present with Jesus and all pain and suffering are dealt with once and for all and peace rules our hearts and minds for all eternity.

Of course, the enemy wants us to be deceived into believing God does not exist or God does not care for us or that God does not love us or that God only intermittently intervenes in our lives occasionally. To think of God in such a manner is considered vain imagination; imagining God as having the nature and wisdom of man; in other words, having stinking thinking about God by seeing him through the filter of the depravity of mankind. This song came as I wrestled through such lies to get to the Truth. And guess what I have found? Truth wins.


Lead me in Your truth and teach me,

For You are the God of my salvation;

For You I wait all the day.

Psalm 25:5 NASB

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 NASB 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage battle according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5 [We are] destroying arguments (vain imaginations) and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and [we are] taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 6 and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.

Here's the good news: we do not have to imagine God not being with us. We never leave his presence. We may choose to not acknowledge his presence or we may simply forget that he is with us every second of our lives and in every breath we take, but he never, ever leaves us or forsakes us…and we can take that to the bank. What I have found, ultimately, is that even in the middle of nowhere moments of my life, God is right there in the smack dab middle of it all…with me. And that gives me peace and hope and a sense of security even while the world seems to be falling apart around me. Our God is good. Let's put off the vain imaginations the enemy would have us think about our God and his love and put on the truth of just how massively great our God's love for us truly is.

Now, go and live like you believe God loves you…and simply be who your Father says you are. And, while you’re at it, dare to dream and stand in awe and wonder of how great and faithful Jesus Is. And remember, the same God that got our forefathers and foremothers through is the same God that will get us through. Trust Him to meet you in the middle of trying times with the necessary grace to see you through and to be with you every step of the way. Imagine that…

Dennis Jernigan

To hear The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this blog and to hear the song, go to http://podcast.dennisjernigan.com/e/i-cannot-imagine/

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/07/18/03/22/thought-2514632_1280.jpg

Faith of Our Fathers

Some of the greatest joys of my life are the songs God has blessed me with through the past 40 some odd years of my life. These songs saw me through college, through the battles fought for my freedom from the bondage of sin, through almost 40 years of marriage now, through the raising of nine amazing children, through the births of 13 grandchildren, and now through the battle I now wage with Parkinson’s Disease. I have a little secret for you. Parkinson’s does not win. I use it for God’s kingdom and find that God is with me smack dab in the middle of Parkinson’s. God is good like that. Faithful and True like that.

Another thing that brings me great joy are the times I get to share the stories behind my songs. Even the older ones still bring comfort and joy and the healing power of God’s love and presence when I sing them. When I was a boy, I did not know there were other faith-based songs out there aside from those in the hymnal. I was our church pianist from the time I was 10 years old and could not read a lick of music, but I could play any song I heard…so I practically memorized the songs we sang each week and often did not even turn to the hymnal page. They were engrained on my psyche.

Imagine the explosion that went off in my mind when I got to college and someone introduced me to the music of 2nd Chapter of Acts and Keith Green! I went nuts for their songs because they put my prayers - my deepest heart’s longings for forgiveness and love and acceptance and affirmation and approval - into a modern musical form that I could relate to. It sounded like the world but it transported me out of this world and into the unavoidable awareness that God was with me and my life was forever changed. But I never forgot the old hymns…which brings me to the story behind today’s song.

Today’s song is called Faith of Our Fathers and I wrote it in October of 2016. Following is what I wrote about the song after I had received it:


 As I watch our culture fall into moral and spiritual decay, I feel compelled to look back through time and see how those who went before us handled such situations. I found people willing to stand alone for righteousness (Like Stephen, a contemporary of Jesus’ disciples who was stoned to death for his faith, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian who was hanged by the Nazis for his). I found people willing to preach Truth when no one seemed to be listening (Jeremiah, Keith Green). I found those who went against the grain of the culture of the state as well as the culture of religion (Jesus, Paul).

Things they had in common? Reverence for God; they called sin, sin; they pointed people to their need of a Savior; they were so convinced of God’s massive love that the massiveness of that love outweighed and dispelled any fear they had; they obeyed God rather than the fear of man; they pointed people to the cross for the remedy for their sin; they were receivers of God’s grace; they did not compromise the Truth even when faced with death. I could go on, but you get the point.

I long for a return to that kind of faith in God. As I long for such a return I am drawn to the old hymns more than when I was a young man because they are straightforward in their proclamation of God’s Truth and sovereignty and of His enduring, unfailing massive love for us. This song came as I pondered these things. May it encourager and strengthen your heart and mind. See if you remember the portions of a few of the old hymns I incorporate in the song as we seek to get back to the faith of our fathers. I will place a link to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this blog below so you can actually hear the song.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB

As you go about your week, incorporate some of your favorite hymns into your private worship times. I happen to have a recording called Hymns 1 that I think you may find helpful. Just go to my website, www.dennisjernigan.com, and purchase a copy there or simply stream it on your favorite music streaming service. You can find the mp3 of today’s song, Faith of Our Fathers, on my brand new recording called Might As Well Be Happy.

Now, go and live like you believe God loves you…and simply be who your Father says you are. And, while you’re at it, dare to dream and stand in awe and wonder of how great and faithful Jesus is. And remember, the same God that got our forefathers and foremothers through is the same God that will get us through. Trust Him to meet you in the middle of trying times with the necessary grace to see you through and to be with you every step of the way.

Dennis Jernigan

Take a break and listen right now and listen to the song, Faith of Our Fathers, at http://podcast.dennisjernigan.com/e/faith-of-our-fathers/

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2019/08/31/01/15/hymnals-4442608_1280.jpg

How Lovely Are Thy Dwelling Places

How Lovely Are Thy Dwelling Places

Today I want to tell you about a song called How Lovely Are Thy Dwelling Places. It came to me way back during the month of November of 1986. I had just been leading worship at my church in Oklahoma City for a few months when this song was born. It began to come to me after reading Psalm 84.

Psalm 84:1-12 NASB

1 For the music director; on the Gittith.

A Psalm of the sons of Korah.

How lovely are Your dwelling places,

LORD of armies!

2 My soul longed and even yearned for the courtyards of the LORD;

My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.

3 The bird also has found a house,

And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may put her young:

Your altars, LORD of armies, My King and my God.

4 Blessed are those who dwell in Your house!

They are ever praising You. Selah

5 Blessed is the person whose strength is in You,

In whose heart are the roads [to Zion!]

6 Passing through the Valley of Baca they make it a spring;

The early rain also covers it with blessings.

7 They go from strength to strength,

[Every one of them] appears before God in Zion.

8 LORD God of armies, hear my prayer;

Listen, God of Jacob! Selah

9 See our shield, God,

And look at the face of Your anointed.

10 For a day in Your courtyards is better than a thousand [elsewhere.]

I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God Than live in the tents of wickedness.

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;

The LORD gives grace and glory;

He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.

12 LORD of armies,

Blessed is the person who trusts in You!

Although it was inspired initially by Psalm 84 and the fact that the Lord’s presence is my dwelling place, the deeper inspiration came from the realization of two other dwelling places. One of those places is the body of Christ itself…the people who make up the body of Christ.

Whenever I see or experience people worshiping together, I feel I am at home…like the very body of Christ is a sanctuary for me…and when I think of all the stories of redeeming love expressing their gratitude to God together I get overwhelmed with just how awesome the healing power of knowing Christ is. It’s like being sheltered in the praises of hundreds of kindred spirits and kindred hearts because we were all redeemed by the same Savior. When I see the body of Christ worshiping Jesus as one, I am overwhelmed with the beauty of the garments of praise clothing those new creations in Christ. And we can take that recognition of the beauty of the body of Christ and boil it down to its lowest common denominator.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and [that] you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19 NASB

I am literally His dwelling place - a temple for His glory. You are literally His dwelling place! Every time I worship Him, I acknowledge this truth and become fully aware of His presence in my life. I love singing this song even after all these years because of the simplicity of this truth. 

This song came during November of 1986. I cannot believe I have never given it a wide release before now. When I think of God's presence, I firmly believe I never leave His presence nor does He leave mine. That means that during times when I feel He is not near that I either do not acknowledge Him or I simply forget He is here.

Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Or where can I flee from Your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, You are there;

If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.

[If] I take up the wings of the dawn,

[If] I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,

Even there Your hand will lead me,

And Your right hand will take hold of me.

[If] I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,

And the light around me will be night,"

Even darkness is not dark to You,

And the night is as bright as the day.

Darkness and light are alike [to You.]

Psalm 139:7-12 NASB

Let’s do this, brothers and sisters. Let’s think about the fact that we, as new creations, are His dwelling place. We are the dwelling place of the God of the universe! That should take our breath away. When we see other people of faith, we should honor them as dwelling places of God Almighty. When we see unbelievers, we should extend to them our love as potential dwelling places of our amazing God.

Dennis Jernigan

To hear The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this blog and to hear the song, How Lovely Are Thy Dwelling Places, go to http://podcast.dennisjernigan.com/e/how-lovely-are-thy-dwelling-places/

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/09/19/22/46/lake-1681485_1280.jpg

Use Me

The purpose of this weekly blog is to share the stories behind the songs God has written through my life along with the stories of my personal struggles, the storms of my life, the fiery trials I have gone through, the pain and sorrow I have experienced along the way…and how God has used each and every one of those episodes to bring me joy and bring me to a place of hopefulness and purpose in my life. Everyone wants to feel they have a purpose in life. Everyone wants to feel useful and not just a wasted space.

This week’s song is called Use Me and I received it on August 13, 2016 which seems so long ago now, but means even more to me than the day I wrote it. A huge part of the reason it has more significance for me now is because I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in January of 2019 and with that diagnosis, came an extended period of time when I wondered if God was through with me…through with my life. Just being honest here.

After several months of denial and self-pity, I came to the conclusion that I could either see PD from God’s point of view or I could see it from my point of view. I chose to see it from His point of view and found the truth to be very freeing. I stopped denying the diagnosis and decided to use it for the kingdom of God. PD does not have me. I have it, meaning God can use even PD for my good and for His glory. That simple change of perspective nipped self-pity in the bud and allowed me to go from despair to joy almost instantaneously. Another way to see it: if I’m still breathing, God can and will use me for His kingdom…and that does my soul well.

Many times, people feel their sordid pasts makes them unworthy of use. Many times, people believe they have nothing special to offer anyone or that they have no significant talents. Many times, people simply believe the lie of the enemy that constantly berates them, saying, “You’re a nobody! You are a waste of time, energy, and space!” Many times, people feel their hearts or minds have been too broken for God to use. Many times, people feel that because of physical limitations, they have nothing useful to offer the King for use in His kingdom.

We often allow the shame and regret we tend to carry through life keep us from stepping out into service to the King. Some of us have been so burned by the fiery trials of life that we grow weary of the suffering. Some of us have weathered such horrendous storms of life that we dare not risk being hurt all over again.

All of those excuses can be remedied by one statement. God wastes nothing. Not our pain. Not our sorrow. Not even our failures. He is the God Who causes ALL things to work together for our good. The utter, bottom line truth is simple. If you are breathing, you are of use to the King and to the Kingdom! How do I know this? The answer is found in Romans 8:28:


And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to [His] purpose.Romans 8:28 NASB

When we believe God loves us and wants nothing but what’s best for us in this life, we find it easier to believe we are here on this earth for a reason. I can boil that reason down to a very simple statement. I am here to know Christ and to make Him known to others. If you are a new creation in Christ, that is your destiny and your purpose and should fill your mind with visions of how God can take the fishes and loaves of your lives and spread that little out to many around you.

