If you make your way through any city you will without a doubt find a wall that has been "tagged" (Covered) with graffiti.
A painted message that has been written on the wall to tell a story.
It may be a word, it may be a picture and what it is not nearly as important as the message of the heart that placed the painted message there. The message left in graffiti on the wall is an expression of the heart that placed it up in view of the world around them.
What you are about to read is quite simply "Graffiti". It is an expression of a heart that was touched by the message of "The Man and The Wall". It is a representation of how much of an impact that your message can have on those that view it. Enjoy what you read, because it was intended for you to see. This is a place for you to "tag" what your wall has been, and how God has used that wall in your life as a way of perfecting your purpose!
If you would like to contribute your "Graffiti" to this wall, please contact us at: themanandthewall@gmail.com
"I have struggled almost my entire life with this scary thing called faith. I have never been quite sure how to go about understanding faith let alone trying to explain it to others.
I grew up in the church, my grandfather was a Baptist preacher...why was this concept always so foreign to me? Over the past few months I have struggled more than I ever have before. Three years ago my family and I were attending church...not just attending church we were there Sunday morning, Sunday nights, and even on Wednesdays evenings. We were apart of a wonderful Sunday school class and our "church life" was never better. We were happy, we were tithing, we were apart of a church family and felt His love in everything we did. We were blessed.
My husband is in the USAF and we are never in one place for long. When the time came to move across country we were devastated to leave our church family, but felt confident that we would find a new church that would suit our needs just as much as our old church had...fast forward three, almost four years, and we are still in search of a place where we feel "at home". At first it didn't really bother me, but as time went on I became depressed about what our lives had turned into without Him in charge.
I not only felt like a failure as a Christian, but I also felt I was failing my children by not making sure they were growing up in a church. For awhile I just ignored these feelings, pushed them deep down where I thought I could forget about them. The thing is, I couldn't. How could I forget Him. He has been with me since I was 12 years old, where in a small room with my grandfather by my side I prayed the most important prayer of my life...the prayer of everlasting life. Why was I running from Him? Why did I feel so ashamed? I felt like I had not only failed myself, my family, my children, I had failed him. I broke, cried and for the first time in a long time I prayed and asked Him for guidance.
I was not sure what to expect, but a few days later I reached out to a friend of mine and asked her for prayer. It seemed like it was such a simple request and I was not sure it would even lead me anywhere. She promised me she would pray and asked that I read a blog that had touched her many times when she was feeling lost. That is how I came to the Man on the Wall.
I actually went to church with Dan, he attended the church I had loved as well. We met a couple of times but didn't really know each other well. That didn't stop Dan. He treated me like family. He reached out to me and asked me to read not only his blog but the book of John.
I read it not once, but three times. I searched the text for answers and there He was, my Savior... He never left me. He was with me all this time. He searches for me even when I have given up on Him. A few days later Dan contacted me again and asked me about what I had read. I was overwhelmed with the fact this almost stranger was praying for me and asking the Lord how to encourage me. Christ is everywhere, even in a simple facebook message from a stranger.
I continue to read Dan's blog as often as he posts. I have found great comfort in his approach to God's Word. My favorite thus far has to be "The Empty Canvas". I am an artist so I am not sure if I associate myself more with this one than others for that reason, but truly this one spoke to me in volumes. I don't want to give too much away...you really should read it for yourself...but I am starting to realize that I was a empty and blank canvas before He came into my life.
He has given me the tools to create a masterpiece for Him. He sees me for who I am and loves me in spite of myself. He sees the beauty where others just see emptiness. I am no longer afraid to love Him, even if I cannot find "that church", I know I have Him. He is everywhere and in everything that I do.
I have decided that I do not need to understand faith, I just have to believe. That is the only thing He has ever asked me for and for what He has given, it is not much to ask."
~SARAH D.
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"I've been praying for the last few days about what to write as a testimonial for this blog. I thought I would share my story and tell how God has used Dan Stombaugh's book, "The Man and The Wall", to help me get through a very tough event in my life.
In Oct of 2011 I found out I was pregnant with our first child. My husband and I were excited but very nervous! I was very very sick all the time so I was in and out of the hospital due to dehydration. February 23, 2012 my husband and I went to the doctor to find out the gender of our precious baby. Instead of finding out the gender, we found out our baby had passed away. I was in the hospital for the next 6 days trying to deliver our baby. On Feb 29, 2012 I delivered our son, Luke.
The book is called, "The Man and The Wall." It was about getting over these large obstacles in your life and a wall being in your way, but having faith in God and knowing He is leading every step of the way. After many months of doubting what in the world God was doing, I read the book and realized the God has a plan for my life and he is with me even through the darkest valleys of my life. I've also enjoyed reading "The Man and The Wall" blogs!
I've never really known how to have a personal relationship with God, but reading these blogs I know it's possible and I know it's real. I encourage everyone to take time out of your day to read his blogs! I know they will be a great blessing to you!" ~Windy R.
