View Full Version : Out of the cave, into His Marvelous Light: Making a decision to transition
1 Samuel 22:1 KJV
David therefore departed thence,
and escaped to the cave Adullam:
and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it,
they went down thither to him.
And every one that was in distress,
and every one that was in debt,
and every one that was discontented,
gathered themselves unto him;
and he became a captain over them:
and there were with him about four hundred men.
After essentially a 2 year hiatus that has been marked by personal loss and life-altering circumstances, I have decided to make an important decision to step out of the cave I've been hiding in.
David found a cave to hide because he felt he needed to. David's situation drove him to a place of solitude and reflection.
He had lost his home, his wife, his job in the Palace, his counselor and adviser, his closest and only true friend, Jonathan because he had fled from King Saul, who was seeking to kill him.
He even had lost his self respect.
Yet, the cave was a turning point in his life.
My cave has served it's purpose ... I have been able to get to a place where I have been compelled to rely entirely on God. It has been a place of prayer and seeking God's face. God has also sent my family and friends to join me during this dark hour. He has also sent others I never imagined to meet ... all of them to help and encourage me.
I've been asking God for some answers as to what is the next stage for my life, especially in prayer in the last few weeks. He has impressed upon me that he wants me to come out because he's not done with me.
Certainly, there's a frustration many of us have felt, as David did too, to having a king's anointing, dripping w/ oil yet not seeing his promises fully fulfilled in our lives. I too have felt it.
We are all called to minister within the Body. He has placed in us talents and giftings as to further His purposes and His Kingdom. One of the frustrating things a child of God can do is bury these talents and giftings knowing that we will be held accountable for what the Master has entrusted to us.
With this ... said .... I will be assuming a pastorship of new Spanish work at Gloryland Church, under Senior Pastor Steve Barley. He has also asked me to assist at the church, when needed.
Please ... understand I know who he is and yes, even his history. My parents were under his pastorship in the Bronx for almost 2 years. I intend to also continue helping out w/ the Spanish work at Church of Champions, under Paster Joe Rios.
Lastly, God has confirmed to me that this decision is within His perfect will. We have a common history, doctrinal viewpoint, and vision to reach the lost.
Also, please try to leave any negativity at the door ... as not to mar this thread. I ask for your prayers and advice. We'll be starting from ground zero.
The task at hand will be my priority.
Who turned on the lights????
Be blessed,
Dan
COOPER
10-26-2007, 09:13 AM
:pirate:pirate:pirate:pirate:pirate:pirate:pirate
Nahum
10-26-2007, 09:19 AM
Godspeed, Daniel!
I will be praying for you, Dana, and Aaron.
I look forward to hearing good reports. Please know that you can share the good, and bad, with me. I'll love you no matter how successful or unsuccessful you are. I am truly thankful you are "coming out," and even more thankful it's from a cave - and NOT a closet.:hypercoffee
ELA
philjones
10-26-2007, 09:22 AM
1 Samuel 22:1 KJV
David therefore departed thence,
and escaped to the cave Adullam:
and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it,
they went down thither to him.
And every one that was in distress,
and every one that was in debt,
and every one that was discontented,
gathered themselves unto him;
and he became a captain over them:
and there were with him about four hundred men.
After essentially a 2 year hiatus that has been marked by personal loss and life-altering circumstances, I have decided to make an important decision to step out of the cave I've been hiding in.
David found a cave to hide because he felt he needed to. David's situation drove him to a place of solitude and reflection.
He had lost his home, his wife, his job in the Palace, his counselor and adviser, his closest and only true friend, Jonathan because he had fled from King Saul, who was seeking to kill him.
He even had lost his self respect.
Yet, the cave was a turning point in his life.
My cave has served it's purpose ... I have been able to get to a place where I have been compelled to rely entirely on God. It has been a place of prayer and seeking God's face. God has also sent my family and friends to join me during this dark hour. He has also sent others I never imagined to meet ... all of them to help and encourage me.
