Bob Dye messages

May 5, 1977

“This is Your Life, Bob Dye” was made as a tribute to him after his first seven years of ministry in Cedar Rapids.

Those who shared:

1) Russ Johnson
2) Roy Tindal
3) Craig Johnson
4) [speaker unknown]
5) Hervey McConkey
6) [speaker unknown]
7) Clayton Baumann
8) Jay Kesler
9) Sharon Galloway
10) Johnny & Leslie

Recorded May 2, 2004

Bob recalls his early days growing up on a 300 acre dairy farm in W. NY state, where he learned about the soil, gardening, and farming. It was a transition time for farmers -from horses to tractors. Many changes from a corn planter they had that was 8’ wide to ones now that are 35’ wide and plant 25 acres an hour.

Jesus used many parables, and one was about the seed where the soil determines the crop. One insight Bob had was “Can the farmer or the kingdom member do anything about the soil?” He had yet to hear a message on it! Bob feels it is possible for the kingdom member to prepare the soil with loving relationships. It would help the one who receives the word to accept it and grow. Then he asks “What can I do to make those who receive the Word to accept it and grow?”

Recorded April 13, 2003

Our grandson, Henry, 5 at the time, often would say “Guess what, Grandpa!”, then answer his own question. Bob uses that phrase often in this message on John 15. We had gone to an Alison Krauss concert with backstage passes Lori had given us, and Bob enjoyed talking with her band member, Ron Block, who wrote songs that we really appreciated about his spiritual journey with God.

Also, one phrase that Bob appreciated from Dallas Willard was: “We are all unceasing spiritual beings with an eternal destiny, and we never stop existing…” and Guess what? “You can do nothing about it.” Only thing is to choose your destination.

He also shares about the vine and branches Jesus talked about in John 15 by using an illustration from the Grape Belt where we were from in W. NY state.

Recorded May 6, 2001

Bob starts by asking how to spell relief from heartburn or pain. Many people are stressed out by their jobs, but as he said, “I’ve been in ministry for 41 years and never have thought about taking a sabbatical.” He gives steps to go from a beating heart to a burning heart, and he lists three places where we can get enlightenment today. A heart that is concerned about the spiritual need of those around us is essential to reaching out to them. “You can’t keep something inside if it’s burning.”

Recorded February 14, 1993

I Corinthians 13. Why is love the greatest? It moved God to do the unthinkable, it challenges us to do the impossible, it enables us to face the unknowns and fears of life, and motivates us to take positive action. Bob shares about our love and commitment to each other in our marriage.

Recorded March 13, 1988

Pascal said “All men seek happiness.” It is found only in God Himself. As C. S. Lewis said, “God finds great pleasure in seeing us happy.” Our delight in the Lord will increase as we are fed by God’s Word, follow the leading of His Spirit, and spread God’s Good News. Ends with a thought provoking poem by Tim Hansel: “Pedal.”

Date: 8/22/04

A humorous start as Bob shares how he grew up with the Lone Ranger and how he rode his horse on his farm trying to bring that character into his life. Today we live in a world of fantasy--unrestrained imagination. We forget reality and the laws of nature. When Jesus walked on water to where the disciples were struggling in a storm, we don't know if He meant to join them or to walk on by. When Jesus passes by, what is our cry for help? He doesn't need our help to get from point A to point B. But we need His help to get from point B (birth) to D (death) to E (eternity).

Date: 6/15/03

What do fathers think about on Father's Day? A lot about memories, and he asked several men to share (they were not on the microphone so difficult to hear). Bob gives advice beginning with being as positive as you can be to anticipate your children's next stage of life. Fathers should demonstrate a strong relational quality to give courage, hope, and confidence to their children. Much of a child's sense of spirituality comes from the father.

Date: 7/13/03

Matthew 5: "You are the light of the world--let your light shine so they will praise your Father in heaven." Jesus left a powerful impact on His culture. He addressed the total needs of people: mental, social, spiritual, and physical. People should be able to see kingdom living in our life. Bob's life verse was Colossians 3:17. It guided him throughout his life. Illustration of the difference between the Teton mountains and the Alps.