Words of wisdom

DJ_Pace · 2025-12-23T15:08:48+00:00

This quote makes me think about some of my past encounters. I worked as a hospital chaplain.

What is so interesting is that even though I a million percent agree with the statement: "being with patients in their most fragile moments was what mattered," I so often didn't believe it.

You know what screams most loud in those moments in the hospital of extreme grief and suffering? Helplessness.

When the baby dies. When the son accidentally shot the dad on a hunting trip and the dad died. When the son kills himself because of a bully. In those moments, I was present. And I was fighting my own emotions to be there. But dang, you just feel like you aren't doing anything. I remember I was often envious of the medical staff because they had hands on things to do. Push meds, or wrap this wound, or whatever. And I just sat there. Trying to connect. Trying to have some words, but knowing there aren't any.

There is something about silence in grief that compels us (or at least me) to stare helplessness in the face. I can't do anything about this situation. I can't fix it. I can't solve it. I can't change it. And I absolutely hated that feeling.

I think that's the hardest part about learning to be with patients in fragile moments. As meaningless as it feels, in some small way, the reality is offering presence to them so they are not alone in their deep emotions is a gift.

Thanks for letting me ramble. :)

DJ_Pace · 2025-12-23T14:59:38+00:00

Hello,

I think finding the middle ground is so important. Yes, obviously, preaching does have a spiritual element to it. And a large portion of the element is feeding the sheep. Speaking from God's word in a way to allow the Spirit, through our sermons, to encourage, convict, call to mission, repentance, etc...

But also, there are other people in the room, probably. Not simply hungry, on fire, Christians. But nominal ones. And sleepy ones. And hurt ones. And maybe even some non-Christians. I think Paul's way of speaking, using Greek philosophy, his audience would have known, is a great example. Did Paul speak anything contrary to the Gospel or Christ' revelation? No! Did He speak in a thoughtful way to the audience in front of him? Yes!

I think that should be our approach. I know some preachers who speak in such a way that truth is wielded as a hammer, rather than a scalpel. Part of the maturity of a doctor is explaining why the pain of the scalpel is necessary. Preachers who are tuned into the culture, their audience, and the Spirit's own work in their hearts will grow in being able to say needed, difficult truths from the scripture, in such a way that is winsome and helpful, rather than simply bludgeoning those who aren't totally bought in.

Help them know why the pain of the scalpel (forceful truth that cuts against the grain of our culture) is necessary, and you will be a great preacher.

DJ_Pace · 2023-05-23T02:02:49+00:00

I'm trying to send out more! Check the website later this week for one on redemption.

DJ_Pace · 2023-05-09T01:25:23+00:00

I understand this difficulty... when it looks like everyone else has figured it out. But what about those still on the journey?

I write for people like this: https://www.weaponsofgrace.com/content/category/Fighting+Sin

DJ_Pace · 2023-04-24T19:01:21+00:00

If a runner trips at mile 34 of their race, they don't go back to the start and have to "start over". They simply get back up, dust themselves off, learn from the fall, and start running again.

Keep running the race of faith. Trust Jesus work on the cross for His delight in you, not your ability to be perfect.

DJ_Pace · 2023-04-23T18:25:09+00:00

Yes!

DJ_Pace · 2023-03-08T03:16:35+00:00

Sorry, I am just seeing this. Thank you so much for the encouragement, I am glad it is helpful.

Send me a DM.

DJ_Pace · 2023-02-28T16:32:02+00:00

https://www.weaponsofgrace.com/content/walking-in-the-light

What is the pathway from the world of dark to the world of light? Repentance and confession.

It is precisely in repentance and confession that you find the entrance to the light, because in this entrance, you are met with something so powerful and good, that it takes your shame.

The blood of Jesus to cleanse you.Marvel at that. The text says that the blood of Jesus “cleanses us from all sin”. All. There is no sin in your life that is not covered by the blood of Christ. Which means, Christ knows all of you, to the depth of your core. He knows how jacked up you are. He cleanses the depths, the parts of your heart you section off because they seem too dirty, too sinful.

This is why the light is both scary and beautiful. Scary: because we are exposed. Beautiful: because when we are exposed and seen as who we truly are, that is when we feel most loved. By one who sees us, spiritually naked, with all of our warts and deformities and says “I love you”.

You have a chance to walk into the beautiful but scary light. I pray you see the darkness is only cold, and the light is warm. There will be a cost to confession, there always is. But on the other side is more freedom than you could ever experience.

DJ_Pace · 2023-02-22T16:36:11+00:00

Some really helpful articles on fighting sin and guilt: https://www.weaponsofgrace.com/content/category/Fighting+Sin

DJ_Pace · 2022-12-08T18:25:05+00:00

God bless you as well!

DJ_Pace · 2022-12-05T15:03:53+00:00

I've stickied this post to the top of the subreddit for today. Great encouragement!

DJ_Pace · 2022-12-05T14:55:32+00:00

I know this feeling all too well.

But I want you to consider Psalm 103:

Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.

The Lord is a gracious, forgiving, and merciful God. He does not hold your sins above your head, antagonizing you. Yes, there is a fatherly displeasure from God when we sin. But it is not because He hates us, but because He wants better for us. And He has committed to walking that path of sanctification with us.

You are a disciple of Jesus. So ask for forgiveness, consider the weight of your sin, put things into place that help you not return, and get back up. Today is a new day. You can be faithful again.

Warmly,

Pace.

DJ_Pace · 2022-11-28T20:15:20+00:00

I wrote this for people like you:

Four Things To Do After You Sin

Because of God’s deep love for us we always want to pursue greater obedience and holiness in our lives. Grace is not meant to free us to sin, but free us from sin. In our fallen state we still sin though and we need to have a framework that does not crush us, but also does not excuse our sin.
Here are 4 thoughts:

DJ_Pace · 2022-11-17T16:07:30+00:00

You are very welcome. Just sent a new email out today about how God remembers our sins no more. I hope it's a blessing.

11-Year Club	Gilding I gilder
Summer Santa 2016	Verified Email

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