I've been asking God for some answers as to what is the next stage for my life, especially in prayer in the last few weeks. He has impressed upon me that he wants me to come out because he's not done with me.
Certainly, there's a frustration many of us have felt, as David did too, to having a king's anointing, dripping w/ oil yet not seeing his promises fully fulfilled in our lives. I too have felt it.
We are all called to minister within the Body. He has placed in us talents and giftings as to further His purposes and His Kingdom. One of the frustrating things a child of God can do is bury these talents and giftings knowing that we will be held accountable for what the Master has entrusted to us.
With this ... said .... I will be assuming a pastorship of new Spanish work at Gloryland Church, under Senior Pastor Steve Barley. He has also asked me to assist at the church, when needed.
Please ... understand I know who he is and yes, even his history. My parents were under his pastorship in the Bronx for almost 2 years. I intend to also continue helping out w/ the Spanish work at Church of Champions, under Paster Joe Rios.
Lastly, God has confirmed to me that this decision is within His perfect will. We have a common history, doctrinal viewpoint, and vision to reach the lost.
Also, please try to leave any negativity at the door ... as not to mar this thread. I ask for your prayers and advice. We'll be starting for ground zero.
The task at hand will be my priority.
Who turned on the lights????
Be blessed,
Dan
Dan,
I am very thankful that you have found the place and opportunity to minister the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. The servant life is not always easy but it is always good. May God Bless you!
When you talk to Bro. Barley, please tell him I said hello and would love to hear from him. I think you are aware that I worked with him and lived with his family when he started the UPCI work in Guatemala.
I have always found Bro. Barley to be a man of great passion for the lost. He also isn't a half bad preacher!:)
You have to be careful, unless something has changed, he is a 3 stepper and strong on W&S! :D
You have to be careful, unless something has changed, he is a 3 stepper and strong on W&S! :D
Thanks, Phil. He has changed.
Godspeed, Daniel!
I will be praying for you, Dana, and Aaron.
I look forward to hearing good reports. Please know that you can share the good, and bad, with me. I'll love you no matter how successful or unsuccessful you are. I am truly thankful you are "coming out," and even more thankful it's from a cave - and NOT a closet.:hypercoffee
ELA
I appreciate our friendship. Thanks for being a true one.
philjones
10-26-2007, 09:28 AM
Thanks, Phil. He has changed.
Dan,
You do know that was intended to be a joke. I have spoken to Bro. Barley a couple times in recent years and I am very aware of his positions. You would never know it to hear him preach, however. He still brings it just like the old days on Baptism and Holy Ghost! He did some good work in Cuba in the last 5 years or so. Quite a guy.
As you know, he was quite the ball player in his youth and continued to be so up into his 40s. He used to get "picked up" to play in some of the semi-pro softball games in Guatemala as I recall. :)
Dan,
You do know that was intended to be a joke. I have spoken to Bro. Barley a couple times in recent years and I am very aware of his positions. You would never know it to hear him preach, however. He still brings it just like the old days on Baptism and Holy Ghost! He did some good work in Cuba in the last 5 years or so. Quite a guy.
As you know, he was quite the ball player in his youth and continued to be so up into his 40s. He used to get "picked up" to play in some of the semi-pro softball games in Guatemala as I recall. :)
He taught old time Baptism of the HG on Wed. nite!!!! He is very proud of the work he's done in Cuba ... and shared that w/ me over dinner.
:pirate:pirate:pirate:pirate:pirate:pirate:pirate
Coop,
You'll be glad to know that at least for now you're off ignore. Also, to add to your ecstasy ... we'll be teaching ESL classes .... as to serve the community and attract people to the church.
:saycheese
mizpeh
10-26-2007, 10:04 AM
Great news, Dan! You have alot to offer everyone you come in contact with.
Does this mean you won't be hanging around here as much?
philjones
10-26-2007, 10:07 AM
He taught old time Baptism of the HG on Wed. nite!!!! He is very proud of the work he's done in Cuba ... and shared that w/ me over dinner.