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"Dan Stombaugh is a thinker. But then there a lot of people I know who are thinkers. Deep thinkers, for that matter. What sets Dan apart is that he is a writer. To get one’s thoughts into writing in order to benefit others requires not only the discipline of character, but the virtue of unselfishness. To do it in such a way that people can relate to is a gift from God.
Dan is gifted in this process of transferring his thoughts into a medium that can be used of God to benefit others. I hope you will take the time to read his words, contemplate his rich imagery and be blessed by his practical thoughts." ~Dave C.
Dan is gifted in this process of transferring his thoughts into a medium that can be used of God to benefit others. I hope you will take the time to read his words, contemplate his rich imagery and be blessed by his practical thoughts." ~Dave C.
"The Man and The Wall Absolutely amazing blog !!!
Thank you Dan for obeying God's call and sharing the messages God places in your heart. You have been Blessed with so many gifts because God knew you would use them for His Glory. Touching hearts, bringing laughter, at times tears., and giving us a real picture of the wonderful love and tenderness of God. Sometimes it seems the message was written just for me. I have learned so much from this blog and am so thankful for my Walls because I know it's bringing me closer to Him. One of my favorite posts was " Thank you for my Wall". The message touched my heart so deeply and I know it will touch and free so many hearts. I am so happy God brought you and your precious family into my life. God Bless you Dan !!! Keep Climbing !!! " ~Tamara H.
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"My name is Cynthia McClaskey. I am the author of Religion's Cell: Doctrines of the Church that Lead to Bondage and Abuse, The TRUTH About Tithing, and Poetry for Those Who Are Hurting. I also have a blog that is a platform for religious abuse survivors to tell their stories of abuse – www.religionscell.wordpress.com.
Because many religious abuse survivors have suffered rape, molestation, physical abuse, emotional and spiritual abuse “in the name of God,” It also contains articles that help to aid in the deprogramming and healing process.
I am also a religious abuse survivor that was involved in a cult for over 18 years. Needless to say, that when it comes to religion, scripture, or the church, it is very difficult for those of us who have survived religious abuse (link to RELIGIOUS ABUSE – What Exactly Is it?) to allow these three things into our lives to the extent we once did. “Religion” can be toxic to many abuse survivors. Many survivors suffer from debilitating mental and physical illnesses because of the abuses they endured. Because of this, countless numbers of them lose faith in God. This is why “approach” is vital in reaching survivors with the love and grace of God after an abuse has occurred. The spiritual abuse suffered by many of us has far reaching and damaging tentacles that can take many years and lots of therapy to overcome.
I came across The Man and the Wall blog several months ago. It is one of the few places I visit often because of Dan’s approach in sharing God and his great love with others. His use of analogy is a breath of fresh air! He always has a wonderful story to share, instead of preaching. His approach is gracious and his words laced with humility. His messages are inviting to the weary and hurting soul. They are like salve that soothes the open wounds and lend to healing from within. This approach is one of the best that I have come across and I hope that others will find this “well of refreshment” to satisfy their need.
Dan, keep up the good work! What you do is so important and, fills a need. " ~Cynthia M.
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"Wow!!! What a wonderful post! I admit I often regeret my past and ask myself what if, but you remind me that there was a meaning with my Wilderness. The thing is all people walk through deserts. Moses and his people did, John the baptizer did and Jesus Christ Walker 40 days in the desert! And I will love the people who are in the desert/wilderness! God bless" on Why The Wilderness Is Never A Waste ~Mariane
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"Great!" on You Had It All The Time! ~Margo Holladay-Bush
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Thanks, Dan, for this encouraging word of redemption! I highlighted your post on the Christian Poets & Writers blog - http://christianpoetsandwriters.blogspot.com. God bless. on Nothing is Wasted
~Mary Harwell Sayler
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Love it. And I wrote about being Broken, so it had special meaning for me. on Nothing is Wasted
~Anne Peterson
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Thanks, Dan. I'll highlight this on the Christian Poets & Writers blog - http://christianpoetsandwriters.blogspot.com. God bless. on "Called out from Within"
~Mary Harwell Sayler
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Best thing I've read in a long time - and JUST IN TIME for making sense out of the step I just climbed. Thank you for proving God's Word in the gift of art and storytelling. Yes - I'll be sharing this!! Joy! Kathy on You Had It All The Time!
~ Miss Kathy
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Dan, how wonderful that you saved these comic books and you can now share them with your son. And how wonderful too, that God was in you, and for you, and encouraging you as that young child. We adults have far more to learn from children about God and spirituality than we can ever hope to teach them. Blessings to you & yours! on You Had It All The Time!
