On this day of Thanksgiving, I feel it is good to think back over all that I have been blessed with throughout my 20 years of life.
In order to think about what I am thankful for, I must first acknowledge who I am thankful to: God.
God has blessed me in SO many ways as of late, and I give all praise and honor and glory to such a powerful and wonderful Creator. Without His providence in my life, I would be lost in "this world of woe."
So, what AM I thankful for? :
I thank God for... GOD! I mean, seriously folks... Where would I be without His saving grace.... His wondrous mercy... His everlasting love.... or His holiness/justice?? Wallowing in a pit of sin and despair... that's where.... Everyday I thank God for His plan for me. I know there is something big on the horizon that is my life, and I look forward to where God leads me to get to that end. Glory, praise and thanksgiving be to Him!!
I thank God for my family - my mom and my dad - that I have been blessed with one that cares for me, loves me, and takes an interest in my life as a whole. Since elementary school they made sure that one of them accompanied me on field trips, and I have come to look back in thanksgiving on those times. I wouldn't trade them in for anything. Then in middle school they encouraged me in my first years in band, back when it wasn't cool to be a band nerd! Then it all came to a head in high school as they rallied behind my marching band adventures and dreams. They even became presidents of the band association and continued to love me and my passion. College started, and they joined the Parent Advisory Council (which they now are the chairpersons of) and they continue to be involved in my passions and happenings on campus. While there were times it frustrated me to no end that they were always there, I am so glad for it now. God blessed me, allowing me to be born into this family; and I am so thankful for it.
Next in line of life-changing blessings are my friends. God has blessed me since Elementary school years with friends who love me, care for me, challenge me, and goof around with me. People like Dan Michaud (who I met in 3rd grade), to Brad Boone (met in 7th grade science), to Scott Frazier (known since I was 12, but continued to befriend me until college), to Rachel Toney (met in 10th grade, and is like a sister to me), all the way to Allyson Bassett (met freshman year of college, now my gorgeous girlfriend... but more on that later); God has indeed graced my life with a great abundance of love and support from all over the place. These people have definitely shaped who I am, have shared in my sorrows, in my triumphs - and for what I have briefly talked about, and so much more... I am thankful for them.
In the abstract I thank God for my passions. Music, theology, learning, loving.... Music has been a huge part of my life since as far back as I can remember! I have this old memory of my parents being flabbergasted that I was singing to some Christmas song in the back-seat of the car when I hardly knew the meanings of any of the words! Music, as I have told many a soul, was my "anti-drug" in middle and high school. Through music (marching band specifically) I discovered my innate ability to lead. College introduced me to the family called the Choraleers, and my life hasn't been the same since.
Theology... where do I even start? High school probably marked the time when I began to witness to people, and try to show them the truth of the Gospel. My methods haven't changed much since then, but my heart has. To me, the Christian walk revolves around love. And I strive to love people in everyday life. Theology is my passion - it is what keeps me moving forward in life. I see God working through me to raise up a generation of believers that hold fast to the Word and then, through love, bring it to their friends and neighbors!
Learning - hah! - my entire family, practically, is made up of teachers. I had no choice but to love learning! But love it I do, and this passion for learning has brought me to Erskine College where I could dive into classes like Biblical Ethics, Modern Political Philosophy, Logic, etc... It has been a huge growing experience and I thank God's imputation of a passion for learning.
Loving others, as I said before, is my way to evangelizing. I thank God, every night, that He blessed me with this heart for people. However, I am the first to admit that my biggest vice is judgmental attitudes, and I thank God that He continues to love me even though I can't love His children like He wants me to. Love, as the old song goes, "is what keeps us together." Without love, we as humans fall apart. God has blessed me with a big heart, and I thank Him for that!