Maybe I will come over one service night and worship with your both! I would sincerely enjoy that! I am anticipating meeting you face to face.:santathumb
Maybe I will come over one service night and worship with your both! I would sincerely enjoy that! I am anticipating meeting you face to face.:santathumb
I look forward to it too, bro. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Great news, Dan! You have alot to offer everyone you come in contact with.
Does this mean you won't be hanging around here as much?
It does mean I have to prioritize .... Smack me over the head if I don't.
philjones
10-26-2007, 10:13 AM
I like forward to it too, bro. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Probably not as surprised as I once might have been. Your forerunner has made the crooked ways straight and the rough places plain! :D
mizpeh
10-26-2007, 10:20 AM
It does mean I have to prioritize .... Smack me over the head if I don't.
My pleasure.....:thwak
dizzyde
10-26-2007, 10:25 AM
DA, I don't know you, and I have no idea what it is that drove you into the cave, but I felt like chiming in to say I will be praying for whatever it is God has in store for you. The cave has a purpose, I am very familiar with being in a cave, it has its time and place, and the transition out can be difficult, so my prayers are with you.
DA, I don't know you, and I have no idea what it is that drove you into the cave, but I felt like chiming in to say I will be praying for whatever it is God has in store for you. The cave has a purpose, I am very familiar with being in a cave, it has its time and place, and the transition out can be difficult, so my prayers are with you.
Isn't it great to know he's still in there w/ us ... Sometimes we think we're holding on to Him ... when all along He's been holding on to us.
James Griffin
10-26-2007, 10:43 AM
It does mean I have to prioritize .... Smack me over the head if I don't.
That will be my job. :-)
I am proud of you Dan, and happy for you. It has been a joy seeing the amazing transformation in you the past few months.
You and Pastor Barley will be good for each other!
Love and respect you both, and hope you know you will constantly be in my prayers.
If there is anyway I can be of assistance you know I will always be there.
That will be my job. :-)
I am proud of you Dan, and happy for you. It has been a joy seeing the amazing transformation in you the past few months.
You and Pastor Barley will be good for each other!
Love and respect you both, and hope you know you will constantly be in my prayers.
If there is anyway I can be of assistance you know I will always be there.
Thanks for havin' my back, JG. Glad you're around.
Psalm 142
You Are My Refuge
A Maskil of David, when he was inthe cave. A Prayer.
1With my voice Icry out to the LORD;
with my voice Iplead for mercy to the LORD.
2 I pour out my complaint before him;
I tell my trouble before him.
3When my spirit faints within me,
you know my way!
In the path where I walk
they have hidden a trap for me.
4 Look to the right and see:
there is none who takes notice of me;
no refuge remains to me;
no one cares for my soul.
5I cry to you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living."
6 Attend to my cry,
for I am brought very low!
Deliver me from my persecutors,
for they are too strong for me!
7 Bring me out of prison,
that I may give thanks to your name!
The righteous will surround me,
for you will deal bountifully with me.
Carpenter
10-26-2007, 11:05 AM
Having had and/or currently being very very familiar with the cave position, I understand what you are saying.
I am not asking this rhetorically nor am I asking for you to put a bulls-eye on your chest, but just out of curiousity what is it about you, in terms of your witness...can tell us what you feel would make you a good pastor?
...just getting you warmed up for the street, I know you know what it's like out there.
Having had and/or currently being very very familiar with the cave position, I understand what you are saying.
I am not asking this rhetorically nor am I asking for you to put a bulls-eye on your chest, but just out of curiousity what is it about you, in terms of your witness...can tell us what you feel would make you a good pastor?
...just getting you warmed up for the street, I know you know what it's like out there.
Hmm...
1. Nothing good about me ... but I have the Spirit of God ... dwelling in me ... Christ in us is our hope of Glory ... He also is the Good Sheperd. We can do all things in Christ Jesus .... and all good gifts come from God.
