Shaking behind the sacred wooden desk

This past Sunday, my gracious Lord gave me the privilege to preach His Word to my church for 2 of the 3 services. The text was 1 John 2:15-17. The focus was on having an unrivaled love for the Father. This love involves denying a love for the world. It was a tough sermon. I've preached about 10 times in the past 4 years at my church. In those times, I approached the pulpit with great joy and excitement to preach. I didn't have that same approach this past Sunday. I was shaking behind the sacred wooden desk.

Where did the shakes come from? The night before I preached, Brooke and I enjoyed a dinner date at Longhorn steakhouse (praise the Lord for meat...). While we were eating, the thought of my task for Sunday came to my mind. The Lord entrusted me to handle His Word, preach His Word, and lead His bride in His Word for that Sunday. This tremendous task belongs to the pastor. Our pastor was out of country that Sunday. The task for that day was mine. It was tough. Please permit me to explain why the task of preaching is harder every time I do it.

In preaching, the preacher represents God to the people. The way he represents is found in accurately handling and declaring the full council of God's Word. The souls of those that are gathered are trusting in the preacher for the message. James 3:1 teaches us that there will be a day of accountability for the messages we preach. If preachers were to think of that tremendous task and responsibility...how can they not be nervous?!! If you were at my church, you may have noticed my shaking. The more I thought about the task ahead, the more frightened I became. I know, God's Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11). However, this past Sunday was a beautiful point of my ministry that the sovereign and gracious Lord of this world reminded me of the important task that I was given. I would argue that the sermon is the most valuable set of time for the entire week.

I fear for pastors across this world that neglect His Word and preach their own ideas.

I don't know why God wanted me to preach. If you were to ask me, I can't really preach all that well. All I know is the joy of trusting the Lord in proclaiming His Word. Fear and humility is not fun. Fear leads me to the bathroom wanting to throw up (T.M.I., I know). However, fear this past Sunday gave me a sweet heart of worship and joy for my Lord. He chose a sinner such as me to represent His Word to His church. Talk about amazing grace!

I pray all preachers will join me in fear and reverence of the sacred wooden desk. May pulpits across the world be saturated with the Spirit and handled by God-fearing men that desire for souls to be saved by the matchless grace of our Father in Heaven.

Don't worry...Pastor Aaron will be back to preach! Pray for him daily. Pray for his preaching ministry and his tremendous task that he has before him every Sunday. That is the best way you can support and love your pastor!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Humble Anyone?

Psalm 115

1Not to us, O Lord, not to us

but to your name be the glory,

because of your love and faithfulness.

2Why do the nations say,

“Where is their God?”

3Our God is in heaven;

he does whatever pleases him.

4But their idols are silver and gold,

made by the hands of men.

5They have mouths, but cannot speak,

eyes, but they cannot see;

6they have ears, but cannot hear,

noses, but they cannot smell;

7they have hands, but cannot feel,

feet, but they cannot walk;

nor can they utter a sound with their throats.

8Those who make them will be like them,

and so will all who trust in them.

9O house of Israel, trust in the Lord—

he is their help and shield.

10O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord—

he is their help and shield.

11You who fear him, trust in the Lord—

he is their help and shield.

12The Lord remembers us and will bless us:

He will bless the house of Israel,

he will bless the house of Aaron,

13he will bless those who fear the Lord—

small and great alike.

14May the Lord make you increase,

both you and your children.

15May you be blessed by the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

16The highest heavens belong to the Lord,

but the earth he has given to man.

17It is not the dead who praise the Lord,

those who go down to silence;

18it is we who extol the Lord,

both now and forevermore.

Praise the Lord.


I love this Psalm. When I read this text, I’m drawn to the reality of my sinfulness and God’s glory. I’m reminded that God is on His throne in perfect glory. I’m reminded that the depravity of man will lead to idolatry, and blinded pursuit of God. Friend, we must humble rejoice that God has pursued us with an everlasting love and joy. The Word tells us that the love and joy of God has been demonstrated on the cross of Jesus (Romans 5:8).

With a Biblical understanding of the Gospel, we can boast in Psalm 115:1. In our walk, our talk, our singing, our leading, our practicing, our serving, and our witnessing; we must submit to the reality that all we do is not for our glory. All we do is for His glory. He is the One that makes the dead come to life. He is the One that brings the lost to salvation. He is the One that has faithfully given us the divine command to preach and proclaim His heavenly kingdom on the earth.

We must strive for humility daily. My favorite definition of humility is simply our understanding of our sinful nature and our joy to His perfect nature. I believe that living daily with this understanding will draw us naturally to seek His fame (v.1), His honor (v.13), His blessing (v.15), and His eternal praise (v.18). Let us draw together with great humility to His Name, not our own.

From one who strives for the glory of His name and not my own.