Work! Yes, work! I thank God that I have held a job since the Sophomore year of high school! Work has broadened my horizons, it has created in me a servant's heart, and has given me more fond memories than I can even recall at once!! CFA brought me a group of friends that became like family (Stephanie Bignault, James Davidson, Derek Overstreet, Elissa Charron, etc...). I go back into that store and am FLOODED with memories of closing shop, of dealing with crazy customers, of ranting about management... man! I thank God for that opportunity I had!
Then to Bonclarken, my summer job for 3 summers! I can't even begin to recall all the crazy stuff that went down (nor could I tell some in good conscience...). That first summer opened my heart (thanks be to God) to the sin of judgment in my life, and I began to deal with it. I learned patience (and still am), I learned time management and developed my servant heart even more!
I thank God for Bonclarken and the years of memories I have accumulated there!!
Laughter! :D Gah! I love laughing!! I love making people laugh ("thanks for the Chacos!")! God has blessed the world with laughter, and I want to just fill people with it! I thank God that He put in my heart a desire to entertain people (many times at the expense of my dignity!) and to love people through making them joyful and happy. Laughter is truly the best medicine - and I thank God for it!! ;)
So... there's this girl... she's gorgeous, and smart, and witty, and funny, and crazy, and patient, and loving, and I could go on... But I'll spare y'all that! :D Her name is Allyson Marie Bassett, and I thank God for His plan, and His putting us together. I never suspected freshman year at Erskine College, that I would end up dating this woman that I have the immense pleasure of dating! This past (little more than a) month has been TOO MUCH FUN! I have been praying for so long for God to help me with this relationship or that relationship... and in His time, He brought me Ally. I am so thankful to be in a relationship with a woman who builds me up spiritually and emotionally; one that challenges me to grow in my walk and in my confidence; one that cares about me, tells me that I'm handsome, and knows how to make me feel like the most important guy in the world. Sometimes, when I just sit and thank about what God has placed in my life, I just smile real big and thank Him for His blessings. If you are reading this and haven't met this girl of mine, then you are just missing out. I am thankful for her, our relationship, and God's plan for us!!
The last thing I am thankful for, in a strange turn around is.... me. It has taken me years to reach this point, but I thank God for me - for who I am (nuts and all!). I can't say that I have overcome my self-confidence issues completely, but I can say that through the work of the Spirit in my life I have grown more in love with who I am in Christ. As Jesus said in the greatest commandment, we are to love our neighbors, AS ourselves. We have to love ourselves to love others! I had been loving others for years in hopes that someone would love me back, but God has cultivated a love for who I am - and I am so thankful for it!! :)
Man, I am sure I am missing something in this list of thankfulness - I guess I could never truly do the LORD justice for all He deserves my thanksgiving and praise, but this is a start! :D
May the LORD keep you, may His face shine upon you, and give you rest.
Never forget what the LORD our God and Father does for us, and give Him thanks in all you do!
Thank you, those who read this, I hope it gave you some more insight into the crazy mind of Pendar. :D
In Christ,
David
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Friends and family
Aside from God, nothing means more to me than my friends and family. They are the reason I love others, they helped shape me into who I am. If there was a sure-fire way to make me feel like I had failed in life, it would be to disappoint a friend or a family member.
This weekend I had the pleasure to come home and see one of my oldest friends, and subsequently have a great (encouraging and personal) conversation with my parents. I could not ask for a better way to spend a weekend; that is until I (in my opinion) let my mom down in a way. I can say that her simple words to me were all I needed to change my mind, my selfish mind at that. (If you read this, Mom, don't think this is a jab at you - it was humbling for you to tell that to me)
I would say that my one desire in life IS to love: to love God, to love my friends, to love my family... and yes, I really do try to love - or at least tolerate (hey, im not perfect!) my enemies. Loving others really is what i see the whole of the Christian faith hinging on. Now, love will (and must) evolve and grow into other aspects to do the whole walk, and the whole Person of God justice; but i believe that love is the center of the Christian walk.