If you are breathing, God can - and will - use you. Just trust Him. Cease striving to be useful to God and just live your life with Him and for Him and just watch how He uses you and your life for good…regardless of your circumstances.

Dennis Jernigan

To hear The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this teaching and to hear the song, Use Me, simply go to http://podcast.dennisjernigan.com/e/use-me/

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2021/06/03/11/54/man-6306922_1280.jpg

The Broken Part of Me

Today I’ll be sharing the story behind a song called, The Broken Part of Me, from the worship and ministry album called Might As Well Be Happy. This 16 song collection is meant to serve as a companion piece for my latest book, Parkinson’s and Recreation: One Man’s Journey Through Parkinson’s…So Far.

Even though I battle with Parkinson’s, the book is written from a humorous, joyful point of view. Regardless of my circumstances, I can choose to be sad and despair about it or I can choose to be joyful and use it for good and for the kingdom of God. If I have a choice in the matter, Might As Well Be Happy. See what I did there?

When I first received the diagnosis of Parkinson’s, I was absolutely devastated and went through a period of denial and self-pity…but that got old real quick and I decided to choose to think differently about Parkinson’s. It does not have me. I have it, meaning I will use it for good as I said earlier.

Still, I went through a period of adjustment in every area of my life. My voice was affected so singing was affected. My brain was often foggy so my writing was affected. My stamina was weakened so my relationships with my wife, my children, and my grandchildren were affected. At times, I honestly felt useless…broken beyond repair.

But then, the Lord brought to my memory (even though my memory is somewhat affected by Parkinson’s…or maybe I’m just getting old)…but, anyway, the Lord brought back to my memory a song called The Broken Part of Me. I had received the song on April 23, 2015. That’s four years before my diagnosis.

He used this song to help me begin to put my broken heart back together. Here’s the story behind the song:

In mid April 2015, I began preparing for the next installment of the Next Generation Creative Institute (a special bi-yearly mentoring-ministry time we used to hold in our home before Parkinson’s). As I try to do each time I have a special ministry time or event, I began asking the Lord if He had any special songs of deliverance or worship for this particular group.

Sitting down at my piano, I simply began to cry out to God the feelings that came upon me. This deep sadness came over me...and I knew the sadness was born of much pain and loss. Not thinking too much of the song (I felt it was incomplete), I set it aside as maybe for someone else further down the road. As we dove into the ministry of the weekend, one person’s story bore witness to the fact that I had tapped into a moment of their hurt with the words of this song.

As I sang it over this person in ministry, tears began to flow and healing began to take place. Immediately after this song was shared the Lord began pouring another song - a spontaneous song of deliverance - into my heart.

That song is called Rest and is included on my recording, Kingdom Come. You should give it a listen sometime…but for right now, let’s think about what it means to be broken. I have broken bones in my physical body several times over the course of my life. I have been broken emotionally many times over the course of my life. I have been broken mentally many times over the course of my life, especially as I face Parkinson's disease.

To be broken means having been fractured or damaged and no longer in one piece or no longer in working order. It can also mean having giving up all hope. There have been times in my life when I have felt so damaged or wounded I felt as if I was broken beyond repair. This often left me in the throes of despair.

How did I have those broken places in my life repaired? I went to the source of healing. I went to Jesus and he began to help me put together all the broken pieces of my life. One of the best healing tools He used was to help me recognize and renounce the lies of the enemy and replace those lies with the truth of God's Word. But first I had to get honest with myself and with God that I was, indeed, broken…but not without hope.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

A broken and a contrite heart, O God,

You will not despise.

Psalm 51:17 NASB

Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He

will exalt you. James 4:10 NASB

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted

And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18 NASB

Here I am now, 8 years down the road from when I first wrote the song and It means more to me than ever. The bottom line is simple. If you’re going to fall apart somewhere, fall apart in the arms of Jesus and allow Him to put the broken pieces of your life back together. He’s pretty good at it, you know. I have been broken but I have also been repaired. I proudly wear the scars of my brokenness in such a way that others can see the healing power and the healing grace and the healing work Jesus Christ has done in my life. I am not a victim. I am a victor. Jesus restores!

Dennis Jernigan

To hear The Dennis Jernigan podcast version of this week's blog and to hear the song, The Broken Part of Me, go to http://podcast.dennisjernigan.com/e/the-broken-part-of-me/

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/01/11/12/04/people-3075954_1280.jpg

Choose Your Thoughts Wisely

For the past 4 years I have been battling Parkinson’s Disease and I have discovered that I can choose how I think of Parkinson’s and its effects on me. First of all, Parkinson’s does not have me. I have it. What I mean by that is that I believe God causes all things to work together for my good…even Parkinson’s…so I plan to use it for the kingdom of God and to bless as many others along the journey as I can.

I can either see PD as a mountain or as a molehill. From my earthly point of view, I see a mountain, but from the Lord’s point of view I see a molehill. In the grand scheme of things, PD is a blip on the screen and basically an annoyance. What it is not is, it is not a death sentence; it is not what determines my happiness; it is not going to deter my choice to be joyful; and it certainly does not define me.

I recently released a new book called Parkinson’s & Recreation: One Man’s Journey Through Parkinson’s…So Far. It’s a humorous look at my life since I was first diagnosed and was, for me, a means of using laughter as a medicine for my soul and as a means of renewing my mind…of taking my thoughts captive rather than being controlled by my thoughts.

In addition to the new book, I released a brand new 16 song album called Might As Well Be Happy: A Worship & Ministry Song Collection. If you read all the way to the end of this blog I’ll tell you how you can receive a digital version of this recording for FREE. Why did I create this recording project? Because God has used music and intimate worship to infuse my mind with His Word and, in the process, I have found healing for my soul long before I ever had PD…but have found the same level of intimacy and joy with Him as I live with the reality of PD and I thought letting you know that might encourage you to do the same.

Today’s teaching is called I Will Think On This and it is based on a song by the same title which I received it on May 26, 1993.

In early 1993, I was feeling a deep stirring in my heart and needed a break from all the mental turmoil I was in. At that time, I had served at a church for 8 years as God taught me how to walk in my true identity. In my heart, I knew something needed to change - that perhaps I was being called to spread my wings and fly.

Reality was that I was still struggling with pleasing others and performing for my affirmation and Father wanted me to stand on the firm foundation of who He is and who He says I am. Soon after, I asked to take a sabbatical to rest my mind ... and that sabbatical was granted. It was during this time that I realized I still had strongholds - lies I was believing - concerning my identity.

I was led to meditate on Philippians 4:6-8 and the Lord gave me this song as a personal go-to song to use as a weapon in the battle for my mind and thoughts. The lyrics have been altered slightly from the original to make them appropriate for everyone in every situation of mental battle. I still sing this song today and it has anchored my mind on the truth of God’s Word in an unforgettable way.

Philippians 4:6-8 NASB

Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:6-8 NASB

God’s Word says that as a man thinks in his heart, so he is. What that means to me is that I can choose the way I think about things. Even hard things. Even painful things. Even things out of my control. I always have a choice as to how I think and I always have a choice as to how I will respond to any given situation. I use God’s Word as the anchor for my soul and make the choice to think about my life from God’s point of view. This is how I renew my mind and take my thoughts captive. The bottom line is that every feeling I have begins with a thought I have just had. If I want to change the way I feel, I change the way I think about things. It doesn’t change my circumstances but it does bring peace, and joy, and gratitude to my heart and mind. May it do the same for you.

Dennis Jernigan

To hear The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this blog and to hear the song, I will Think On This, go to http://podcast.dennisjernigan.com/e/i-will-think-on-this-1677605366/

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/02/20/20/15/man-2083817_1280.jpg

Might As Well Be Happy

“Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Abraham Lincoln

“I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it.” Groucho Marx

Recently, I was sharing with a friend a joke my son had told me:

Dad: “Doctor! Doctor! You’ve gotta help me! All my sons want to be valets when they grow up!”

Doctor: “Looks like you’ve got Parking Sons Disease!”

I then shared with that friend how my son went on to ask me a very important question after sharing that joke. I realize I have already related this story with you, but it helps make a point. That same son asked me if I would mind if he went as me for Halloween this year. I told him that would be fine with me. He said he planned to wear his normal clothes and just walk around with a tremoring right hand! I loved the idea, but my son ultimately felt others may find his impersonation of me offensive, so he chose not to go as me.

My friend then said to me, “Ya’ll have a great attitude!” My response? “Any other attitude sucks.” The reality is I always have a choice as to what I think and always have a choice as to what my attitude is. I can either be sad and depressed or I can be joyful and happy. I might as well be happy!

Several years ago, I wrote a song called “Might As Well Be Happy”. It seems as if it had been written all those years ago for the moment and circumstances I now find myself facing. You can listen to the song on YouTube later. Here’s the story behind the song:

This song came on June 30, 2011 as one of those spur-of-the-moment happenings. Feeling happy has not always come easily for me. Because of lies I had believed about my identity and about my worth and about my purpose in life, I have battled depression off and on through my life...and I am so glad to say that I am honestly happy even though I now have Parkinson’s to contend with. Why? Because I have learned that life is not easy but life can be enjoyed regardless of my pain, sorrow, suffering, circumstances, or what others think of me.

My point of view changed. I now live my life trying to see every aspect of my life from God's point of view. From my vantage point I often only see the bad, but God (being a very good God) only wants my best and has the ability to take even the harshest turns of life and make something beautiful of them.

My hope is not in what I can do or in what people think of me. My hope is not in money or in success or fame. My hope comes from knowing my Creator wastes nothing of my life if I simply turn to Him with whatever I am facing. His point of view is much more hopeful than mine.

This song came as I simply thought about how much joy I have in my life. When joy is the foundation, happiness is the result. My joy is in knowing God. Whether you believe like I do or not, allow the joyful attitude of this song to brighten your day.

The ukulele seemed the most obvious and happy instrument for the song. The whistle is all me. I purposely wanted to sound like a little boy whistling in response to the joy set before him as he explores his way to his favorite fishing hole.

The pictures used to create the video were drawn by me. My vision was to draw the scenes with crayons from the viewpoint of a young child. We adults tend to make life much too complicated. I am a man…but somewhere deep inside is a small boy with big happy dreams. Life is simple for me now. I love God. He loves me. I love others. Others love me. It is my choice whether I am happy or not. We really do have a choice in the matter.

Life is a journey we are meant to enjoy - regardless of our circumstances. The words of this song have taken on a whole new meaning for me since I first received it. In January of 2019, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease…and it rocked my world and caused me to question so much of what I believe about God and His love for me? My conclusion? He is so good and so loving that He is able to use even Parkinson’s for my good and for His glory. I can honestly say having Parkinson’s has revealed a whole new level of joy to my life. My greatest joy of all? I am never alone. He is with me!

Though the fig tree should not blossom

And there be no fruit on the vines,

Though the yield of the olive should fail

And the fields produce no food,

Though the flock should be cut off from the fold

And there be no cattle in the stalls,

Yet I will exult in the LORD,

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

The Lord GOD is my strength,

And He has made my feet like hinds' feet,

And makes me walk on my high places.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 NASB

Even though I struggle with Parkinson’s and my physical balance is not what it used to be, my Father God still makes my feet like hinds’ feet - like a deer on a mountain side - able to traverse even the steep cliffs of Parkinson’s with joy and laughter and happiness. I really do have a choice in the matter. Might as well choose joy, right?