~Glenys Nellist
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Because of those reasons mentioned above is why we left LBC. We experience first hand those same things. Just makes you wonder how long will God allow this kind of service that is done in His name go on before He intervenes. The last meeting I had I asked about the 80/20 service. The answer I received was "yeah there is a book written about that" as he took a sip of water and dismissed the question. Anyway this is right on the mark. on Why I Choose To No Longer Invest in Others
Because of those reasons mentioned above is why we left LBC. We experience first hand those same things. Just makes you wonder how long will God allow this kind of service that is done in His name go on before He intervenes. The last meeting I had I asked about the 80/20 service. The answer I received was "yeah there is a book written about that" as he took a sip of water and dismissed the question. Anyway this is right on the mark. on Why I Choose To No Longer Invest in Others
~Colby Tyler
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Great post, Dan! I'll highlight it on the Christian Poets & Writers blog - http://christianpoetsandwriters.blogspot.com. God bless you and your family. on Mr. Perfect
Great post, Dan! I'll highlight it on the Christian Poets & Writers blog - http://christianpoetsandwriters.blogspot.com. God bless you and your family. on Mr. Perfect
~Mary Harwell Sayler
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Thank you so much for sharing Dan! Such a blessing! on What's Next?
~Tonya Collier
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Spot on. This is the story of so many of us wounded by careless "shepherds", thank you. on The Scandal of Grace : The Lost Sheep
~Melinda
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Very inspiring on Chalk it Up! ~Cassandra Coleman
Very inspiring on Chalk it Up! ~Cassandra Coleman
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Thank you for this post, it is a blessing to my soul. on My Most Recent Wall
~Anonymous
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I love how you share your love with those around you thank you for this post its a great reminder of Father to us on Love Notes From Father ~Anonymous
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“I need it to stay, but I know deep down… that it wants to leave.” — I think your car just needs a break; it can get tired sometimes. This must be the system behavior that your mechanic was trying to tell you. Sometimes, cleaning isn't enough to loosen up the stress the car got after a long drive. Cars also need to take time to relax. :) Cayla Maggio on Fixing the problem or just cleaning the car?
“I need it to stay, but I know deep down… that it wants to leave.” — I think your car just needs a break; it can get tired sometimes. This must be the system behavior that your mechanic was trying to tell you. Sometimes, cleaning isn't enough to loosen up the stress the car got after a long drive. Cars also need to take time to relax. :) Cayla Maggio on Fixing the problem or just cleaning the car?
~Cayla Maggio
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One of my favorites that you have wrote. I know Father has more for you in mind then we could ever ask or think. I love your story and anxiously await His blessing poured out now and in the future on What a way to die! ~Anonymous
One of my favorites that you have wrote. I know Father has more for you in mind then we could ever ask or think. I love your story and anxiously await His blessing poured out now and in the future on What a way to die! ~Anonymous
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"This is beautiful! so easy to understand thank you on Daddy, Where are You?
~Anonymous
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"Amazing and clever all rolled in one! You really know how to write a story! Love reading your man and the wall!" on The Light That Came From Within!!! ~Anonymous
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I can understand the message of your story, Dan. Sometimes, things won’t go according to your plan if you just stare at it and don’t know how execute your course of action. Nothing would happen if we just stand on the corner and do nothing. It’s good to hear that you learned something inspirational from your mechanic. Kayla @GeorgeTownShell.com on Fixing the problem or just cleaning the car?
~Kayla Dudley
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"Loving this came at the right time!" on The Day I Defriended God ~Anonymous
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"Dan, I understand what you are saying. I've been down that road and am still on that road. I know God does not throw away His creation, but people of religion stop you from fulfilling God's will for your life and you have lived part of this with me. I have been on this rejected path for twenty years for the same reason your friend had and I thank you for being the Christian that God has asked you to be and being my friend, May God continue to bless you. Amen." on God's Goodwill
~JM
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"My favorite post so far!!" on Running for the Future ~Devin
"My favorite post so far!!" on Running for the Future ~Devin
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"I love it! I can just hear Brynn saying "Farm Boy..." LOL! Great application! Wait.... did something Biblical just come from Princess Bride?!?! on The Prince's Bride
~Faith S.
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"That was great Dan. :) " on Who Is Sitting In Your Chair. ~Faith S.
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"Good take brother! I never quite saw it like that before...thanks for sharing your thoughts...I've been driven to drink today :)" on Driven to Drink ~Jeremy
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"Dude that was crazy analogy. awesome just flat love it" on Driven to Drink
~Mike
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"Thanks so much for your sharing such marvelous truths! I look forward to each day! You are a Blessing!" on Where Am I And How Did I Get Here? ~Libby Badon.
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"Good!!!!" on World War "Z" in Me. ~Beth
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"I love it! That was awesome Dan!!!!" on The Light That Came From Within!!!
~Faith S.
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"Insane!!!" on Walk Like an Egyptian, or Be Propelled into the Promised Land?