Over the past weeks i have been encouraged, affirmed, and challenged in this desire of mine to love others - and it has been an awesome few weeks!
I am excited to see what God has in store for me, and what He will be changing in my heart, and in my life in the rest of the semester.
I pray that you who read this blog (whoever that may be) will rejoice in God's love in your life and open yourself up to Him more and more as this new week starts!
I wish everyone a great Sabbath, and an amazing week!
- Pendar
1 John 3:11
This weekend I had the pleasure to come home and see one of my oldest friends, and subsequently have a great (encouraging and personal) conversation with my parents. I could not ask for a better way to spend a weekend; that is until I (in my opinion) let my mom down in a way. I can say that her simple words to me were all I needed to change my mind, my selfish mind at that. (If you read this, Mom, don't think this is a jab at you - it was humbling for you to tell that to me)
I would say that my one desire in life IS to love: to love God, to love my friends, to love my family... and yes, I really do try to love - or at least tolerate (hey, im not perfect!) my enemies. Loving others really is what i see the whole of the Christian faith hinging on. Now, love will (and must) evolve and grow into other aspects to do the whole walk, and the whole Person of God justice; but i believe that love is the center of the Christian walk.
Over the past weeks i have been encouraged, affirmed, and challenged in this desire of mine to love others - and it has been an awesome few weeks!
I am excited to see what God has in store for me, and what He will be changing in my heart, and in my life in the rest of the semester.
I pray that you who read this blog (whoever that may be) will rejoice in God's love in your life and open yourself up to Him more and more as this new week starts!
I wish everyone a great Sabbath, and an amazing week!
- Pendar
1 John 3:11
Sunday, September 26, 2010
My Prayer
9/25/10 - 2:00AM
YHWH Shama,
I am coming to you, God, tired...broken...and as a helpless sinner. I have fallen, yet again, into lust of the heart manifested in physical form, AND I NEED YOU. I cannot fight this sin within or without if I fight alone. So, right now, in words and thoughts, I lay my burden at the foot of Your cross, Lord, and I want Your yoke. You promised that Your yoke is easy, and that Your burden is light. I am tired of my yoke and I want Yours, God. Please, send your Spirit to cleanse this wretched heart of mine. I know I am saved, and I know that Your work in me is not yet complete, but I need You to hold me and put Your light into me. You, YOU, are the God who hears the cry of His lambs. I have strayed from Your path, Father, and I need Your right-hand to guide me back. I am unable to do this for myself. I pray that You would put people in my life that can strengthen me in You and who will hold me accountable. I love You, Lord, and I want to serve you better. I thank You, Father, for breaking me; for sending me somewhere I would never want to be...yet here You are, right here to guide me through the darkness. I yearn to be pure of heart, and to be one that loves You above all else. I yearn to no longer be hypocritical, but to fight back when sin creeps up, and to flee temptation when it arrives. But, alone I am powerless...I need Your Spirit to do a number on my soul...wash me, mold me, heat me to perfection, then guide me as I look more and more to You. Lord God, I love You and thank you so much for all the blessings You bestow upon me. I thank You for friends and family who love me, and for a passion to know You more clearly. I now pray You would work a repentant heart within me and that when I awake I would have a renewed Spirit working to Your Glory. I love You my God, my King, my Savior and my Sustainer. Continue to work your goodness in me until the day You come back. In your blessed and Holy name. AMEN
2:14AM
This post is about as intimate and personal it can get from me. Sometimes though, you just have to lay it all out to those that truly care and tell them straight how things are in your life.
SO, my hope is that reading this you will get a fuller sense of who I am, how I struggle and know that I am just in need of friendly prayers and support.
"God is good all the time, and all the time God IS GOOD."