Dennis Jernigan

Listen to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this teaching at http://podcast.dennisjernigan.com/e/might-as-well-be-happy/

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/11/18/19/07/happy-1836445_1280.jpg

Watch the video at https://youtu.be/ZTOInRI4KH8

I Just Want To Dance

How many times have your heard - or has it been implied - that Christians don’t have fun? I grew up believing that, to a certain degree, Christians shouldn’t dance or play cards or smoke or drink or pretty much anything that wasn’t specifically outlined in the Bible. Why did I feel that way? Because I was so bound up in making sure I jumped through all the right hoops in order to be seen by others as a good boy. I performed for the approval of God and others.

Of course, we played card games, but that was OK as long as we didn’t gamble. And, of course, my cousins and I would sneak out and smoke wild grape vines, but that was seen as a rite of passage for a country boy like me, so we could let that pass. Of course, I never touched as much as a sip of alcohol until my junior year at Oklahoma Baptist University…and easily excused it with the fact that the first miracle Jesus ever performed was turning water into wine. It was suddenly OK to drink as long as I didn’t get drunk.

And, of course, we danced (as long as no one caught us) and danced and danced for hour upon hour. I often felt guilty about the sexualized dances of the day, but excused it with the story of King David and how he danced in celebration at the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and reassured myself by pointing out the fact that King David danced before the Lord and all his subjects in nothing but his undergarments!

And David was dancing before the LORD with all [his] strength, and David was wearing a linen ephod. 2 Samuel 6:14 NASB

David was not naked. He wore the priestly undergarments called an ephod, but many who watched felt he danced in inappropriate attire and in an undignified manner. What it says to me is David danced for joy as if no one was watching. What was more important to Him was expressing the joy and gratitude he felt toward the Lord.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Dance like no one’s watching,” and that’s what I do these days….even with Parkinson’s. I can still cut a rug…just a lot more slowly. I still love dancing with my children and grandchildren. I still love dancing cheek to cheek with my wife. Dancing releases my mind to pure joy for the sake of being alive. Today, I’m going to ask you to step out of your comfort zone and dance for the sheer joy of knowing and being known by Jesus.

We’re going to listen to a song that was inspired by the joy of the Lord that was so intense I could not help but dance. Even if you’re driving down the road as you listen, don’t be afraid to boogie (I recommend you keep at least one hand on the wheel at all times). Even if you can’t stand for some reason, you can dance with your arms flailing, by tapping your toes, or by just moving in some way. The song I am referring to is called I Just Want To Dance and here’s the story behind the song:

When I was in high school, one of my cousins and I would spend hours dancing to popular music of the day…and experienced moments of sheer ecstasy. When in college, I would go to a nearby Catholic University for their monthly dances and I would dance my Baptist tail off…just for the sheer fun of it. Believe it or not, I was THAT guy…the one all the girls wanted to dance with…you know, the one all the other couples would clear a large area of the dance floor to make room for…make room for my free expression and my wild, uninhibited moves. I danced like no one was watching…but, in those days, I danced to fill a huge void in my life.

Before Jesus invaded my heart with His love and redeemed me, I was deeply depressed…but hid it well. More than a few times during high school I contemplated suicide. My depression grew so deep and controlling in my life during my senior year in college that I finally made an attempt to take my own life. Thanks be to God, I failed! On November 7, 1981 my life was forever changed. I was given a brand new identity. Out of sheer gratitude at what God had done and as a way to deepen my intimacy with Him, I began being flooded with songs, and since then, my music has gone around the world and the story of the way Jesus redeemed me has gone around the world to literally millions.

I have experienced persecution. I have experienced betrayal. I have had moments of unbearable grief, and - to top it all off - I now suffer with Parkinson’s. But I can honestly say my life is good because God is good. In spite of all the pain and suffering I have had to endure, God has blessed me with an amazing wife, 9 amazing children and their spouses, and (so far) 13 incredible grandchildren.

Ever since that November night in 1981, my heart has been coming to ever deeper places of joy than I ever thought possible in this life. Joy is in the journey. Joy is knowing I have never been alone. That is the story behind the song and here is Scriptural confirmation that dancing before the Lord is an acceptable and exhilarating act of worship:

Praise the LORD!

Praise God in His sanctuary;

Praise Him in His mighty expanse.

Praise Him for His mighty deeds;

Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.

Praise Him with trumpet sound;

Praise Him with harp and lyre.

Praise Him with tambourine and dancing;

Praise Him with stringed instruments and flute.

Praise Him with loud cymbals;

Praise Him with resounding cymbals.

Everything that has breath shall praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD!

Psalm 150:1-6 NASB

I love to praise Jesus. I love to dance. He gave me a reason to dance, so I might as well dance, right? And whether you like it or not, dancing is an acceptable form of worship…and, dare I say, even recommended! And remember the story of the prodigal son? What did the father command of his servants when his prodigal son returned home?

And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, slaughter it, and let's eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.' And they began to celebrate. Luke 15:21-24 NASB

I don’t know about you, but if one of my children had been lost but then returned safely to my home, I would throw a celebration…and I would jump up and down for joy…and spin around in circles. I would dance for joy! All I can say is, dancing does the heart and mind good.

Go ahead and listen…and just try to keep from moving. I dare you! I dare you to dance before the Lord like David danced - with reckless abandon for knowing Him and for being known by Him - and, of course, I recommend you keep your clothes on…

Dennis Jernigan

Listen to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this teaching and hear (and dance to) the song, I Just Want To Dance at http://podcast.dennisjernigan.com/e/i-just-want-to-dance/

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2020/01/21/13/23/freedom-4782870_1280.jpg

Like A Child

My wife, Melinda and I, have 9 children and 13 grandchildren. We are constantly reminded by our now adult children what it was like growing up under our roof. As we hear those stories we are reminded there is no such thing as a perfect parent but find great personal blessing in seeing how the Lord has used even our imperfections to draw us even closer to our children. We truly have been blessed beyond our wildest dreams.

And don’t get me started on our grandchildren. Melinda and I absolutely adore and cherish each and every one of them. They are each like the most unique, exquisite treasure any person could ever hope to find. I am 64 years old now and I struggle with Parkinson’s, but I still get down on the floor and wrestle with them…still play hide and seek…still play Go Fish and Slap Jack…still write stories and songs for them…still read to them before bedtime and still sing them to sleep whenever they sleep over. I find myself feeling so young when I simply get down on their level and try to see life from their point of view. It is only after they have left our house that my body then shocks my mind back to reality as I get out the ice bag or heating pad…whichever is required at the time.

What this affords me is a vantage point we adults need to take to heart more often than not. When I am thinking and playing on their level, I suddenly see life as a child sees it. My heart is full of wonder where my imagination runs wild with freedom and creativity and complete and utter unfettered joy!

I understand the words of Paul written to the church of Corinth which says, in 1 Corinthians 13:11, “When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.”

But then, at the same time, I am drawn to the wisdom of Psalm 131:2 which says, “I have certainly soothed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child [resting] against his mother, My soul within me is like a weaned child.”

We are to be responsible and live life with the wisdom of God as a necessary part of our maturity as adults, but I believe we are also meant to dare to dream and wonder and walk in awe - like a child seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time or like tasting ice cream or cotton candy for the very first time - as we relate to the awesome presence of God.

Let me ask you a few questions…and I want you to answer as if you were thinking the way a child thinks. What is the most magnificent thing you have ever witnessed in nature? How does that make you feel? If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and why? What are three things that bring you joy in life? What are two things you want to do before you die? What is the greatest need or burden in your life? What would it look like for God to meet that need or carry that burden?

On January 1, 2005, I wrote a song called Like A Child and on that day I wrote the following about the song:

This is the very first song I received this year - 2005! A friend of mine had been taken into the OR for back surgery but had suffered a heart attack soon after surgery had begun. After he was on the road to recovery, I stood and talked with him and his wife and I heard a constant theme coming from my friend as he shared about his life from his hospital bed.

He had not had the best childhood and had a warped sense of God as his father. It was no wonder to me that he struggled with his identity - as we all do to some extent. When I got home from our visit, I began to sing over my friend. This song was the result. Because I knew the song was for more than just my friend…more than just for a man to sing.

The Lord gave me a verse for women to complete the song. I used it the very next service at my church and many stood for ministry as I shared the story and asked if anyone else shared similar needs to discover their true identity in Christ. On this recording you will hear my 13 year old daughter, Galen, singing the 'daughter' verse. That was 18 years ago now…I am so proud of her as I was when she first sang it with me! And yes, she is beautiful as the song says! Let’s do this. After reading this post, let’s put on the heart of a child and use the link provided below and listen as a child would listen to a parent sing them a lullaby.

A short time before his crucifixion, Jesus and his disciples were in a house in the region of Judea. Jesus was answering questions posed to him by both the Pharisees and his own disciples. In the course of the Q and A session, Mark 10:13-16 says, 13 And they were bringing children to Him so that He would touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw [this,] He was indignant and said to them, "Allow the children to come to Me; do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all." 16 And He took them in His arms and [began] blessing them, laying His hands on them.

Could it be we don’t see the kingdom of God very easily in a chaotic and confused world around us because we see life without wonder and awe…you know…like a child?

Could it be we do not easily embrace the truth of who Father God says we are because we choose to believe the fetters of our past failures still define us rather than seeing with childlike faith that Jesus really has forgiven us and really has given us new identities in Christ?

Here’s my challenge to us all. From here on out, let’s live within the boundaries of adult wisdom and maturity but let us simultaneously allow our thoughts to be consumed with seeing life and seeing the massiveness of God’s love for us with the heart of a child.

Dennis Jernigan

To hear the song, Like A Child, listen to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this blog. Just go to http://podcast.dennisjernigan.com/e/like-a-child/

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/11/10/19/37/person-1037607_1280.jpg

I Give It All

The purpose of this teaching blog is really very simple. It’s intended to encourage you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Reminding people of how massive and far-reaching the love of God is, in spite of their circumstances, is something I want to convey each and every week. I hope to do that by sharing the stories behind the songs God has given me through the years and then by sharing those songs with you.

I have experienced things in my life that I would want no one else to ever experience. I have done things in this life that have brought me much shame and caused me much regret. I, even now, am dealing with Parkinson’s Disease that, frankly, is no walk in the Parkinson’s - pun intended. I have had moments in my life in which the burdens felt too much to bear…felt like I would be crushed mentally, emotionally, and spiritually…but that all changed the day I surrendered all of those things to Jesus Christ and His massive, amazing, cleansing, healing love. And just how did I do that? I got honest with God…and honest with myself.

The moments of sexual abuse I experienced as a child proved too heavy for me to bear, so I gave them to Jesus and He has carried them for me ever since. He has even shown me He was there with me through every moment of those encounters, lovingly speaking and singing hope into my heart and mind even when I felt hopeless and did not know He was even there. Someone got me through.

Concerning the moments of sin and failure in my life - the many regrets I have had to deal with - I came to a place where I realized I could not do one thing to change my past…so I did what I knew to do. I gave each and every one of those mind-crushing failures to Jesus and He forgave me. He spoke to my mind and told me I should stop trying to change the past and that He would use even my past failures to bring about good in my life because He wastes nothing. He forgave me and I received His forgiveness…but, I admit, I still felt ashamed. You know what He told me to do next? Forgive myself. Forgive myself and move on down the road toward Him because He had forgotten all my past and that He had a plan for my future.