~Devin
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"very well done!!! thank you Dan" on Living in the Land of Limbo (Part 2) ~Devin
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"Awesome due season word... all part of the process as we walk out our relationship and cause" on Living in the Land of Limbo (Part 2) ~Anonymous
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"This was so awesome! I am inspired to leave my CSI on people that surround me. Thank you for posting I am grateful." on C.S.I. ~Anonymous
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"Awsome i am blessed with your posts thanku" on My Most Recent Wall
~ Anonymous
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"What an amazing writer you are. More amazing what a father you are. Even more amazing The child of God you are. And a very blessed little ironman you have even if his name is Clark" on The Light That Came From Within!!!
~Anonymous
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"Wow, Dan, that was great. I'm praying for you! Keep it up! :)"on World War "Z" in Me!
~Faith S.
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"I can hear you speaking the words as I read them, too awesome. Amen Amen Amen!!!" on World War "Z" in Me!
~Anonymous
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"Dude that was an awesome word" on World War "Z" in Me!
~Anonymous
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"Awesome!" on Home Sweet Home ~Anonymous
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"What an inspiring post. Thank you for being obedient and sharing." on Wedding? Groom? Don't Ask Me, I'm Just The Bride!
~Kay Chandler
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"Thanks for sharing Brother Dan! As I was reading your dream/vision/day dream, I drew a similar interpretation about the symbolism. For purely selfish reasons, I am anxious for the trump to blow. "It is time for thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void thy law." (Psalm 119:126) Unfortunately, I'm part of the "they" in this verse. Fortunately, after salvation, I'm not able to void His grace. Today happens to be my 23rd re-birthday, July 4th, 1990, (I claim it as In-His-dependence Day). I was 35 at the time and stationed at Aviano Air Base in Northern Italy. My spiritual growth was pretty slow before the Lord led me to Faith Baptist in Belleville. I'm thankful for the time we got to share there as you served our teens and baptized Nathan. I still see the fruit of your service in those teens. Wish we had spent more time getting to know each other...I love your work on this blog!" on Wedding? Groom? Don't Ask Me, I'm Just The Bride!
~Ted Bealer
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"Supper times coming." on Wedding? Groom? Don't Ask Me, I'm Just The Bride!
~Anonymous
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"Great analogy, Dan! Thanks for posting your dream and your thoughts!" on Wedding? Groom? Don't Ask Me, I'm Just The Bride!
~Stephanie Flesher
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Powerful message! I have always known that my name was a bibical name, but today I looked it up in several places trying to determine the meaning. I found in one place that the meaning was Sea of bitterness. Can you give me a better meaning, I don't believe I am bitter. I don't look at life this way, although I have been through a lot of trials in my life which I believe it has made me a stronger christian and wanting to have a more Christ/like life." on Hello My Name is... ~Anonymous
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"Awesome." on Hello My Name is... ~Anonymous
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"Wow! Never thought about it before...i'm a custom made one-of-a-kind daughter of Christ! I am so thankful for God's creativity. What would the world be like w/o it?!?" on Created by God
~Anonymous
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"Awesome!" on What's Next? ~Anonymous
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"Thanks, I really needed this today." on What's Next? ~Tammey
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Dan, you work in my building. Last week I watched you take the time to help a very upset person find an answer and I know it took away from what you were trying to get done. I found these articles through a friend at the grocery store a month ago and when I put two and two together that you were the one who writes them I was blown away. You truly have a heart for people and I saw it demonstrated in a situation where others were walking away as fast as they could. You walked right in and let the Jesus in you work out through you. Thank you for not just writing these, but being these. Be blessed, " on You May Need To Get Your Eyes Checked!!!
~Kathy R.