In Christ,
David Pendergrass
YHWH Shama,
I am coming to you, God, tired...broken...and as a helpless sinner. I have fallen, yet again, into lust of the heart manifested in physical form, AND I NEED YOU. I cannot fight this sin within or without if I fight alone. So, right now, in words and thoughts, I lay my burden at the foot of Your cross, Lord, and I want Your yoke. You promised that Your yoke is easy, and that Your burden is light. I am tired of my yoke and I want Yours, God. Please, send your Spirit to cleanse this wretched heart of mine. I know I am saved, and I know that Your work in me is not yet complete, but I need You to hold me and put Your light into me. You, YOU, are the God who hears the cry of His lambs. I have strayed from Your path, Father, and I need Your right-hand to guide me back. I am unable to do this for myself. I pray that You would put people in my life that can strengthen me in You and who will hold me accountable. I love You, Lord, and I want to serve you better. I thank You, Father, for breaking me; for sending me somewhere I would never want to be...yet here You are, right here to guide me through the darkness. I yearn to be pure of heart, and to be one that loves You above all else. I yearn to no longer be hypocritical, but to fight back when sin creeps up, and to flee temptation when it arrives. But, alone I am powerless...I need Your Spirit to do a number on my soul...wash me, mold me, heat me to perfection, then guide me as I look more and more to You. Lord God, I love You and thank you so much for all the blessings You bestow upon me. I thank You for friends and family who love me, and for a passion to know You more clearly. I now pray You would work a repentant heart within me and that when I awake I would have a renewed Spirit working to Your Glory. I love You my God, my King, my Savior and my Sustainer. Continue to work your goodness in me until the day You come back. In your blessed and Holy name. AMEN
2:14AM
This post is about as intimate and personal it can get from me. Sometimes though, you just have to lay it all out to those that truly care and tell them straight how things are in your life.
SO, my hope is that reading this you will get a fuller sense of who I am, how I struggle and know that I am just in need of friendly prayers and support.
"God is good all the time, and all the time God IS GOOD."
In Christ,
David Pendergrass
Monday, September 13, 2010
Logos 4 - Bible software - for Macs!
To whoever reads this blog:
If you ever want a good place to find commentaries, references, etc... I encourage you to check out logos.com.
Recently Logos 4 has been released, here is a short list of what you have to look forward to with it:
If you ever want a good place to find commentaries, references, etc... I encourage you to check out logos.com.
Recently Logos 4 has been released, here is a short list of what you have to look forward to with it:
- An Exposition on Prayer in the Bible
- Christian Foundations Collection
- Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures
- Paul & His Letters
- Davidson's Introductory Hebrew Grammar
- Library of NT Studies
Pre-Pubs
- Lewis Sperry Chafer Collection (9 Vols.)
- Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library (29 Vols.)
- G. Campbell Morgan Collection (30 Vols.)
- Göttingen Septuagint (65 Vols.)
Downloadables
And so much more! If you have any wonderings about this product, I encourage you to personally check out the site!
An extra fun fact is they are giving away Mac products!
An extra fun fact is they are giving away Mac products!
God bless!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Transparency
I had said when I first started this blog, that it would deal with everything that was going through my head. Well, here is a time where I am just being brutally honest with myself and to anyone who happens to read these.
I am in need of prayers that God really starts working on my heart to battle temptation. It does me no good to go around, "helping" others, lifting up God's name in worship, etc... when I myself am living in filth. It is only a dishonor to the One God that does all that is within His power to lift me out of that filth.
I recently read, and studied, through Hosea; and if there is one thing that we can take from that book it is that God is a holy and righteous God. He does not allow imperfect, flawed, sinful things in His presence. However, something applicable to myself that I learned was that I am under the banner of Christ, and His righteousness is imputed to me. What a blessing it is that Christ is willing to stand up for me, even when I sin.
My struggle as of now is that my sinful, human, fallible heart is waging war against the God of this universe... I know in the end there is no other outcome but that my heart will succumb to His Glory and Power... but man, right now I just need prayers that I can listen to His Words when temptation strikes; and it strikes when I least expect it, and when I feel invulnerable.