Even though I am experiencing Parkinson’s and often deal with physical and mental suffering, I have found a peace and joy I do not think I would have come to otherwise. I get to choose how I think…and choosing how I think about PD involves choosing to see it from Father God’s point of view. When I choose to think differently than the world would have me think, I feel hope rather than despair. I feel joyful rather than sorrowful. It is in John 8:32 that we find the remedy for sharing our burdens. It simply says, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

The first step truth requires is getting honest with God about our thoughts and feelings and failures because we never get to the freedom until we get to the truth…and truth is simple honest confession of our burdens to the only One Who can truly bear them for us and with us. Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden,

The God [who] is our salvation.

Selah

Psalm 68:19 NASB

Today I would like to share a song that came to me on November 27, 2004 that truly does express in song what I have tried to express in words. Even though I wrote it in 2004, it still rings true for me now…I would say it rings even MORE true than when I first wrote it. Here is a brief summary of what I said about the song when I first received it. I wrote:

This past year (2004), I did not have very many opportunities to lead worship at my home church. I always look forward to those times because I feel connected to the people when given these moments of leading. As we came through the Thanksgiving season, I knew one of those days was coming soon. As I began to seek the Lord for direction, I felt impressed that there were many hurting people in our body. The verses came as I began to think about the lies people are bombarded with. The chorus came as I began to think about words that would help people lay those burdens and lies down at the feet of Jesus. I love this song and I love to sing this song!

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you;

He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Psalm 55:22 NASB

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 NASB

Nothing catches our God by surprise. He knew I would face PD and met me there - meets me there - with grace. In like manner, there is no burden too big for our God to carry…but He cannot carry what we won’t let go of. I know it sounds overused, but there is power and freedom in the old saying, “Just let go and let God.” Just surrender your burdens to Him - as often as necessary. He is never too busy for His children…and you are His child…and you can trust Him.

Let’s take a few minutes and listen to the song (you will find the link below), I Give It All, and as we listen, let’s give our burdens - whatever they may be - to Jesus. Let’s rid our minds of the lies of the enemy and put off stinkin’ thinkin’ and put on the thoughts our Father God thinks toward us. And then go and live like you believe God loves you…and simply be who your Father says you are.

Dennis Jernigan

Listen to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast called I Give It All and hear this week’s song. Use this link - http://podcast.dennisjernigan.com/e/i-give-it-all/

Photo courtesy of https://pixabay.com/

How To Hear The Voice Of The Lord

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me..." 
John 10:27

In 1981, the Lord saved me and gave me a brand new identity and I quickly came to understand that I had believed a lot of lies about myself and about Him for many, many years. Out of my deepest longing to know the One Who had so lavishly loved me, I set upon a quest to learn how to hear His voice. In order to do so, I felt led to go on a fast from as many non-essential voices in my life as possible. My fast consisted of no longer listening to secular radio, TV, newspapers, magazines, and even cutting off relationships that tied me to my old life. My goal was to silence every voice I could that kept me from learning to hear the voice of the Lord. The fast lasted from 1981 until 1993. I missed the 1980s…but as I look back, I realize I did not miss much by way of media!

The reason my fast was so drastic was because I was desperate to hear my Father’s voice. It had come to my attention that government agents assigned to uncover counterfeit money did not study counterfeit money in order to better identify the fake currency. They studied the real thing so that whenever they came across a counterfeit bill, it was easier to recognize that fake bill because they knew the real thing so well. That is what I decided to do to learn to hear my Father’s voice. I would seek the real thing by cutting off as much outside noise as possible…and mainly cutting off the voice of the enemy and his subtle lies. My goal was relationship with the real Living God.

When talking about relationship, we must remember we are in relationship with a God who is alive and not distant. We have already discovered that He desires to have an intimate communion with us. He wants us to know Him even as He knows us. But how do you get to know someone intimately? How do you get to know God? I have several small grandchildren at this juncture of my life. It seems they never tire of asking me questions about myself and what I was like as a child. They enjoy - no, relish would be a better word - the opportunity to quiz other relatives (like their own parents) about what I was like in my younger days. Why do they do this? Because they want to know us...and I believe also because it also helps them understand a bit more about who they are and where they came from - whether they cognitively realize it or not. They get to know us - and themselves - by asking questions. Since our faith comes as a direct result of our ability to ‘hear' God's voice. Faith is born when we ‘hear' the Word of Christ. How can we hear the Word of Christ if we do not ask Him questions about Himself? How can we get to know Him?

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. " 
Romans 10:17

What is the Word of Christ?

We know that all Scripture is God's Word and profitable (necessary!) for the man or woman of God. 
2 Tim. 3:16-17

For years and years and years, I can remember trying to know God simply by reading His Word. Even though I could read that Word and, at times, find direction for my life there, I never felt I had direct access to God - no real relationship. I finally discovered that I could never have a real relationship with a book! I had to seek the Living Word of God, Jesus Christ. I had to seek a real, living, vital, heart to heart relationship with Him! We do not have a relationship with a book but with the person of the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebr. 4:12; Rev. 19:11-13).

Who can hear God's voice?

I grew up in a non-charismatic church...but had a grandmother who attended the Assemblies of God church in town - a grandmother who faithfully followed the ministries of Oral Roberts, Kathryn Kuhlman, T. L. Osborn and others of a charismatic persuasion. I can remember hearing those ministers speak of hearing the voice of God and wondering why they could hear Him and why I could not. Even my grandmother told me that she often heard the Lord speak to her. She once told me she would recognize my grandfather Jernigan when she got to heaven because God had told her his new name in glory! I was flabbergasted to say the least. And made more curious by such bold statements. When I came to the end of my rope after college and really got desperate to know God, I began seeking to hear His voice. I soon came to understand that His sheep hear His voice (John 10:27). This only spurred me on to seek to hear His voice that much more - especially after I came to the point of realizing I truly was His sheep! Those who have heard His Word who are born through faith into His Kingdom (Romans 10:17)...and that was me!


So how did I begin to learn to hear His voice? Initially it was just as my children seek to know me: I began to ask Him questions...and then wait for His answer. I soon learned that God was not afraid of any questions I might ask - so I began to ask some very difficult questions. At first, my questions were very child-like: Father, do You love me? But they soon became more and more complex: Father, how do You love me? How can you fix the mess I have made of my life? How can I minister life to this person who faces physical death? etc., etc., etc.. Over the course of my personal journey of learning to hear His voice I have put together my own practical reminders...little tidbits of wisdom which I hope will be of some benefit to you as you seek to hear His voice. The best worship leaders are those who are about their Father's business. How can we know what He is doing moment by moment? Learn to hear His voice moment by moment.

Be quick to hear.

So often with my children, I instruct them to do a certain task only to find that task unfinished when I make my inspection. I hear everything from ‘I didn't hear you' or ‘I don't know that's what you meant' to ‘brother said you didn't mean what you said' or ‘I didn't know you meant ‘now''! As I look at my children, I am reminded that I have made all those same excuses to Father God when I thought I have heard His voice. ‘But I didn't hear You, Lord...Pastor said You didn't mean what I thought You meant...Lord, I didn't know you meant ‘now''! As new creations, we are brought forth by the Word of Truth. This truth reveals our true nature as first fruits among God's creatures. If we do not learn to hear the voice of our Father quickly, the enemy can often wreak havoc upon our souls. My children learn from their mistakes: that all of our actions (even being slow to hear) have consequences. If I learn to hear God's voice, I am more apt to quickly put down the lies of the enemy...because I have learned to discern between God's heart and voice and the condemnation or quick-fix mentality of the enemy. Let us be quick to hear that truth day by day and not be deafened by anger or by the lies of the enemy (James 1:18-19).

Who He is reveals how He speaks.

We know His voice by its content. We know His voice by what He says about Himself. How would a shepherd speak? What would he say? When would a shepherd speak? What are the results of a sheep hearing a shepherd? What about a King, Father, Provider, Victory, Peace, Creator, etc.? (John 10:27). When we are in relationship with someone...when we spend time asking them questions then waiting for the answers, we learn what they sound like...but also what their character is like. In other words, God cannot lie...and He would not treat one of His children like anything less than one of His own. So what is God's voice like?

He speaks truth.

One of the best ways to discern the lies of the enemy from the voice of God is to simply ask yourself, "Would Father say that? Would He say it that way or with that tone of voice? Would He say something like that?" Always remember - God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18)!

Ask the right questions. Be specific.

God is God. He can handle whatever we bring to Him. Often, my children may ask me for something only to be disappointed when I don't come through. Many times, this is simply because they did not ask a specific question. In a relationship, you get what you ask for many times! If you desire specific answers, you must ask specific questions. "Father, do You love me? How do you love me? Lord, is this sin? Holy Spirit, what is the wise direction here?" God's Word says it like this, "You have not because you ask not!”My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me..." 
John 10:27

His Sheep Hear and Know His Voice

The truth is that if you are a new creation in Christ, you are one of His sheep…and His sheep can hear His voice. One thing to remember is that God can speak to anyone He wants to - even unbelievers. My personal belief is that Father God is constantly speaking out His love to His lost sheep in a massive variety of ways. When I was lost, I did not have ears to hear because I had shut God out of my life. When I was born again and began to look back upon the events of my life that led me to repentance, I can see very clearly how often and how passionately God was speaking out to me to, “Seek Him while He may be found.” Isaiah 55:6

My simple point is this: we can hear the voice of the Lord but we should not limit Him to any one means of ‘speaking’. What follows are various ways - according to the written Word of God - that God chooses to speak. What I am finding out as I grow older is that I should never put God in a box that says ‘He can only speak in this way or that’. The minute we put God in a box, that is all we get of Him. Let’s take God out of the boxes we have placed Him in and see how creatively He chooses to speak into our lives.

Forms of Communication

Just as we have many ways of speaking to one another on a human level, so, too, God has created many varied ways for us to speak to and hear from Him. Again, this is not meant to be an exhaustive study on hearing God's voice. My main desire is to let you know really how simple communication with God can be - that we can hear His voice if we learn to listen. I also hope to stir up in you a desire to seek God in deeper and more creative ways. His presence is much more vast and magnificent than you or I have discovered to this point...and that is as it should be! Listed on the following pages are many of the ways I have personally used to hear God's voice...to know His heart.

Prayer

What is prayer? According to the dictionary, prayer is simply communion with God. Communion is the sharing of thoughts and feelings. In other words, we we pray we are simply communicating with God our thoughts and feelings. Simply put, prayer is talking to God! One of my greatest joys in talking with God is that I do not have to wait until all is quiet and I am alone with Him. We can approach Him boldly anytime or anyplace for any reason...even in the midst of a worship time we are leading...or even in a crowded room...in a storm...or in a quiet moment alone. Prayer is simply talking to God. Of course, when talking with someone we must always remember to take time to listen for the other party's response! (Hebrews 4:16). Also, remember that prayer can take on many varied forms: unknown tongues, groanings, wailing, tears, etc.. Do not ever look down upon the various forms of prayer. God uses them all! (See "Other People" in this same chapter).

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is God's Spirit on earth. Jesus said that once He had ascended into heaven that He would send a Comforter - the Holy Spirit - to be our guide in this life...to facilitate God's presence on earth! Jesus promised to send Him to comfort, teach, and lead us (John 14:16; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7). What we must realize is that He is real and that He is with us. He will not leave. He will not forsake us. If He is with us, we must simply believe and receive that truth by faith...and dive heart first into ready communion with Him!

Visions

What is a vision? Something perceived by the spirit from the heart of God - a supernatural sight! God's Word tells us that God often spoke to His people through visions. Remember Ezekiel and Daniel? What is so awesome about our relationship with God is that He has promised in His written Word to do the same thing for us! For me, visions come when I allow God to speak to my mind through the spiritual realm of His nature...to see my life from His point of view.

