Embarrassingly committed to Him alone..

The Vineyard

Dear Friends:

King David once said, “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

I do not think that I was able to grasp the truth and satisfaction of these words as a youth or even a young man.  I was focused on the right things, I believe, but my focus was more of “action figure” plan than leaning upon God. Like the “Iron Man”, my “attack plan” was “attack”.  There was a time that I believed that by hard work and determination a man could do almost anything—-including the creation of a community that was exactly as it should be.  My motives were actually very good, but my goal was not right.  I was not so much seeking “Him” as I was the things that are associated with Him—-such a peace, rest, stability, purpose. 

David has it right. REST does not come from seeking to be holy, or righteous or blameless. A sure foundation for my ministry and this camp does not come from being well endowed with lots of a positive cash-flow and a well organized office.  Stability in my personal life is not the result of carefully raising my sons, or watching my diet, work-outs and personal habits.  No, rest, having a ROCK for my foundation and being immovably stable, are the by-products of my intimacy with, and preference of, God in all of life. Jesus was clear: If you don’t “hate” your mom or father in relation to how you “love” the Son of God, you are not going to  experience the “one-ness” with Him that David described.

And that is something that a young person (at least something this one-time young person) never grasped—-or was never properly taught.  He (God) is not the means to the goal, and He is not the One that will lead me to the goal, nor is He the “gateway” to the goal—He IS the goal and He alone!  That’s what produces this rest and salvation! This is what becomes an immovable rock of confidence and sense of purpose in my life!  HE is the reason. HE is the source. HE is my all-in-all.

The true heroes of the church, those that were truly in love with Him, were  frequently not very celebrated in their lives.  They caused others to be a bit uncomfortable because of their unwavering devotion to Him —their lives made others feel a bit embarrassed about their own lives!

I don’t think I make folks very uncomfortable yet. Pity.  May it change this coming summer.

Warmly,

Dean Barley

The Vineyard

Dean@VineyardCamp.com

336 351 2070

919 360 8493 (Mobile)