So readers, and God... be there for me. If I seem like I'm really upbeat, or having a great day, just ask me upfront how I'm really doing. We all need accountability.
Thank you to my friends who love me, and have offered so much help for me. God bless you all.
I am in need of prayers that God really starts working on my heart to battle temptation. It does me no good to go around, "helping" others, lifting up God's name in worship, etc... when I myself am living in filth. It is only a dishonor to the One God that does all that is within His power to lift me out of that filth.
I recently read, and studied, through Hosea; and if there is one thing that we can take from that book it is that God is a holy and righteous God. He does not allow imperfect, flawed, sinful things in His presence. However, something applicable to myself that I learned was that I am under the banner of Christ, and His righteousness is imputed to me. What a blessing it is that Christ is willing to stand up for me, even when I sin.
My struggle as of now is that my sinful, human, fallible heart is waging war against the God of this universe... I know in the end there is no other outcome but that my heart will succumb to His Glory and Power... but man, right now I just need prayers that I can listen to His Words when temptation strikes; and it strikes when I least expect it, and when I feel invulnerable.
So readers, and God... be there for me. If I seem like I'm really upbeat, or having a great day, just ask me upfront how I'm really doing. We all need accountability.
Thank you to my friends who love me, and have offered so much help for me. God bless you all.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
What a Might God we serve!
Just wanted to hop on here and muse about this God that we serve!
Man, God has created me wonderfully and beautifully! He has revealed to me that I learn more about Him, His Work, His Word, and His Will by reasoning, discussing, and spending time with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
I have had some great conversations in my life, but tonight's probably was one of my best. Running through God's love for us as sinners to what He may have in store for us as we get the end of our college career Tyler Evans and I just about hit everything that has been going on in our lives!
I just sit here amazed that God has blessed me with such great friends that they will take the time to talk to me; or just say how much they've missed me and wish to catch up... It's just such an awesome feeling to be loved by siblings in Christ!!
I just want whoever reads this to know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of the all-powerful, all knowing God!! This same God that sustains all things (and created all things) has graced us with His Word and His Will in our lives to glorify Him and to shine His light through us! Just imagine how we can help others if only we would live our lives in better accordance to His teaching and life as Jesus the Christ.
For real, sometimes I just want to run down the hall and just tell everyone of the mercy God shows me for all the crap I've done, continue to do, and probably will do until my sanctification is complete!
Well, that's about it for now my friends! Keep on loving, and keep on living for Christ!!
Man, God has created me wonderfully and beautifully! He has revealed to me that I learn more about Him, His Work, His Word, and His Will by reasoning, discussing, and spending time with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
I have had some great conversations in my life, but tonight's probably was one of my best. Running through God's love for us as sinners to what He may have in store for us as we get the end of our college career Tyler Evans and I just about hit everything that has been going on in our lives!
I just sit here amazed that God has blessed me with such great friends that they will take the time to talk to me; or just say how much they've missed me and wish to catch up... It's just such an awesome feeling to be loved by siblings in Christ!!
I just want whoever reads this to know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of the all-powerful, all knowing God!! This same God that sustains all things (and created all things) has graced us with His Word and His Will in our lives to glorify Him and to shine His light through us! Just imagine how we can help others if only we would live our lives in better accordance to His teaching and life as Jesus the Christ.
For real, sometimes I just want to run down the hall and just tell everyone of the mercy God shows me for all the crap I've done, continue to do, and probably will do until my sanctification is complete!
Well, that's about it for now my friends! Keep on loving, and keep on living for Christ!!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
God's character
I just had an awesome discussion with two friends, and the discussion ended on who God is to us; how we should view God.
I just wanted to share this little bit before hitting the sack for the night:
God is revealed as so much in the Bible, specifically in the OT. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. He is love, grace, mercy, compassion. He is Holiness, Judgment, Jealous, and an All Consuming Fire. It is just an awe-inspiring notion to try to conceive what it is that God is to us. He is everything all combined into one being, outside of anything we can truly grasp.