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My spirit upon all flesh; 
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, 
your young men shall see visions..." 
Joel 2:28

Dreams

What is a dream or what does it mean to dream? To dream, for the believer, means to meet with God in out sleep! He did so for Joseph and for others in Scriptural history...and He has promised to do the same for us! One of my favorite things to do is to go to bed anticipating meeting with God in my sleep. Often He will give me great visions as I sleep, thus combining two forms of communication, visions and dreams! We should never limit God's ability to speak to us as we sleep...and should never limit our ability to hear and receive from Him even in our sleep. After all, we are new creations! We are His children!

"It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; 
For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep." Psalm 127:2

Nature

What is nature? The material or physical world and all it contains. God spoke all of creation into existence. He put that creation in motion and gave it order. Through nature He has often spoken - loudly and clearly. He made it and it belongs to Him. He uses it as He wills (Ps. 29:3-9). If you don't believe me just think about the children of Israel in bondage to Egypt. God needed to get Pharaoh's attention...so He sent a ravaging hail storm, a plague of frogs, a pestilence of flies, and even turned the Nile River into blood. God uses nature...and still does today. Are you listening?

Angels

Angels are supernatural beings, created by God to do His bidding and to deliver His messages. An angel, after all, was used to tell Mary she would be the earthly vessel God would use to bring His Son to this world. They are His personal messengers - and they are active even today. Are you listening? (Matt. 28:5; Luke 1:13; Luke 1:18-19; Luke 1:28; Luke 1:30; Luke 1:34; Luke 1:35).

Circumstances

How many times have we asked, "Why did You allow this to happen, Lord?" Somehow, inherently, we seem to know God is a good God, yet we know that even in His goodness bad things happen. Why? Because of sin, pain and suffering came into this world. Because we are not forced to love Him - because He wants us to want Him - He gives us a choice in serving Him. When bad things happen to us, there are any number of reasons God has allowed them. The glory is that He can take anything that life throws our way and then use it to speak life into our hearts. Paul was shipwrecked for a reason (Acts 27:41). Jesus was crucified for a reason (John 3:16). God uses the circumstances of this life to build His life into us.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good 
to those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Rom. 8:28

Even though I have never personally heard the audible voice of God, I know He still speaks - because He has not changed! He spoke audibly many times throughout Scripture...and I believe He still desires to do so today (Acts 9:3-6). Are you listening?

Still Small Voice

This one I have heard! When I listen for God's voice - especially after asking a specific question - I wait for Him to speak to the center of my being - what I call the place of ‘knowing' in the center of who I am (1 Kings 19:13). The best way I can explain it is that sometimes ‘I just know'!

Other People

God often sent human messengers to speak for Him. Moses and Samuel are two that come readily to mind. In my own life I have had several such experiences. One I recall quite vividly involves the near-death of my wife, Melinda. She had just given birth to our twin boys nine weeks early. The very next day her liver began to hemorrhage...and we were told we faced a matter of life and death. I began to weep and asked God to help me because I could not pray...I could only cry (a form of prayer). He spoke in that ‘still small voice', telling me that He would save the tears I cried. I did not understand...and wondered if I had really heard His voice. A few moments later, a nurse came to me telling me she had been called in for duty...and that God had sent her just for me and Melinda! She told me God had raised up many people to stand in the gap for us. As she was about to leave, she said she had one more thing from the Lord. She told me that He wanted me to know that He saved all my tears when I cried...and that He would use them as weapons of prayer to put back the enemy! God uses others. Do we listen?

Combinations

I am sure, if we took the time, we would find many, many instances of God using one or more means of communication in conjunction with another. How many times have we experienced circumstances and heard God speak through them and then to confirm His message through His written Word or through another person or through nature, etc? He often used angels and dreams together to speak His heart and will to His children (Matt. 1:20; Matt. 2:13; Matt. 2:19).

The Written Word of God

Even though we have a relationship with the Living Word of God, we have the greatest love letter ever written at our disposal - the Bible! Think about it. God has taken the time to put into writing how He feels about us and all He desires and plans for His children. For someone to put something in writing requires a great deal of confidence...to put one's deepest feelings in a form all the world can see means that the writer must really love the one he is writing to. That is God!

I receive many letters and notes of encouragement or words of wisdom from my pastor and others whom I trust and value. I save them all...because I enjoy going back from time to time and refreshing my mind with all I know to be true of our relationship. The life is in the relationship, but the written reminders renew and refresh the joy of that knowledge. So it is and more with God's Word. His Word does not return void...but always - always - accomplishes whatever it was sent out to do. Take this love letter out often and use it to deepen the relationship you have with its Author. He speaks volumes through it!
 As with any endeavor to somehow explain what we know of God, we eventually come to the point of realizing the most we can ever do is touch or scratch the surface of Who He is. The joy for you and I, as believers, is in the journey. What a blessed adventure this life becomes when we simply purpose to live it in relationship - in communion - with our God. he has made a way for us to hear and know Him. Where do we begin?

Ask God to open up your spiritual ears.

Just as the blind and deaf came seeking to have their eyes and ears opened, we need to see the truth of our need for Jesus...and then follow Him (Matthew 20:33; Mark 7:37). A simple prayer of beginning is to simply ask Him to open up your spiritual ears to better be able to hear His voice - in all of its many facets! You, as a new creation, already have those spiritual ears. As with a child who is learning to walk or speak, he must take that first step or say that first word for the endeavor to be successful. If you never try, you never will! By faith just believe you can hear the Lord...and then simply begin asking the right questions - and listen!

God speaks to those who are listening.

Listen for answers.

Be available. Those who wish to hear must put themselves in a position to listen. What would keep you from listening for His voice?

"My soul waits in silence for God only" 
Ps. 62:1

"My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him." 
Ps. 62:5

"Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to them,
"Sit here while I go over there and pray." 
Matt. 26:36

"And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, 
O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." 
Matt. 26:39

"And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, 
and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? " 
Matt. 26:40

I'm so busy! How can I take time to listen?

We make time for things we consider important. If I consider my family to be important, I will spend time with my family - no, I will make time for my family...or my wife...or my job...or my hobby...or my friends, etc.. You get the picture. Even when our families or our jobs seem to take a majority of our time, God has the ability to speak to us even in a crowd. So what does that mean for the busy man or woman? We must learn to hear Him even in a crowd. Of course, we need to seek time with God - alone time. But when that is not possible, we must open our ears to His voice no matter where we are. That would be the wise thing to do anyway!

So, how can I recognize God's voice?


As I stated earlier, God's voice is as distinctive as His character - His nature. Who He is will tell You how He would speak. In other words, As our Shepherd He will speak guidance when we are lost. As our Father, He will speak life and not death. Because He is a good Father and loves His children, His voice will also be recognizable by the power and results we see in His life. You see, just as the written Word of God does not return without accomplishing what it was sent to do, so, too, His spoken word does not return without accomplishing what He sent it to do! This means we will know His voice because we will experience His power in a real and tangible way in our lives. His voice will bring you:

• Encouragement - Hebrews 6:17-18

• Hope - Romans 15:4

• Peace - Phil. 4:6-7

• Increased faith - Matthew 21:21-22

• Sustaining power - Matthew 4:4

• Satisfaction - Rev. 3:20

• Security - Matthew 10:31-32

• Gratitude & Praise - Luke 18:41-43

• Healing - Mark 3:5; Mark 5:41-2

• Calming of fears - Mark 6:50

• Conviction of sin for the purpose of building us up.

Remember, the voice of the enemy speaks condemnation and attacks our identity and tears down our sense of worth (Rom. 8:1-5). The voice of our Father speaks truth and brings conviction of sin and always builds up the reality of who we are while tearing down the strongholds we have believed to be a part of our identity for so long. In other words, He speaks truth and the enemy speaks lies! Whom will you believe?
 Another thing to remember about our Father's voice is that He will not force Himself upon us. He woos us as a loving Father who desires that we not remain in bondage to our old lives. He is jealous and patient and pursuant in His spoken love for us...but He does not force Himself on anyone who does not want Him...We must choose to listen!

...the kindness of God leads to repentance. Romans 4:2

Since the choice to listen and obey is ours, we must believe He can speak and give Him entrance to our hearts. There is no shame in admitting we have sinned. The true shame we experience is in not being honest with Him when we hear His questioning voice. To hide the sin (remember Adam and Eve?) only compounds the weight of our sin.

All things are possible to him who believes! Mark 9:23

What do we do when we can't hear His voice?

There have been many, many times and seasons in my life when I have found it difficult to hear His voice...times when I simply could not hear His voice. What do I do when those times occur? This is the point where faith and trust come into play. If He truly loves me and His Word is true, He will not leave me or forsake me. My job, as a new creation, is to lift up my ‘wings' of faith and fly on the ‘wind' of the Holy Spirit and trust that He is there even in spite of my lack of hearing. His Spirit will lift my faith above the dry times - through the un-hearing times! He is there. I simply trust Him enough to know that He will not always remain silent and that even in His silence (as I perceive it), I know and trust His heart. He will not abandon me. I must simply trust Him with the depths of my being - with the depths of my heart.

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 
Jeremiah 29:13

What would be a hindrance to hearing God's voice?

Noise is the biggest ‘deafener' I know! I cannot hear the voice of those who call to me as clearly in a storm. I cannot hear the voice of those who would call to me as clearly in a crowded room. I will not hear the voice of those who call me as clearly if I have my ears pointed toward other sources of sound. I cannot hear the voice of those who call to me as clearly if my focus is distracted by other ‘attractive' or interesting sounds.

The enemy desires to deceive us. He often deceives us by imitating the voice of the Lord. The enemy can also speak through other sources. Not only can he disguise his voice, he will also add just enough of the truth to make his words seem somehow plausible. As Adam and Eve discovered, listening to other voices can get one into a lot of trouble. While other voices are not inherently or necessarily evil, they can become instruments of ‘vocalization' for the father of lies - the enemy of God - who very often comes to us disguised as an angel of light.

What we must never forget is this truth: God cannot lie! Always test the voices you hear...for content of truth....content of God's nature and character...content of even the attitude in which the voice was spoken.

There is a difference between blindly following every voice one hears and listening in a wise and discerning way. God cannot lie...therefore, His spoken Word will never contradict His written Word. When in doubt, seek those you trust and ask them to join you in discerning God's voice. We can trust the voice of God. We just need to make sure that His is the voice we are listening to!

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2022/04/26/05/51/man-7157422_1280.jpg

A Thought For Today

“…And I will fix my eyes on You…”

Where we fix our eyes is where we tend to go. When driving a car we do not dare drive by using the rear view mirror. That is a sure way to lead us right to wreckage and injury and despair…yet we do that in our spiritual lives all the time. We tend to dwell on our past mistakes rather than to receive God’s forgiveness – forgive ourselves – and move on! By trying to change our past, we actually waste our time and energy…and tend to get into all kinds of emotional wreckage and despair. Let us use the rear view mirrors of our memory to only glance back to gain perspective in where we are going. Let us always keep our eyes focused on Jesus and move forward in our relationship with Him. It is there that we will find joy in the journey.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB

Found...

When I was a young man, God used my first years away from home to “force” me to seek Him…to get either hot or cold…to get saved! In those days I was so disillusioned regarding my song writing abilities and so devoid of any inkling of an idea of God’s great love for.

Still, I wrote songs. I reasoned that, even of no one else liked them, they seemed to help me keep my sanity. I felt absolutely lost concerning my identity and absolutely incapable of being loved by God or anyone else. One song in particular came to me during a time of desperation, having come to a place of darkness in which I felt there was no return for me…that I was too far fallen…far too lost to ever be found.