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"This hits home for me. I have been wounded more by supposed people of God than anyone else. My child had a fallout with drugs and as a parent it devistated me. I turned to the only male figure helps I could find. My pastor and the youth pastor and some male staff at my church. The only answers they could give were to push him to go to basketball games and go soulwining. My child NEEDED someone just to spend some personal time with him. My child needed someone to just genuinely love him, not a activity schedule and a list of things he was no longer "acceptable" to be part of. You don't quarantine a person from love. I enjoyed this post because this is what was needed." on Is it really that hard to see? ~Julie
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"This has been my favorite one so far!! Thank you for sharing!" on The two best words
~Chris Matheny
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"Reminds me of a secular song I have heard "Where the Black Top Ends" Very good Dan Thank you for the insight!" on Where the Pavement Ends. ~Thomas A. Wheeler
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Dan, Thanks! Sharing the verses from 2 Timothy really spoke to my heart. Regards,: on Where the Pavement Ends. ~Tim Swearingen
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"Really good stuff! When Abraham (a type of our Father) went up to sacrifice Isaac (a type of Christ) in Genesis 22:6 he carried with him a knife. I have felt the scratch from the Fathers knife over and over but the more he scratches at my surface (flesh) the more Christ's light shines and I love it! He never pierces me though, never to deep. It's man that chooses to put the knife of God in their mouth for the express purpose of devouring others (Proverbs 30:14)." on Just a Scratch
~Anonymous
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"Thank you for sharing this, Dan. Fabulous. Interestingly, when I was coming out from the IFB Movement, it was a very "dark" time in our lives. One of my sons was dying from an unknown condition, and another one of my sons had been involved in a tractor accident, leaving him unable to walk. While in the hospital, I took out my Bible, and, literally cried out to the Lord, because I certainly was at the end of my strength. 2 Samuel 22:29 gave me great comfort and courage to do what I knew we had to do. "For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness." From that day forward, the verses in the Bible that speak of God being our light in this dark place, have taken on a whole new meaning. You have expressed this through your gift of art, and I love that." on Just a Scratch ~Cynthia Bechtold Delay
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"Dan This is very good thank you for sharing your heart and letting God use you. I Pray that God will continue to show you what he has for you my friend. I trust that you do understand what it is to walk with God verses walking in just the paths of Christianity. God Bless You." on My Most Recent Wall
~Thomas A. Wheeler
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"Thanks, Dan! I especially love the part: " I would like to challenge you to stop trying to escape the pressure and find God in that pressure." We try so hard to be and stay comfortable as Christians and resist the refining fire that God uses to shape and mold us into His image. The true self really does come out under pressure! By the way, we have the Mr. Perfect "doll" and also there is a Mrs. Perfect version! =)" on Mr. Perfect
~Cheri Schueller
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I agree with Cheri...that line really encouraged me..as I was just telling my friend this week how much pressure I am under right now. thank you on Mr. Perfect.
~Devin
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"wow! thats awesome thank you!! " on You Had It All The Time!
~Devin
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"I love this, Dan! And many of the things that you said above are why Psalm 139 is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. Thanks so much for sharing! "on My Most Recent Wall
~Cheri Schueller
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"God put pastors in the church to lead you. If you have a pastor that you can not follow, ask the Lord to lead you to one. Be open to where He may take you. You may be surprised where your new pastor and pasture are." on Born Identity (Part 3) ~Anonymous
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"Dan, My family and I are at a wall now. We are at a church right now that is done all flesh. We had two spirit filled leaders who saw something wrong enough to leave and we just found out the third one is leaving. The pastor has lied blatantly about things he is doing and we feel like giving up. There are several families that have met together this week to discuss the matter. When you cannot trust your church or pastor what do you do? I see my identity in Christ and that he want more for us. Advice???" on Born Identity (Part 3)
~Anonymous
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"Awesome truth!" on The Perfect Cup! ~Anonymous
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"I love this! Thank you so much for the posts and for the encouragement that they give!" on The Missing Link (Part 2)
~Anonymous
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"When a person hangs out with the world, it shouldn't come as a surprise when wounds come. The sad part is when you are in church trying to do what is right and you get wounded. Those can be some of the deepest wounds and some of the longest healing times if you are not careful. I often heard the saying that churches are hospitals for sinners. Unfortunately, there is a lot of malpractice going on in some of those hospitals. I have gone through some of those wounded times. The first one made me leave church for about four years. I didn't want to go or think about going. I am thankful that God is longsuffering and merciful. The problem is that when you grow up in church you come to expect the leaders to be ....well...LEADERS. That first time that you find out that there are some out there that are in it for self exaltation instead of being there to minister to the hurting, it brings your world crashing down. That first almost mortal wound is hard to heal.If you don't put salve on it by" on The Missing Link (Part 1)
~Anonymous
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"You may dislike Pinterest, but Pinterest likes you! Awesome post on Psalm 1 and awesome and awesome job on the room. I have heard many sermons on Psalm 1. God was obviously speaking to you on this. Thank God for Pinterest or you would have missed God's message! Love and miss you all!" on Psalms 1 (Part 1) ~Karen Trask
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"I needed that." on Psalms 1 (Part 1) ~Tricia E
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"I follow these words with great self sole searching, finding my way with a clear vision of where I have been for years. Please keep the messages coming. I need them." on Psalms 1 (Part 1)
~ Martha Ward
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When God puts you in a phone booth, you tend to remember everything about it. I remember vividly a phone booth experience nineteen years ago. I remember the sounds, the smells, the feelings. He transformed my faith during a three week stay in an out of town hospital as my husband lay in ICU critically ill. He got sepsis after his heart surgery. This infection causes your organs to shut down. As he was being taken into the operating room, his heart stopped and he had to be shocked to start it back. I remember sitting in the waiting room next to our pastor and hearing the slight groans he was making- sounds of compassion from this man of prayer. I knew he was praying as I was sitting there. After the surgery, things seeemed to be going well, then everything went wrong a couple of days later. The doctors called the family in late one evening. I remember standing in the ICU talking to the doctor. It was like in a movie where the center of the picture is in focus but everything around it.
