Author Archives: normdave

I got to assist with the cultural briefing today. The clouds went away just in time for a fantastic sunset. Norm was at the reception center helping residents with the numerous organizations there. It was a good day…for both of us…

We are blessed to be serving in Maui again. Norm served and then I served and now we are back again, this time together.

What makes Thanksgiving so special?  Why do we celebrate this holiday? Thanksgiving is unique as it celebrates the larger concept, something everyone, regardless of religion, race, or creed, can relate to and recognize—something uniquely American.  It’s deeper than just Pilgrim’s dressed in top-hats sharing some turkey with the American Indian natives.  There is a reasonContinue reading “The first American Thanksgiving…”

“Order for the Visitation of the Sick.“ “The minister shall say to the sick man: Do you believe that you cannot be saved but by the death of Christ? The sick man answers, Yes. Then let it be said unto him: Go to, then, and while thy soul abides in you, put all thy confidenceContinue reading “Our Great Intercessor…Jesus…”

The relationship between the first three books of the Bible… -In Genesis- man is ruined. -In Exodus- man is redeemed. -In Leviticus- man is worshipping God. “Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you doContinue reading “Relationship…”

“It has been said that Moses spent forty years in Pharaoh’s court finding out he was a somebody. He spent forty years in the wilderness finding out he was a nobody. And then he spent forty years finding out what God can do with a somebody who realizes they are a nobody.” Pastor Greg Laurie.Continue reading “Numbers 32:23…”

Law demands—grace gives. Law says “do.”—-grace says “believe.” Law exacts—-grace bestows. Law says “work.”—-grace says “rest.” Law threatens, pronouncing a curse—-grace entreats, pronouncing a blessing. Law says “Do, and thou shalt live.”—-grace says “Live, and thou shalt do.” Law condemns the best man—-grace saves the worst man. “For by grace are ye saved through faith;Continue reading “Lahaina Fire, day twelve…”

Please join us in prayer for the residents of Lahaina. Many are seeing their homes for the first time since August 8th…

“And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.””‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ TheContinue reading “Lahaina Fire day 6…”

The county here has been allowing residents to enter the town in zones and today, Monday has been my busiest so far. Very hot rewording work for the Lord. We are all trying to show the Love of Jesus to this community. Ninety nine lives lost. I remember every day I come to the site…

Day 2 started early, a 45 minute drive to the recovery center to catch a bus to the burn area. No photos can be taken of any property that has been affected. About 20 or so gold shirts spread out throughout the small area where we are allowed to work. Some work was scheduled andContinue reading “Lahaina Day 1-2…”

“The heart stands for what we are, the hand for what we do. What we are, that ultimately we do.” ““For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, norContinue reading “Heart-Hand…”

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces.” For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, “Peace be within you.” Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek your good.”‭‭Psalms‬ ‭122‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ One ofContinue reading “Pray….”

“And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.””‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. Proverbs 3:27.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=IJQnBuEGYU8&si=Nzsu9tLG62O7PN6P In the video it says that there is “No Gospel in Calvinism,” I also can state from experience that there is “No Love in Calvinism.” I can’t understand why people will sit in a fellowship, under a Pastor that spews this false doctrine out week after week. I know Christians that even though theyContinue reading “Calvinism…”

In January of 2010, Randy and his wife Bertha gave Norm and I on the job training on preparing food for flood victims in Salome Arizona. We still remember cooking 180 pancakes and 130 hot dogs. When Bertha went to be with the Lord in 2012, Randy gave Norm Bertha’s disaster relief kitchen apron. ThatContinue reading “A look back…”

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”‭‭I John‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.”‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ He prayed for strength that he might achieve; He was made weak that he might obey. He prayed for health that heContinue reading “Genesis 3:20-21…”

“And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.””‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “It is the call of Divine justice, which cannot overlook sin. It is the call of Divine sorrow, which grieves over the sinner. It isContinue reading “Genesis 3:15…”

The Sabbath was on the Seventh day… The Levitical system was built on a cycle of sevens… Jericho fell after seven Priests, with seven trumpets, for seven days, marched around its walls, and blew seven trumpets seven times on the seventh day… Naaman dipped in the Jordon river seven times… There are seven days ofContinue reading “The number 7…”

The seven names of God that meet our every need. Jehovah-jireh, the Lord will provide. Jehovah-rapha, the Lord that heals. Jehovah-nissi, the Lord our banner. Jehovah-Shalom, the Lord our peace. Jehovah-ra-ah, the Lord my shepherd. Jehovah-tsidkenu, the Lord our righteousness. Jehovah-shammah, the Lord is present. “Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out ofContinue reading “7 compound Names…”