In the music hall of the university I was attending one could find me on almost any given time of night or day. When ever I had the chance, I would find one of the small rooms with a piano in it and pour out my heart to God in song. More often than not, I felt I was writing for someone else. I found I could easily write these words to encourage others concerning God’s great love for them, but I didn’t really believe that He loved me this way!

One song in particular came during the fall of 1978 one night in that little music hall. It was the story song I now call ‘Sheep Song’ and was basically the story of the good shepherd leaving the flock to go in search of the one lost sheep. I was the lost sheep in the song, but honestly felt it was a song to encourage others with the love of God I could never seem to fathom possible for myself. I didn’t know that He could cleanse me the way He would in 1981!

That year - 1981 - after graduation from the university, some very special friends found out about my past - my hidden failures and shame - and I was devastated. As I ran from the house and into the night after their kind confrontation, it dawned on me to ask myself, “Where am I running to?” The next words out of my mouth were, “Lord, if You are real, I need to hear from You right now.” And then He spoke…

It was a moonlit night with only a couple of clouds in the sky. One cloud looked to be in the shape of an old man with a beard. It was as if I was looking at a kind, old shepherd. Another nearby cloud took on the shape of a little lamb. Right before my very eyes, the kind shepherd cloud engulfed the lamb cloud as if embracing the lamb in his arms.

It was in that moment that I realized this was God ‘speaking’ to me…that He was the Shepherd and I was the lamb…and He had come looking to find…me!

John 10:3, 7-11, 27-30 NASB

3 "To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep listen to his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ... 7 So Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 "All those who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have [it] abundantly. 11 "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. ... 27 "My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 "My Father, who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father's hand. 30 "I and the Father are one.”

If you find yourself floundering around in the darkness and chaos of the world, I encourage you to call out to Jesus and trust Him to be your Shepherd - the Good Shepherd - Who only wants what is best for His sheep. If you need reminding of what that looks like, just take a few minutes and read Psalm 23 today. In fact, why don’t we read it right now:

Psalm 23:1-6 NASB

1 A Psalm of David.

The LORD is my shepherd,

I will not be in need.

2 He lets me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

3 He restores my soul;

He guides me in the paths of righteousness

For the sake of His name.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You have anointed my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

6 Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life,

And my dwelling [will be] in the house of the LORD forever.

One thing that has kept me seeking Jesus all these years is the fact that He first sought me! He never stopped pursuing me! I did not find Jesus. Jesus found me. I was the lost one…and He searched for me for years and through the darkness of my depravity and met me right where I was…and carried me into the lush, green pastures of His massive love. Let Him do the same for you today.

Dennis Jernigan

To hear The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this blog and to hear Sheep Song, go to https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ey6z8-1357744

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/06/03/10/31/religion-3450127_1280.jpg

Child-like Faith

On May 29, 1990, I wrote what would prove to be one of our family’s most enduring songs. Simple in melody and succinct in the truth of Who God is and how massively He loves us, I Am A Sheep has stood the test of time.

Know that the LORD Himself is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

[We are] His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Psalm 100:3 NASB

This song was written especially for my own children as a bedtime song and was meant to remind them that I am not their source…that God is! I long to be a good father like God is a good Father. But the more I learn of His love for me, the more I realize how far short I fall in comparison to Him. But, praise God, this only makes me depend on Him that much more! I bless you, the Jernigan children, with a deep, sweet, ever-growing and intimate relationship with your heavenly Father. I love you.

"My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30 NASB

I love this song and sing it almost on a weekly basis, most often to my grandchildren who request it! I feel so blessed to be able to sing God’s love to my grandchildren and pray that they will always listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. My prayer is that I would keep my heart attuned to the love of God with the same simple child-like faith my grandchildren have as I sing this song to them.

All we have to do is listen. Father is singing over us…constantly watching over us…when the winds blow…when we’re lost or confused…when the enemy lies…He is in each moment, surrounding us with songs of comfort and deliverance. Be listening in the coming days. If you know Jesus, you can know His voice…and in these dark times, I don’t know about you, but I’ll take the comforting, reassuring voice of God’s presence ANY time!

Dennis Jernigan

To hear The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this teaching as well as the song, I Am A Sheep, go to http://podcast.dennisjernigan.com/e/i-am-a-sheep/

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/08/04/21/05/rain-1570854_1280.jpg

Daddy's Song

The Father very gently cradled His son in His arms. The little boy loved the way his Father held him - because He held him a lot! Sometimes the Father would sing to him while He held him. In fact, more often than not, the Father would sing the little boy right to sleep. But sometimes, the boy would sing back to his Father in his own simple way. If you listened very closely you could hear them sing. You see, they loved one another very much - and loved to sing their love to one another. The Father, being a good Father, loved His son more than any Father had ever loved a child - more than the boy loved Him. And the Father's song was always sweet and tender, never forceful or harsh...

I'll have no other

For I love you only

I'll never forsake you

Or leave you alone

I love you

O, how I love you

I love you

O, how I love you

And the boy would sing in answer:

Here in Your arms

I'll always be

At rest in the precious love

You have for me

I love you

O, how I love you

I love you

O, how I love you

Every day the Father would call to His son, "Son, come walk with me in the cool of the evening." And the boy would run gladly from wherever he was for he loved these walks because they were so peaceful and refreshing - and because he knew that when they had walked far enough his Daddy would hold His little boy to Himself and carry him home, singing all the while:

I'll have no other

For I love you only

I'll never forsake you

Or leave you alone

And even though the boy always fell asleep in his Daddy's arms, his heart still kept singing:

Here in Your arms

I'll always be

At rest in the precious love

You have for me

The Father loved to give good gifts to His son. He wanted nothing but the best for him. Not only did He provide for the boy's every need, He also clothed him in the finest of clothes - a robe of white for every day and a coat of many beautiful colors to fit over his robe for their evening walks together. You see, the Father wanted everyone to know that this was His son whom He loved very dearly.

Every day was like this - joy and peace - for the Father lived to lavish His love on His son. And the son was consumed in his love for His Father...'til one day, the boy met a stranger - a very beautiful stranger - a man more handsome than any he had known, except for his Father, of course.

The stranger spoke in lovely tones, much like his Father. Why he even sounded much like his Father with a sing-song lilt to his voice and all. He told the boy of others who wanted to walk with him just like his Daddy. All he would have to do was love these new friends and sing their songs. The boy thought for a moment. This sounded good to him because if one love was so good then more loves could only be better. And after all, it was about time he started making some of his own decisions.

So, he decided that he would choose to walk with others. And he walked away...and as he did, he heard his Father calling in the cool of the evening. "Son, come walk with me. Son, I'm here!" And He sang for His son:

I'll have no other

For I love you only

I'll never forsake you

Or leave you alone

And He waited...

But the boy hid - for he had sung his love to another. And even as he sang the sweet song of his new friend he realized he had been deceived -he realized he had given his heart to another - something he somehow knew his Daddy would never do. How could he ever face his Father again? He felt so dirty and unworthy of his Father's love. And the song that had once brought so much joy to his heart now made him want to run away....

And still his Daddy sang for him:

Come here my precious

I know you are hurting

And though you have left me

I welcome you home

And the Father picked up the little boy and calmed his fears and dried his eyes and washed him clean as He held him close to His heart - closer than He had ever held him before. And He sang to His son:

I'll have no other

For I love you only

I'll never forsake you

Or leave you alone

And even though the son felt his Father's love, it wasn't the same as before - and it would never be the same again. And even though the Father loved him, the son somehow couldn't hear Him as clearly as before, for you see, when he gave his love to another, his ears were closed to any but the one he gave his love to. So even though the Father loved him more dearly than He did before, the son just couldn't quite hear it or believe it. And still the Father sang to him:

I love you

O, how I love you

I love you

O, how I love you

Day after day the Father called to His boy but day after day the boy walked further and further away and even began giving his love to others again - because he still had an empty place in his heart where once he had loved his Father - an empty place that longed to be filled. But since he found it harder and harder to hear his Father's voice he began listening to the voice of the stranger again and would even sing his love back to any stranger who would listen, for you see, he was still a little boy in need and little boys need their Daddy. And if they don’t come when their Daddy calls, they become hopelessly

lost.

And he became hopelessly lost - desperately lost. Afraid and ashamed. Hurt and dirty. Sick and dying. Alone in the dark. Every one of those other voices he gave his love to - every one of them one by one - stopped singing back to him. In fact, their love songs had to turned to screams of hate and lies. And their tender hugs were no longer gentle like his Daddy's had been. They hurt now! In fact, their arms felt more like ropes of iron and chains of steel than arms of love. One day he realized that he was trapped with no way out - and he realized that there was only One Who had ever really loved him - and that was his Daddy. If only his Daddy could hear him now. If only He were here! And he cried:

Daddy so dear

I'm all alone

I am afraid

And I want to come home

And he waited. How could his Father ever love him after what he had done?

Then his ears heard an old familiar tune and an old familiar voice and his heart felt an old familiar warmth as his Daddy picked him up and held the boy in His arms in an old familiar embrace. And his Daddy sang:

I love you

O, how I love you

I love you

O, how I love you

And his Daddy held him close. And as He held the boy He did a strange thing. He began to take off the chains and ropes one by one, humming His love to the boy all the while. He unraveled all the fears the boy had ever known. He untied the knots of despair and hopelessness - every one of them. He even cut away the hurt and pain the boy had inflicted on others - along with every harsh word, vile thought, or bitter deed he had ever done. And He broke off the hardness of his heart that had been built up by the boy's own doubt and pride. And He dried every tear and took away the boy's own deep pain and rejection as He washed away the dirt and filth His son had been clothed with for many years now. And then, the Father did an even stranger thing - He placed all of these things upon Himself- even the punishment the boy deserved as the consequence of his own failures. The boy was overcome with peace and joy but this soon turned to grief when he realized what he had done to his Daddy. For you see, the weight of all those things which had so burdened the boy had broken the heart of his Father - for the Father loved His son so much that he was willing to die for His child. And while the weight of sin choked the life out of Him the Father still managed to sing the song with His dying breath:

I'll have no other

For I love you only

I'll never forsake you

Or leave you alone

And the boy just sat there empty and alone - stunned by such a precious love. And he waited, for he knew that all those other voices were gone now. All he could hear was his Daddy's song, the memory of that final refrain playing over and over again and again in his ears. And after awhile he slept - the soundest sleep he had known since the last time he had walked in the cool of the evening with his Father.

As he slept, something wonderful began to take place. He began to hear the song his Daddy used to sing to him. After awhile he even thought he could see his Daddy's face. And he was almost sure he could feel his Father gently place the special robe of white upon him and over this the coat of all those wonderful colors which had been a sign of his Daddy's deep love for him. And then he felt a warmth so great it could only be the arms of his precious Father holding him close. And then the boy realized the Truth - his Daddy was here and alive and this~was no dream even though he was at complete rest. His Daddy loved him - no matter what. Of this he was sure now more than ever!

The little boy held his Daddy close because he knew now there was nothing that could ever separate him from his Father's love - ever again! So they held each other. And they sang this song:

I'll have no other

For I love you only

I'll never forsake you

Or leave you alone

Here in Your arms

I'll always be

At rest in the precious love

You have for me

I love you - O, how I love you

I love you - O, how I love you

Hear The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this story at https://www.patreon.com/posts/daddys-song-78310182

Daddy’s Song

By Dennis Jernigan

©1992 Shepherd’s Heart Music, Inc.

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/08/10/01/01/baby-2616673_1280.jpg

Fallen Too Far?