2. I have seen a Christ-like example of a good pastor in my father for close to 30 years. If I can be half the man he was ... I'll be successful in what God has called me to do.
3. God has called me to the ministry ... even when I've run away.
4. Pastoring is teaching and leading by example. God has given me the gift of teaching ... still a work in progress when it comes to being the ideal.
5. Most of all, we are comissioned to go throughout the World to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples .... I wanna be obedient.
6. I'm a sucker for punishment.
7. We are great in his Kingdom when we serve all.
-----------------------------
Some more thoughts, Carp ....
El buen pastor su vida da por sus ovejas. The good shepard lays down his life for his sheep.
A good pastor ... denies self and loves people... not an easy task but a challenge that can only be undertaken if we allow Him to take control of our lives.
A good pastor also knows that it is God who gives the increase ... and not his own abilities.
James Griffin
10-26-2007, 11:27 AM
what is it about you, in terms of your witness...can tell us what you feel would make you a good pastor?
I can tell you what I have seen.
In spite of his debating persona here, in real life he is broken, humble, transparent, and genuine. He loves people.
He knows technology, things like web site building and sound boards, and modern methods to dispense an old fashion message.
He is equally fluent in Spanish and English and has been involved in or been around ministry his entire life.
He is going to be under a man who has founded 105 churches in his life. And has recently (within last 12 months) held crusades in Pakistan and Ethiopia. Personal history of the families aside, it bespeaks volumes of Dan's character and abilities that Pastor Barley chose him for this position.
dizzyde
10-26-2007, 11:30 AM
Isn't it great to know he's still in there w/ us ... Sometimes we think we're holding on to Him ... when all along He's been holding on to us.
Yes, it was the realization of that truth that saved/rescued me.
Some more thoughts, Carp ....
El buen pastor su vida da por sus ovejas. The good shepard lays down his life for his sheep.
A good pastor ... denies self and loves people... not an easy task but a challenge that can only be undertaken if we allow Him to take control of our lives.
A good pastor also knows that it is God that gives the increase ... and not his own abilities.
He is going to be under a man who has founded 105 churches in his life. And has recently (within last 12 months) held crusades in Pakistan and Ethiopia. Personal history of the families aside, it bespeaks volumes of Dan's character and abilities that Pastor Barley chose him for this position.
One of the things I've asked for is a good mentor ... and both JG and SB fit the bill.
Yes, it was the realization of that truth that saved/rescued me.
That ... and knowing He is faithful to His promises, sister DD.
BrotherEastman
10-26-2007, 12:03 PM
1 Samuel 22:1 KJV
David therefore departed thence,
and escaped to the cave Adullam:
and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it,
they went down thither to him.
And every one that was in distress,
and every one that was in debt,
and every one that was discontented,
gathered themselves unto him;
and he became a captain over them:
and there were with him about four hundred men.
After essentially a 2 year hiatus that has been marked by personal loss and life-altering circumstances, I have decided to make an important decision to step out of the cave I've been hiding in.
David found a cave to hide because he felt he needed to. David's situation drove him to a place of solitude and reflection.
He had lost his home, his wife, his job in the Palace, his counselor and adviser, his closest and only true friend, Jonathan because he had fled from King Saul, who was seeking to kill him.
He even had lost his self respect.
Yet, the cave was a turning point in his life.
My cave has served it's purpose ... I have been able to get to a place where I have been compelled to rely entirely on God. It has been a place of prayer and seeking God's face. God has also sent my family and friends to join me during this dark hour. He has also sent others I never imagined to meet ... all of them to help and encourage me.
I've been asking God for some answers as to what is the next stage for my life, especially in prayer in the last few weeks. He has impressed upon me that he wants me to come out because he's not done with me.
Certainly, there's a frustration many of us have felt, as David did too, to having a king's anointing, dripping w/ oil yet not seeing his promises fully fulfilled in our lives. I too have felt it.