The problem was I had exhausted all my cash and you had to pay for them. About the time one came open, a local pastor brought me $50. The room was $8 a night and when that $50 ran out he got put in a room. The Lord was providing. I spent alot of hours in that room alone, well not really alone- just me and God. I begged God to heal him. I told God that whatever He was trying to teach me, please let me learn fast. Obviously, I needed more patience along with a stronger faith.I begged and cried and begged and cried until I realized my prayer was selfish. I wanted him to live for me when I should have been thinking about what his living could do for God. This next step was so difficult. I prayed, "God, whatever your will is for him it's up to you. I put him in your hands and whatever you choose to do, I will accept it. He is yours God, not mine." I think he used the wails of the young woman across the hall whose, husband was hurt in an accident and lay dying to" on God's Phone Booths
~A.M.
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Bro. Dan, Thank you so much for this timely message. Lighthouse became a darker place when you and your family left. Our loss for sure.You have no idea the impact that you had on our family, and that will never be erased. If God leads you to start a work in this area, there are several people that i know who would be glad to join you! God Bless and let us know when those bible studies start!!!" on God's Phone Booths
~Anonymous
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"Love it! I wonder if it could be the same guy with the dog that God told me to sit down outside of Rite Aid and talk to one day? Interesting. Thanks for this. Needed it tonight!" on Can you hear me now? (Part 2)
~C.J. and Leigh Anne White
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Every day as I read your blog, I am blessed tremendously! Thank you Bro. Stombaugh for standing on the Word of God." on Can you hear me now? (Part 1)
~Connie Brydon
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"I cant tell you how much I miss you Dan. Thank you for being my "they." I love you man. "Leroy wasn't a bum. Leroy was a prince." I am learning the selfless side of the abundent life." on So close, but lame. ~Stuart Maue
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Right on, Man!!! Pretty powerful stuff!!! You explain perfectly in layman's terms!!! Your helping many lame men an women just with a simple message!!! I've got lots of questions on philosophy an other things like that, but that's a message that is definitely the Truth!!! Keep um coming, Bro!!! Ill keep reading!!! on So close, but lame. ~Dave Hayes
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"well said Dan!" on So close, but lame.
~Anonymous
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"Great insight Brother Dan! "In all thy ways..." is indeed a tall order...that little word "all" can be intimidating. The more I see God working in so many different ways, the more I'm aware of His presence "in all my ways" and in the circumstances He brings me through. Shifting my focus off of my flesh and onto the Lord has been a slow growth process, but the walls are becoming easier to navigate. Thanks for sharing...I'm starting to like this bloggin' thing!" on What a way to die!1 replies.
~Ted Bealer
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"Awesome" on What a way to die! ~Anonymous
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"I am speechless. Having been the Guh Guh and knowing how you are with your children I know the way you handled this. I was so involved with my own pain and suffering that I had no idea what affect it was having on others. Once again, thank you for being the man that God has made you to be. I know some of the walls you have had to climb and I can see the way you are searching and discovering God. You can hear people tell you this is what you should be doing but to actually see someone doing what he is telling other people to do makes it all more real. I remember the first time I saw this video and had no idea how it came about. The mother who had lost her first born son has told me how many times she has read the book. May God continue using you to help others. Thank you for becoming better and not bitter over the walls that have been put before you. When you get up and preach God's word I see you as a man of God not a son-in-law. I am anxious to see what God has in store you you." on What a way to die!
~Anonymous
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"Thanks buddy. I always enjoy reading. Have a great day." on I Microwave better than i cook"
~Anonymous
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"God's message to me is to help heal the church Body of Christ! I enlisted the aid of other poets and writers through the Christian Poets & Writers group on Facebook and the blog. Your post will bless the group, Dan, so I'll highlight it on http://www.christianpoetsandwriters.com. God bless."
~ Mary Harwell Sayler
"Awesome." on Hello My Name is... ~Anonymous
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"Wow! Never thought about it before...i'm a custom made one-of-a-kind daughter of Christ! I am so thankful for God's creativity. What would the world be like w/o it?!?" on Created by God
~Anonymous
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"Awesome!" on What's Next? ~Anonymous
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"Thanks, I really needed this today." on What's Next? ~Tammey
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Dan, you work in my building. Last week I watched you take the time to help a very upset person find an answer and I know it took away from what you were trying to get done. I found these articles through a friend at the grocery store a month ago and when I put two and two together that you were the one who writes them I was blown away. You truly have a heart for people and I saw it demonstrated in a situation where others were walking away as fast as they could. You walked right in and let the Jesus in you work out through you. Thank you for not just writing these, but being these. Be blessed, " on You May Need To Get Your Eyes Checked!!!
~Kathy R.