In 1985, I was ministering to a quite a few people who felt their sin was too vile or far-fallen for God to deal with. I remember feeling the same way before Jesus rescued me. David committed adultery and David committed murder, yet David is remembered as being a man after God’s own heart! How could that be? Adulterer and murderer, yet a man after God’s own heart? The question I asked myself was, “If God could do that for David, could He do that for me?” Could He cleanse my depraved heart and help me seek His heart the way He sought mine?

In 1 Samuel we find this account of what the Lord thought of David’s heart when Dvid was a young man, before his sin with Bathsheba had taken place:

1 Samuel 13:13-14 KJV

13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. 14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him [to be] captain over his people, because thou hast not kept [that] which the LORD commanded thee.

But what did God think of David long after David’s death? Read on to find out:

Acts 13:22 KJV

22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the [son] of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.

During a period of several weeks in February and March of 1985 as I meditated on 2 Samuel 11, the story of David’s sin with Bathsheba, the story/song, “David”, came to me. The reason I was meditating on this portion of David’s story?

“David” was born out of a need I saw in the Body of Christ…the need for repentance and the need for people to believe God could handle any sin and adequately deal with it…leaving us clean and renewed and stronger and more humble in the process. 

Although the sin portrayed in this recording is David’s sin of adultery and the sin of murder, the answer is the same for whatever sin we find ourselves faced with.  The bottom line is this:  God knows about our sin regardless of how well we think we hide…and He knows our sins will find us out. 

Why do we think we can hide from God or from the truth?  The very truth we fear is actually the first step in the process of being set free. You will know the truth (get honest that you have a need) and the truth will set you free (restore you to intimate relationship with the Redeeming God of Grace through the cleansing blood and resurrection power of the Lord Jesus Christ). 

Although this story song was written 38 years ago, I believe the message is timeless. If you think you have fallen too far for God to reach or to redeem, think again. He can reach as far as we can fall. Listen to “David” with your heart and be set me free this very day!

Dennis Jernigan

To hear The Dennis Jernigan Podcast episode featuring the story/song “David”, go to https://www.patreon.com/posts/david-77958302

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2020/03/27/16/09/help-4974118_1280.jpg

A Thread of Hope

A Thread of Hope)

It’s a cold rainy night and somewhere in the darkness a little girl sits alone. Although she’s not really a little girl anymore, she still feels like one. The pain gave way to numbness a long time ago. But every once in while a small glimmer of emotion tries to make its way out into the open. But she’s grown too wise to allow those little glimmers to see the light of day. Numbness is better than pain. At least that’s what she used to think. She’d grown up in such a different world than the eye is accustomed to seeing. What had been normal for her and her family would be considered so perverse to anyone else…that is if they could see behind the veil of secrecy.

The girl’s life hadn’t started out this way. When she had been a young girl, her first memories surround the dress her momma had given her…the swirl-around dress she had called it because she could spin around in an impromptu pirouette and watch as the skirt would lift in flight to her dance of joy. Along with the dress, her good memories would be consumed with the little doll her grandmother made for her and had presented to her on her 5th birthday. The plastic body of the doll was only about 12 inches tall with rosy red cheeks and beautiful, long auburn hair. The eyes would close when she laid the doll down and open when the doll was placed in an upright position. Clothed in a simple dress and slippers, the doll also wore a plain white apron. What drew one’s attention to the apron was the single golden thread that seemed to make its way through the material like a gently meandering stream around the edges of the little piece of cloth adding just the right amount of glitter to a very inconspicuous little toy.

When her grandmother had given her the doll, she had told her to remember that whenever she felt a little sad or lonely to keep in mind that the doll was given by someone who loved her very much…and she challenged the little girl to never forget the golden thread that ran through the apron. That thread was to represent hope…and just as this thread ran it’s simple course through the cloth, hope would always be there running through the fabric of her life. A rather weighty concept for such a little girl, but she had never forgotten her grandmother’s words. To help seal this in the little girl’s heart, her grandmother had taught her this song.

Did you know that someone loves you?

Loves you lavishly!

Loves you more than the whole wide world

That someone is me!

When you fall, I’ll pick up the pieces

When you hurt I’ll bind up your wound

When you’re alone or afraid

I’ll be right where you are

And I love you

Yet here she was, so many years later, the song having faded and been tucked away somewhere in the far recesses of her memory. Alone. Abandoned. Afraid. Worn out and weary from simply trying to survive. Hopeless. Packed somewhere in the one frayed bag holding all her worldly belongings was the doll she had come to call ‘Hope’. Her life in no way could be categorized as hopeful. Through the series of events she called her life, hope was the last thing that ever came to mind. Having had her hope crushed so many times by so many people in so many ways had led her to the place where pain gives way to the only reality she had come to know. Her mind could take no more…so she had become more of a walking dead person than a living human being.

She had grown so bitter at the words of her own grandmother…that hope would be running through the fabric of her life. At times she had wanted to crush the little doll…or burn it…or just get it away from her consciousness. But for some reason, she had never been able to let go. By now the doll’s little dress had become quite frayed and the golden thread had faded to dull brown. And along with the faded song, the doll had come to represent some other reality…some other world…for some other person. Long ago, whenever hope was still alive in her heart, she had become so accustomed to rejection and abandonment that she had actually changed the words to her grandmother’s song. So whenever the memory of that song had been stirred she could comfort herself with words that reflected what she had come to accept as normal.

Is anybody out there?

Can anybody see

That who I am on the outside

Is really not me?

When I fall who will pick up the pieces?

When I hurt who will bind up my wound?

When I’m alone or afraid

Will anybody be there?

I’d like to know who…

Reaching the underside of a bridge on this rainy stretch of road, she threw her bag to the ground and sat there. Nowhere to go. No one to talk to. As far as she knew, there was no one who even knew – or cared – that she existed. If only she could start a fire, maybe the glow of the flame would lift her spirit and at least warm her body. Groping through her bag for the lighter, her hand brushed what she knew was the little doll, Hope. Sad to say, but a little tinge of life and emotion had electrified her heart in one brief touch. Even sadder to think that an inanimate object had become her best friend. Finding enough dry wood and kindling nestled beneath the dry underbelly of that old bridge, she was able to start a small fire. And she had been right. It made her feel a little better. Warm. Somehow not so forgotten.

She picked up the doll and began to retrace the memories invoked by every frayed edge. Around each arm and leg were threads of other memories she had collected through the years. When her father had beaten her for interrupting his TV time and had locked her away in the closet for those three days, she had unraveled a thread of the carpet and had decorated Hope…just to pass the time…just to keep her sanity. Then there was the thread that represented the many verbal assaults and insults she had suffered due at the hand of her mother who seemed to be so jealous of her own daughter. She had never quite understood the reasons her mother had felt the need to put her down – especially in front of her dad. Spending so much time in that closet, Hope had come to have quite an array if threads of myriad colors wrapped around her plastic arms. Each thread represented a definite memory, having been pulled from her surroundings during those times of sorrow and suffering.

Sitting there beneath the bridge, rain falling, fire glowing, literally alone, she had come to reject all things material. Her parents had always gone out of their way to have the finest things, biggest homes, designer clothes and whatever else seemed to make them feel as if they were the kings of the neighborhood. Even as a girl, she had felt this was surely not the way a normal family should live. But that had come to be her normal. Pretty and polite and well-received in public, but hiding a world of pain, sorrow, and suffering none of her friends would have believed.

Then she came to the two simple white strands of thread wrapped snuggly around the waist of the little doll. She had tried to forget this one for so many reasons. The first thread represented the night when she was 12 years old and had given birth to that precious little girl. She had not even gotten to hold the baby…but had managed to pull at the white cotton edges of the blanket as the infant was pulled away from her trembling arms. The plain white tread reminded her of the helplessness she had felt when the man had come into her room so many times. Her own relative. She had told her mother, but her mother had told her to watch her tongue.

The second thread represented the little boy that had been taken from her when she was 14. Again, she had managed to grasp one little thread away. This strand reminded her of how odd she had felt when her own family pretended nothing had happened yet at the same time seemed to silently blame her for the predicament she had placed them all in…as if she had somehow had a choice in the matter! Even when she had tried to go to the authorities in her small town, she was told to stop talking such nonsense. Even though the threads of her life had been wrapped around a little doll named Hope, hope was not even remotely possible.

Is anybody out there?

Can anybody see

That who I am on the outside

Is really not me?

When I fall who will pick up the pieces?

When I hurt who will bind up my wound?

When I’m alone or afraid

Will anybody be there?

I’d like to know who…

Having her heart warmed, she was able to rest. Even these perverse memories gave her at least something to cling to. As she thought about her life, her eyes grew tired and she soon drifted off to sleep. Dreams had never been sweet in her life…but tonight the torment of the countless nightmares she had grown accustomed to were simply not there. Soon she found herself twirling round and round in her twirl-around dress, dancing for her grandmother again. So free and so full of joy. She danced and danced for hours as her grandmother sang the old lullaby.

Did you know that someone loves you?

Loves you lavishly!

Loves you more than the whole wide world

That someone is me!

When you fall, I’ll pick up the pieces

When you hurt I’ll bind up your wound

When you’re alone or afraid

I’ll be right where you are

And I love you

As the song faded, her dream continued…but her grandmother had been replaced by a man who seemed to be a Shepherd. The strange figure was surrounded by sheep that were contentedly grazing around the meadow…but He kept beckoning to the girl to follow Him. So she did. As they went from green lush pastures and deep flowing streams to wonderful mountain vistas her heart seemed to leap from her chest at the sheer freedom and acceptance she felt in the Shepherd’s presence all along the way. But soon he began to lead her down through the darkest of valleys, full of sinister glowing eyes peering out from the crevices in every gully they passed through. Instead of the serenity of the calm meadows the darkness was constantly pierced with the shrieks and groans of fear and pain. She found herself being pulled to the Shepherd’s side. She could still feel her surroundings, but she somehow felt safe at the same time.

The journey soon took them to a place of terrible and unmentionable horror. It was obvious that everyone around her was there to torment her and to take her life…but the Shepherd would never allow the enemy to touch her. To her amazement the Shepherd led her to the most extravagant feast she had ever seen. Right there in the midst of His enemies the Shepherd had prepared an elaborate smorgasbord. Taking a seat, they dined for what seemed like an eternity. After taking their fill, the Shepherd picked up the little girl and carried her to a secluded forest glen where the shrieking had been replaced by absolute quiet and the darkness of the stormy night had given way to the brightness of a full moon. Though she remembered all those nights when the other men of her childhood would carry her away in fear, she felt none of that in this moment. Lying in peace on His shoulder, she was soothed to sleep even in her dream by the Shepherd’s simple song.

When everything you are

Just seems to fall apart

And you're alone in the dark;

Sorrow, like endless rain,

No longer hides the pain

And now you've drifted too far;

Come down from the ledge

Of your own broken heart.

Run here to My open arms

Where you can fall apart!

I'll be your Light in dark!

I'll be right where you are!

I'll hold you close through the pain!

I'll calm the raging tide!

I'll be right by your side!

I'll shelter you from the rain!

Put your head on My shoulder!

Put your head on My shoulder

…and rest.

No more tears left to cry.

Wishing that you could die

And make this hurt go away!

This endless raging storm

Has left your heart so torn

You simply can't see a way!

Come down from the ledge

Of your own broken heart.

Run here to My open arms

Where you can fall apart!

I'll be your Light in dark!

I'll be right where you are!

I'll hold you close through the pain!

I'll calm the raging tide!