The one attribute that i feel is most comforting is Father. Abba. This is a term of endearment, as well as wrath. It is a person who holds you when you fall down, but disciplines you with justice when you mess up. I feel this attribute of God is the one of the most broad, yet specific, that you can put to Him.
I know that if i ever have anything going on in my life, i can just lift it up to my Heavenly Father and, through the doctrine of adoption, He is always there to listen to me. What a glorious thought?!?
Anyways, it's time for bed, and for me to hit the sack.
"Come home... come home! Ye, who are weary, come home! Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling... Calling, 'oh sinner! come home'"
I just wanted to share this little bit before hitting the sack for the night:
God is revealed as so much in the Bible, specifically in the OT. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. He is love, grace, mercy, compassion. He is Holiness, Judgment, Jealous, and an All Consuming Fire. It is just an awe-inspiring notion to try to conceive what it is that God is to us. He is everything all combined into one being, outside of anything we can truly grasp.
The one attribute that i feel is most comforting is Father. Abba. This is a term of endearment, as well as wrath. It is a person who holds you when you fall down, but disciplines you with justice when you mess up. I feel this attribute of God is the one of the most broad, yet specific, that you can put to Him.
I know that if i ever have anything going on in my life, i can just lift it up to my Heavenly Father and, through the doctrine of adoption, He is always there to listen to me. What a glorious thought?!?
Anyways, it's time for bed, and for me to hit the sack.
"Come home... come home! Ye, who are weary, come home! Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling... Calling, 'oh sinner! come home'"
Friday, August 20, 2010
Welcome to the mind of Pendar... enjoy the ride
Good evening all,
This is my first step into the world of the blogger... a little different than I had expected! I thought it would be full of dragons, and fair maidens, and crazy stuff like that, but I guess it's just full of people reaching out in the world.
I sort of took the leap after reading through a friend of mine's blog and it got me thinking.
I thought:
"hey self?"
"yes?" (i answered)
"what if we, I, you... anyways... took those rambles, and rants, and thoughts, and made them coherent(ish) on the internet for friends, family, random passers-by to enjoy?!"
"what a great idea!"
that conversation went on a little longer, and i ended up becoming best friends!
ANYWAYS...
this blog is going to be a place where I plan on putting some theological insight, some witty remarks, rants about the day, prayers, and just some plain personal stuff going on in my life.
If you enjoy, please comment...
If you have comments, questions, ideas, smart remarks; please email me...
If you are just looking to be rude, please show yourself the way out...
Well, thats all the time we have today, folks! Tune in next time to read more titillating words from the mind of Pendar!
I'll leave it today with a verse from Scripture:
For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Song of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Galatians 2:19-21
This is my first step into the world of the blogger... a little different than I had expected! I thought it would be full of dragons, and fair maidens, and crazy stuff like that, but I guess it's just full of people reaching out in the world.
I sort of took the leap after reading through a friend of mine's blog and it got me thinking.
I thought:
"hey self?"
"yes?" (i answered)
"what if we, I, you... anyways... took those rambles, and rants, and thoughts, and made them coherent(ish) on the internet for friends, family, random passers-by to enjoy?!"
"what a great idea!"
that conversation went on a little longer, and i ended up becoming best friends!
ANYWAYS...
this blog is going to be a place where I plan on putting some theological insight, some witty remarks, rants about the day, prayers, and just some plain personal stuff going on in my life.
If you enjoy, please comment...
If you have comments, questions, ideas, smart remarks; please email me...
If you are just looking to be rude, please show yourself the way out...
Well, thats all the time we have today, folks! Tune in next time to read more titillating words from the mind of Pendar!
I'll leave it today with a verse from Scripture:
For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Song of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Galatians 2:19-21
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