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"This hits home for me. I have been wounded more by supposed people of God than anyone else. My child had a fallout with drugs and as a parent it devistated me. I turned to the only male figure helps I could find. My pastor and the youth pastor and some male staff at my church. The only answers they could give were to push him to go to basketball games and go soulwining. My child NEEDED someone just to spend some personal time with him. My child needed someone to just genuinely love him, not a activity schedule and a list of things he was no longer "acceptable" to be part of. You don't quarantine a person from love. I enjoyed this post because this is what was needed." on Is it really that hard to see? ~Julie
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"This has been my favorite one so far!! Thank you for sharing!" on The two best words
~Chris Matheny
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"Reminds me of a secular song I have heard "Where the Black Top Ends" Very good Dan Thank you for the insight!" on Where the Pavement Ends. ~Thomas A. Wheeler
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Dan, Thanks! Sharing the verses from 2 Timothy really spoke to my heart. Regards,: on Where the Pavement Ends. ~Tim Swearingen
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"Really good stuff! When Abraham (a type of our Father) went up to sacrifice Isaac (a type of Christ) in Genesis 22:6 he carried with him a knife. I have felt the scratch from the Fathers knife over and over but the more he scratches at my surface (flesh) the more Christ's light shines and I love it! He never pierces me though, never to deep. It's man that chooses to put the knife of God in their mouth for the express purpose of devouring others (Proverbs 30:14)." on Just a Scratch
~Anonymous
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"Thank you for sharing this, Dan. Fabulous. Interestingly, when I was coming out from the IFB Movement, it was a very "dark" time in our lives. One of my sons was dying from an unknown condition, and another one of my sons had been involved in a tractor accident, leaving him unable to walk. While in the hospital, I took out my Bible, and, literally cried out to the Lord, because I certainly was at the end of my strength. 2 Samuel 22:29 gave me great comfort and courage to do what I knew we had to do. "For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness." From that day forward, the verses in the Bible that speak of God being our light in this dark place, have taken on a whole new meaning. You have expressed this through your gift of art, and I love that." on Just a Scratch ~Cynthia Bechtold Delay
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"Dan This is very good thank you for sharing your heart and letting God use you. I Pray that God will continue to show you what he has for you my friend. I trust that you do understand what it is to walk with God verses walking in just the paths of Christianity. God Bless You." on My Most Recent Wall
~Thomas A. Wheeler
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"Thanks, Dan! I especially love the part: " I would like to challenge you to stop trying to escape the pressure and find God in that pressure." We try so hard to be and stay comfortable as Christians and resist the refining fire that God uses to shape and mold us into His image. The true self really does come out under pressure! By the way, we have the Mr. Perfect "doll" and also there is a Mrs. Perfect version! =)" on Mr. Perfect
~Cheri Schueller
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I agree with Cheri...that line really encouraged me..as I was just telling my friend this week how much pressure I am under right now. thank you on Mr. Perfect.
~Devin
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"wow! thats awesome thank you!! " on You Had It All The Time!
~Devin
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"I love this, Dan! And many of the things that you said above are why Psalm 139 is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. Thanks so much for sharing! "on My Most Recent Wall
~Cheri Schueller
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"God put pastors in the church to lead you. If you have a pastor that you can not follow, ask the Lord to lead you to one. Be open to where He may take you. You may be surprised where your new pastor and pasture are." on Born Identity (Part 3) ~Anonymous
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"Dan, My family and I are at a wall now. We are at a church right now that is done all flesh. We had two spirit filled leaders who saw something wrong enough to leave and we just found out the third one is leaving. The pastor has lied blatantly about things he is doing and we feel like giving up. There are several families that have met together this week to discuss the matter. When you cannot trust your church or pastor what do you do? I see my identity in Christ and that he want more for us. Advice???" on Born Identity (Part 3)
~Anonymous
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"Awesome truth!" on The Perfect Cup! ~Anonymous
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"I love this! Thank you so much for the posts and for the encouragement that they give!" on The Missing Link (Part 2)
~Anonymous
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"When a person hangs out with the world, it shouldn't come as a surprise when wounds come. The sad part is when you are in church trying to do what is right and you get wounded. Those can be some of the deepest wounds and some of the longest healing times if you are not careful. I often heard the saying that churches are hospitals for sinners. Unfortunately, there is a lot of malpractice going on in some of those hospitals. I have gone through some of those wounded times. The first one made me leave church for about four years. I didn't want to go or think about going. I am thankful that God is longsuffering and merciful. The problem is that when you grow up in church you come to expect the leaders to be ....well...LEADERS. That first time that you find out that there are some out there that are in it for self exaltation instead of being there to minister to the hurting, it brings your world crashing down. That first almost mortal wound is hard to heal.If you don't put salve on it by" on The Missing Link (Part 1)
~Anonymous
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"You may dislike Pinterest, but Pinterest likes you! Awesome post on Psalm 1 and awesome and awesome job on the room. I have heard many sermons on Psalm 1. God was obviously speaking to you on this. Thank God for Pinterest or you would have missed God's message! Love and miss you all!" on Psalms 1 (Part 1) ~Karen Trask
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"I needed that." on Psalms 1 (Part 1) ~Tricia E
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"I follow these words with great self sole searching, finding my way with a clear vision of where I have been for years. Please keep the messages coming. I need them." on Psalms 1 (Part 1)
~ Martha Ward
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When God puts you in a phone booth, you tend to remember everything about it. I remember vividly a phone booth experience nineteen years ago. I remember the sounds, the smells, the feelings. He transformed my faith during a three week stay in an out of town hospital as my husband lay in ICU critically ill. He got sepsis after his heart surgery. This infection causes your organs to shut down. As he was being taken into the operating room, his heart stopped and he had to be shocked to start it back. I remember sitting in the waiting room next to our pastor and hearing the slight groans he was making- sounds of compassion from this man of prayer. I knew he was praying as I was sitting there. After the surgery, things seeemed to be going well, then everything went wrong a couple of days later. The doctors called the family in late one evening. I remember standing in the ICU talking to the doctor. It was like in a movie where the center of the picture is in focus but everything around it.