We are all called to minister within the Body. He has placed in us talents and giftings as to further His purposes and His Kingdom. One of the frustrating things a child of God can do is bury these talents and giftings knowing that we will be held accountable for what the Master has entrusted to us.
With this ... said .... I will be assuming a pastorship of new Spanish work at Gloryland Church, under Senior Pastor Steve Barley. He has also asked me to assist at the church, when needed.
Please ... understand I know who he is and yes, even his history. My parents were under his pastorship in the Bronx for almost 2 years. I intend to also continue helping out w/ the Spanish work at Church of Champions, under Paster Joe Rios.
Lastly, God has confirmed to me that this decision is within His perfect will. We have a common history, doctrinal viewpoint, and vision to reach the lost.
Also, please try to leave any negativity at the door ... as not to mar this thread. I ask for your prayers and advice. We'll be starting from ground zero.
The task at hand will be my priority.
Who turned on the lights????
Be blessed,
Dan
Danny, I am extremely happy for you. I promise you that I can relate w/the cave thing. LOL! You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope and wish you well in your endeavors for Christ. God bless you Dan!
The Mrs
10-26-2007, 12:05 PM
So happy for you Daniel! This is indeed good news!!! :scoregood
I know you will do well. :thumbsup
Esther
10-26-2007, 12:51 PM
Good luck and God Bless!
Dedicated Mind
10-26-2007, 01:51 PM
Great News DA! May God bless and keep you always! Let us know how it goes. Maybe you can post some pics when you have the time. Will be prayin for ya!
COOPER
10-26-2007, 02:14 PM
Coop,
You'll be glad to know that at least for now you're off ignore. Also, to add to your ecstasy ... we'll be teaching ESL classes .... as to serve the community and attract people to the church.
:saycheese
Thanks for not ignoring me....I just now read your thread.
I put the laughing smilies up tp get your attention....it worked, thanks!
Go get em' tiger!
Thanks for not ignoring me....I just now read your thread.
I put the laughing smilies up tp get your attention....it worked, thanks!
Go get em' tiger!
I feel that God is calling you to Houston, Coop!!!! ... we need a bass player ... your bass lines would be challenged w/ some of the West African Salsa rythms ... like a 6/8 Son clave.
COOPER
10-26-2007, 02:34 PM
I feel that God is calling you to Houston, Coop!!!! ... we need a bass player ... your bass lines would be challenged w/ some of the West African Salsa rythms ... like a 6/8 Son clave.
Hmm...6/8? Yikes...challenging yes...but I think I could pull it off.
Hmm...6/8? Yikes...challenging yes...but I think I could pull it off.
Then it's a done deal!!! Sign here, here and here. Wait .... But will you report the illegals we'll be winning for Jesus?
COOPER
10-26-2007, 02:48 PM
Then it's a done deal!!! Sign here, here and here. Wait .... But will you report the illegals we'll be winning for Jesus?
Nah, won't be reporting any....but getting my wife to move from Amarillo will be very hard.
BrotherEastman
10-26-2007, 03:12 PM
Coop,
You'll be glad to know that at least for now you're off ignore. Also, to add to your ecstasy ... we'll be teaching ESL classes .... as to serve the community and attract people to the church.
:saycheese
I offer encouragement, but you ignore me. Go figure.
I offer encouragement, but you ignore me. Go figure.
Thank you BE, Mrs., Mizpeh, Esther, PP, JG, Coop, DM and all others for your kind words of support.
nathan_slatter
10-26-2007, 03:37 PM
Lurking by happenstance, I read this and am thrilled. I can not say much more than that.
Lurking by happenstance, I read this and am thrilled. I can not say much more than that.
Hey Nate,
Thanks.
Good to see ya .... looking forward to perhaps seeing you when Ronzo is in town .... for the holidays.
nathan_slatter
10-26-2007, 03:41 PM
Hey Nate,
Thanks.
Good to see ya .... looking forward to perhaps seeing you when Ronzo is in town .... for the holidays.
That would be excellent!!
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