I'll be right by your side!

I'll shelter you from the rain!

Put your head on My shoulder!

Put your head on My shoulder

…and rest.

As the song ended the girl began to open her eyes. The Shepherd had taken her back to the bridge where the dream had first begun. She was so full of questions but she somehow sensed that her dream would end soon. “Who are you?” she said to the Shepherd. “My name is Jesus. And I’ve been watching over you for such a long time now.”

“But why did You allow all these terrible things to ruin my life?”

“I allowed them, yes, but your life is far from ruined. Like your little doll, Hope, I’ve been with you every step of the way. And like the golden thread that runs through her apron, I have been constantly there through every one of your sorrows, calling you to Myself. You just didn’t know how to hear me very well! If you never knew the dryness of the desert, would you ever know the sweetness of the rain when it falls? If you never knew the sorrow and pain of life, would you be able to experience the comfort and healing that I now offer you?

Like those extra threads you’ve added to Hope through the course of your journey, your life may seem frayed and frazzled and beyond hope right now…but here’s what I would like to do if you will let me.” And the Shepherd took the doll from the girl and began to unravel all the threads that had come to represent all the pain and sorrow and suffering…and right there in the spot He began to somehow magically weave the most beautiful tapestry the girl had ever seen. What had just a few moments before been a shambled mess of brittle timeworn thread had now been transformed into the most exquisite piece of cloth the little girl had ever seen.

“As the Shepherd handed the beautiful tapestry to the girl, He left her with these words. “Just as your life may seem a series of broken promises and shattered dreams and wounds beyond belief, I can take the threads of even your most shameful moments and weave them into something beautiful. I can make your life a tapestry of grace…a tapestry that defies logic because all who see it will know what it was made from, but they will see the depth of beauty due to the touch of the Master Weaver. Your life can be that transformed…but only if you let me have those threads. Give me every thread of hurt. Every thread of disappointment. Every thread of broken promise. Every thread of bitter failure…and I’ll weave something beautiful from your life. For so long you have felt you were hanging by a thread…and you were right. Now let me make something beautiful of that thread. Follow me.”

And He was gone. She startled from her dream and clumsily searched for Hope. Finding the little doll, she looked to see if all the threads from her dream had been transformed into the tapestry she had watched unfold as she slept. But they had not been. They were still there. Still glaring reminders of her tattered and torn life. But something WAS different now. The little golden thread that had become so faded with time and wear now seemed to have a little glimmer of shine to it – as if someone had purposely buffed away some of the grime. A glimmer of hope. That is what she now felt. She slept the rest of that night there under the bridge dreaming of the tapestry the Shepherd would soon make of her life. And He did.

Through the years, she never forgot the many twists and turns of her life. She simply learned to see them from a different perspective…the perspective of a Shpeherd who met her and a little doll under a bridge in a dream…and now the little girl had grown up…but had learned to find the melody of the Shepherd and every once in awhile you could hear her singing in the meadow, spinning around in her big-girl twirl-around dress, holding a little doll close to her heart all the while. Hope had been restored.

Many weary miles

Many painful scar

Many shattered dreams

To get me where you are

Many bitter tears

Many broken hearts

Many disappointments

But worth it still by far

Because I know You

Deep inside of me

In ways I’d always hoped

Your love would somehow reach

Knowing You is worth each struggle

Worth every mile

Worth every single tear

Every fiery trial

Worth every heartache

Worth every pain

Worth every valley

Not one step in vain

Knowing You

Is worth everything

Many sleepless nights

Many painful falls

Many lonely days

To many dead-end walls

Every painful step

I’ve ever had to face

Has led me right to You

And Your amazing grace

And helped me know You

Deep inside of me

In ways I’d always hoped

Your love would somehow reach

Knowing You is worth each struggle

Worth every mile

Worth every single tear

Every fiery trial

Worth every heartache

Worth every pain

Worth every valley

Not one step in vain

Knowing You

Is worth everything

To hear The Dennis Jernigan Podcast telling of this story and to hear the story BEHIND the story, go to http://podcast.dennisjernigan.com/e/a-thread-of-hope/

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/10/19/04/49/doll-2866471_1280.jpg

To purchase the book, A Thread of Hope, go to https://www.amazon.com/Thread-Hope-Dennis-Jernigan/dp/1613142870/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1674663169&sr=1-1

No Life Too Small

I am sharing the story of a song called No Life Too Small today. This particular song came to me in October 14-15, 1992 and the way it came to me still stirs my soul to this day. I’d like to share some passages from God’s Word as it relates to this song:

You will make known to me the way of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Psalm 16:11 NASB

Jesus said, “…life is more than food, and the body [is more] than clothing.” Luke 12:23

When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 3:4 NASB

I’ll get right to the point. We hear so much about the rights of different people groups and the rights of a woman over her own body and we hear so many opposing views on what truth is. I believe God’s Word is THE Truth and that life begins at conception…and far too often, we conveniently forget about the rights of that unborn human being…that baby. To hear the world’s view concerning an unborn child it seems as if that life is too small and too insignificant to give him or her a second thought.

The song, No Life Too Small, was written for our friends, Wayne and Tina and for their son, Aaron Bryce. Aaron was born prematurely and went to be with Jesus. What had broken my heart the most about Aaron’s death was the fact that I had watched Wayne and Tina as they had prepared for the birth – so excited and wonder-filled at the prospect of their first child.

I remembered the way I had felt when Melinda first told me that she was pregnant with our first child, a son. The news took my breath away and joy filled my heart. How would I have felt if my firstborn son had gone to be with Jesus?

Trying to put myself in the place of this precious family at suffering such a great loss took me to a place of sorrow I did not enjoy, yet God used this place to show me the value He places on life.

Aaron had departed this life…but He truly was with Jesus. Even though his little life had been so brief, I was left with the realization that his life was every bit as significant as mine. All I had to do was think of the grieving parents and the sense of loss they must have felt to know that great value had been placed upon this precious little child. If anyone understands how these grieving parents must have felt, it is our heavenly Father Who gave His only Son to save and redeem us all. There is no life too small for God to see and love and care for…

Jesus said to him [ His disciple, Thomas], "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 NASB

Life is a gift. Its quality not in the length or in the level of comfort we attain, but rather, in the knowledge that each one is so precious to the Creator no matter how brief or insignificant it may seem to us. This song came as a reminder that no life is insignificant to God – no matter how long or short it is lived. Every life is of the greatest value to Him…no matter how small. It would do us all good to remember that truth.

Every human life is of highest value to our Maker. Do we value every human life? Let’s ask the Lord to show us how to express value to others around us…no matter how insignificant they may appear to the world at large. Let’s just be Jesus to the world around us.

Dennis Jernigan

To hear the song, No Life Too Small, listen to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this blog at https://www.patreon.com/posts/no-life-too-77315253

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/09/05/11/37/baby-2717347_1280.jpg

Watching Over You

I will raise my eyes to the mountains;

From where will my help come?

My help [comes] from the LORD,

Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip;

He who watches over you will not slumber.

Behold, He who watches over Israel

Will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your protector;

The LORD is your shade on your right hand.

The sun will not beat down on you by day,

Nor the moon by night.

The LORD will protect you from all evil;

He will keep your soul.

The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in

From this time and forever.

Psalm 121:1-8 NASB

On March 23, 1995, I was ministering at a conference when God spontaneously dropped a song from His point of view into my heart - and the song still rings true and through my heart to this day. The reason this song still stirs my soul deeply to this day is that it came spontaneously during a ministry time at a retreat center near Orlando, Florida.

While sharing my story and leading worship at a ministry conference for those desiring to step out of and overcome same sex attraction, the keynote speaker taught on destiny and anointing in such a way that God brought me personally to a greater level of healing in my own heart than I even realized I had needed!

God had chosen me and even anointed me for ministry at an early age…yet the enemy had perverted my giftings and perceptions of myself to the point that I had allowed my God-given strengths to be overshadowed by the enemy-inspired weaknesses of my flesh. As the minister spoke, God inspired me with the truth of this song. I quickly jotted down the words and I sang it there on the spot that day in almost the exact form it appears on my recording called No Life Too Small.

That song is called Watching Over You and is a song from God’s perspective of us. The following passage from the Psalms reminds me of the healing balm of the song:

One who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

Will lodge in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress,

My God, in whom I trust!"

For it is He who rescues you from the net of the trapper

And from the deadly plague.

He will cover you with His pinions,

And under His wings you may take refuge;

His faithfulness is a shield and wall.

You will not be afraid of the terror by night,

Or of the arrow that flies by day;

Of the plague that stalks in darkness,

Or of the destruction that devastates at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side

And ten thousand at your right hand,

[But] it shall not approach you.

You will only look on with your eyes

And see the retaliation [against] the wicked.

For you have made the LORD, my refuge,

The Most High, your dwelling place.

No evil will happen to you,

Nor will any plague come near your tent.

For He will give His angels orders concerning you,

To protect you in all your ways.

Psalm 91:1-11 NASB

God desires to take our greatest weaknesses and use them for His glory by showing us His strength. He can even take our failures and redeem them to the point that they become vessels of His glory as they testify to His redeeming love and power. Jesus Himself said we would do greater things than He did. How? By walking in the truth which we were created to walk in.

[Make sure that] your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER ABANDON YOU," so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?” Hebrews 13:5-6 NASB

Let’s do this. Let’s be quick to remind our own souls - every day - multiple times a day - that we are never alone…and that our Father is constantly watching over us. I recommend that you listen to the song Watching Over You a couple of more times today…and in the days to come. It really will do your soul good.

Dennis Jernigan

Hear The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this blog along with the song at https://www.patreon.com/posts/watching-over-76999172

Photo courtesy of https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2019/06/08/12/24/father-4260027_1280.jpg

You Are A Gift To Me

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,

The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

So are the children of one's youth.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;

They will not be ashamed

When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:3-5 NASB

On July 15, 1994, our twin sons were born. Ezra Thomas weighed in at 3 pounds, 10 ounces. Like his brother, Asa (2 pounds, seven ounces), he had come 9 weeks early and we were concerned that we might lose them. Yet God brought him through! It was in the process of the whole ordeal, though, that we came to know his life as a greater gift than we realized at first.

It was in seeing Ezra’s little life as God sees mine that I realized this truth: God sings His love over me, yet the paradox – the mystery – is that I am the reason for the song…and in a way, I am His song…and He is my song and the reason I sing!

I know, it doesn’t make sense. But that is the way God is. His ways are higher than ours. His thoughts are higher than ours. Relationship is a two way street – even with God! I listen for His voice to me, and I speak my love back to Him. Life happens through relationship. It is the same with people. It is the same with God. In that way, I am as much a gift to Him as He is to me!

Why do I believe that? Because I, as an earthly father, feel that way towards my own son, so how much more does our heavenly Father feel that way towards us?!

God gave His Son as a gift to me. I give my life back as a gift to Him. He gave my son as a gift to me. I give my son back as a gift to Him. Life is a precious gift. Let’s be good receivers of that gift as well as good givers of that gift.

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17 NASB

You have two choices in every moment of life concerning whether or not you believe God loves you. You can either believe He loves you or you can believe He doesn’t. Regardless of what you and I think, that is a done deal. God’s very nature is love…but it’s our choice as to whether or not we will receive that love. Guess which way of thinking - which belief - has brought healing into my life? Let’s be good receivers of God’s love for us today.

Dennis Jernigan

To hear The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this blog and to hear the song Dennis wrote for his son, Ezra, go to http://podcast.dennisjernigan.com/e/you-are-a-gift-to-me/