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “The most general forms into which the manifestation of the Unknowable are re-divisible areContinue reading “Genesis 1:1-2…”

“Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, And that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? Therefore have I uttered that I understood not; Things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and IContinue reading “Job chapter 42…”

“I call this book, apart from all theories about it, one of the grandest things ever written. Our first, oldest statement of the never-ending problem: Man’s Destiny, and God’s ways with him in the earth. There is nothing written, I think, of equal literary merit.” Thomas Carlyle. “The Book of Job is perhaps the greatestContinue reading “The Book of Job…”

““Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap norContinue reading “The Cure of Anxiety…”

“as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;”‭‭I Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ I NEEDED THE QUIET I needed the quiet so He drew me aside, Into the shadows where we could confide. Away from the bustle where all the day long I hurried and worried when active and strong. IContinue reading “1 Peter 1:14”

“to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,”‭‭I Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “It will always be new; it will never decay. No night ever comes; it will always be day. How it gladdens my heart with joy that’s untold To think of that land where nothing growsContinue reading “1 Peter 1:4…”

My life in God—-that’s salvation! My life with God—-that’s communion and fellowship. My life for God—-that’s service.

“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.”‭‭II John‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “Love is that in God which existed before He would care to exercise mercy or grace. Mercy on the other hand, is that in GodContinue reading “2 John 3…”

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”‭‭I John‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Christianity is not a religion. It isContinue reading “1 John 5:20”

“He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”‭‭I John‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ I heard the voice of JesusContinue reading “1 John 2:10-11…”

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”‭‭I John‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Upon a life I did not live, Upon a death I did not die, Another’s life, Another’s death, I stake my wholeContinue reading “1 John 2: 1…”

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,”‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9‬:‭27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Oh,joy! oh, delight! Should we go without dying, No sickness, no sadness, no dread and no crying, Caught up through the clouds with our Lord into glory, When Jesus receives “His own.” O Lord Jesus, how long, howContinue reading “Hebrews 9:27…”

“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do youContinue reading “Lovest thou Me???…”

“And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ These verses are the key toContinue reading “John 20: 30-31…”

“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,”‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Facts! Our salvation is based on our relationship to those facts andContinue reading “What is the Gospel???…”

“Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of theContinue reading “John 19: 20-22…”

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Peace can only be found in Jesus Christ, in the person of Jesus Christ. There is trouble in the world, but weContinue reading “Peace…”

““I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.Continue reading “Seven Steps…”

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “I am THE WAY..” Jesus is saying He is the way! No church or ritual can bring you to God. Jesus is the way. You are either in Christ or not,Continue reading “John 14:6…”

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “These Christians are very strange people. They meet together in an empty roomContinue reading “John 13:34-35…”

““Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.”‭‭ “He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and weContinue reading “John 12:27…”

“Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oilContinue reading “John 12: 1-3…”

“Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the lightContinue reading “John 9:3-5”

How God Speaks to Us, by David Hocking God speaks to us today through the Bible. Do you believe that? Can I tell you that God spoke to me this morning? Yes I can. How did He do that? Was it an audible voice? No. Well how did He do that? Through His word, HeContinue reading “God Speaks…”

“how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ I do not work my soul to save— That work my Lord has done. But I will work like any slave For loveContinue reading “Hebrews 9:14…”

“And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.”‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ WhenContinue reading “Hebrews 3: 5-6…”

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,”‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “There is something wrong with you if you can’t walk out and look up at the mountains, or go down to the seashore and look at the sea, or look up into the heavensContinue reading “Hebrews 1:1…”

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”‭‭Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ A believer is saved by the grace of God, but don’t sit down and pat yourself onContinue reading “Be careful…”

“but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”‭‭II Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ We mutter and sputter; We fume and we spurt; We mumble and grumble; Our feelings get hurt. We can’t understand things; Our vision grows dim, When all thatContinue reading “Grow in Grace…”

“Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.”‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ A careless word may kindle strife; A cruel word may wreck a life. A bitter word may hate instill; A brutal word may smite and kill.Continue reading “James 3:4…The Tongue…”

“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “Life is to be mastered by faith, and not by doubt; it is to be forevermore illuminated by hope, and not darkened by despair;Continue reading “Hebrews 11:3”

If you have ever attended a worship service you probably have an opinion about the music.  You may prefer “contemporary” styles over the more “traditional” ones, or vice versa.  Certain instruments, like drums or pipe organs, have their proponents and critics.  Paradoxically, younger people, with good hearing, favor loud music more than older people whoContinue reading “Pastor Tom”