The problem was I had exhausted all my cash and you had to pay for them. About the time one came open, a local pastor brought me $50. The room was $8 a night and when that $50 ran out he got put in a room. The Lord was providing. I spent alot of hours in that room alone, well not really alone- just me and God. I begged God to heal him. I told God that whatever He was trying to teach me, please let me learn fast. Obviously, I needed more patience along with a stronger faith.I begged and cried and begged and cried until I realized my prayer was selfish. I wanted him to live for me when I should have been thinking about what his living could do for God. This next step was so difficult. I prayed, "God, whatever your will is for him it's up to you. I put him in your hands and whatever you choose to do, I will accept it. He is yours God, not mine." I think he used the wails of the young woman across the hall whose, husband was hurt in an accident and lay dying to" on God's Phone Booths
~A.M.
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Bro. Dan, Thank you so much for this timely message. Lighthouse became a darker place when you and your family left. Our loss for sure.You have no idea the impact that you had on our family, and that will never be erased. If God leads you to start a work in this area, there are several people that i know who would be glad to join you! God Bless and let us know when those bible studies start!!!" on God's Phone Booths
~Anonymous
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"Love it! I wonder if it could be the same guy with the dog that God told me to sit down outside of Rite Aid and talk to one day? Interesting. Thanks for this. Needed it tonight!" on Can you hear me now? (Part 2)
~C.J. and Leigh Anne White
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Every day as I read your blog, I am blessed tremendously! Thank you Bro. Stombaugh for standing on the Word of God." on Can you hear me now? (Part 1)
~Connie Brydon
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"I cant tell you how much I miss you Dan. Thank you for being my "they." I love you man. "Leroy wasn't a bum. Leroy was a prince." I am learning the selfless side of the abundent life." on So close, but lame. ~Stuart Maue
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Right on, Man!!! Pretty powerful stuff!!! You explain perfectly in layman's terms!!! Your helping many lame men an women just with a simple message!!! I've got lots of questions on philosophy an other things like that, but that's a message that is definitely the Truth!!! Keep um coming, Bro!!! Ill keep reading!!! on So close, but lame. ~Dave Hayes
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"well said Dan!" on So close, but lame.
~Anonymous
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"Great insight Brother Dan! "In all thy ways..." is indeed a tall order...that little word "all" can be intimidating. The more I see God working in so many different ways, the more I'm aware of His presence "in all my ways" and in the circumstances He brings me through. Shifting my focus off of my flesh and onto the Lord has been a slow growth process, but the walls are becoming easier to navigate. Thanks for sharing...I'm starting to like this bloggin' thing!" on What a way to die!1 replies.
~Ted Bealer
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"Awesome" on What a way to die! ~Anonymous
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"I am speechless. Having been the Guh Guh and knowing how you are with your children I know the way you handled this. I was so involved with my own pain and suffering that I had no idea what affect it was having on others. Once again, thank you for being the man that God has made you to be. I know some of the walls you have had to climb and I can see the way you are searching and discovering God. You can hear people tell you this is what you should be doing but to actually see someone doing what he is telling other people to do makes it all more real. I remember the first time I saw this video and had no idea how it came about. The mother who had lost her first born son has told me how many times she has read the book. May God continue using you to help others. Thank you for becoming better and not bitter over the walls that have been put before you. When you get up and preach God's word I see you as a man of God not a son-in-law. I am anxious to see what God has in store you you." on What a way to die!
~Anonymous
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"Thanks buddy. I always enjoy reading. Have a great day." on I Microwave better than i cook"
~Anonymous
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"God's message to me is to help heal the church Body of Christ! I enlisted the aid of other poets and writers through the Christian Poets & Writers group on Facebook and the blog. Your post will bless the group, Dan, so I'll highlight it on http://www.christianpoetsandwriters.com. God bless."
~ Mary Harwell Sayler
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