Soli Deo Gloria!

All I did was a game

Last night at OIKOS (our High School Wednesday night worship service), I led a game. I've been in student ministry for 8 years now. I've accomplished a seminary degree, ordination, and tons of joyful ministry experience...but last night; I led a game. It was comical and joyful at the same time. Years of preparation and leadership led to...a 10 minute game. Would you like to know why? The sweet aroma of Christ in student leaders placed a service around His all satisfying glory.

For the past two months, I've allowed different high school students preach the Word at OIKOS. Last night, one of our seniors preached a fantastic message from Colossians 3:1-17; on going from the old self to new self. The sermon was a brilliant exposition and joyful application of the text. The preacher was a young man who has found all satisfaction in Christ alone. This same young man was one of our greatest challenges four years ago. It's amazing to see how the Spirit has moved in his life in the past 4 years. His old self on many nights, led me to want to put my hands around his neck! His new self leads me to put my arms around him in a brotherhood embrace. The month before, we had another senior in high school preach a message centered on the glory of our eternal citizenship in glory. Again, a fantastic sermon...by a guy who has never stepped into a seminary classroom. These two months...and several more to come (we'll see at least 4-5 more young preachers preach), have led me to such unspeakable joy. Last night, all I did was a game.

The music...brilliant songs of theology, was led by high school students as well. Again, all I did was a game. 5 songs pointing worshippers to the cross, the crown, and the resurrection. 5 songs led by students who are right now in class as I type these words. It was rich worship. The music wasn't "me-centered," but, "God-centered." No seminary. No ordination. Just joyful worshippers in love with their Savior.

I love my students. There are countless more that desire to proclaim the Excellencies of the One that has rescued them from their depravity. I love my students. There are countless more that faithfully declare His infinite love to their lost classmates each day. I love my students. I cherish the moments in which I sit back and allow them to minister to me. I am responsible for leading future husbands, wives, dads, moms, and leaders in the church. What an honor and tremendous task the gracious Lord has given me. Last night, the service was led in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24), by students. All I did was a game...

Why am I still at my church? Last night, I saw a service that drew my heart to joy and my assurance that this generation can lead. What joy I've received in the last 4 years at Summit.

Last night, all I did was a game. All my students did was lead in a service of boasting in the Gospel.

This verse comes to mind as I close: Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. - 1 Timothy 4:12, ESV.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

Absent from the Bride

Do you wake up on Sunday mornings with an excitement to drive to a church campus and worship with other believers? Do you wake up with your heart racing, because you can't contain the anticipation to sing to Jesus? I'm afraid that many believers live without any excitement or anticipation to worship with the church body. As a youth minister, I hear several reasons for missing corporate worship. If I can be completely open with you, I'm tired of hearing them. Last week, I heard of some that stayed home just to get caught up with school work or rest. Some take a day off on Saturday to hang out with friends, only to rob God of His church worship gathering on Sunday. It's selfish living that needs to cease. Before you label me as a legalistic minister, please hear my heart on this.

Let me paint a picture for you today. Let's say that Brooke (my wife) and I set up a date for this upcoming Saturday. She is excited about meeting with me, and having my undivided attention. During the week, I spend time with friends, family, and even watch a few minutes of games on TV. The days fade quickly, and Saturday is almost near. On Friday night, I look at Brooke and unapologetically say, "We can’t' hang out tomorrow night, I'm sorry. I have to get caught up on sleeping and other tasks that I neglected, we'll try again maybe next week." First of all, she has every right to smack the selfishness out of me. Secondly, I hope you would! Smart husbands would not treat their brides in such a way. Why would we think this is different in the church? How could I clearly communicate love to my bride if I treat her in such a

Stop being selfish. Set your alarm to wake you up. Say no to friends if it means they will rob your time away from the Lord that created and saved your soul. Worship Him in the church body with greater excitement than any date you can go on or any movie that you will see. He is worthy to be praised (Psalm 19), and His eternal love endures forever (Psalm 136). I wonder, if we neglect worshipping Him with His bride...do we really love Him? If your god is college football, repent. If your god is your boyfriend or girlfriend, repent. If your god is your money, repent. If your god is your school accomplishments, repent. If your god is your friends, repent. Turn away from your excuses. Turn away from your pride. Turn away from the sins that nailed your Savior to the cross.

It doesn’t have to be on Sunday. I’m not so dogmatic to think that Sunday is the only day to worship. Friend, we can worship any day of the week. My point is simply to challenge you to see the joy and beauty of the church gathered to worship the bridegroom. If you are traveling and are away from your church body, join another body and continue the song that is eternal! I love worshiping with other churches when we are away on Sundays. My desire is to continue the devotion, continue the focus, and continue the everlasting joy of desiring God above the sins of this fallen world.

I'll say it again, I'm tired of hearing excuses. If we are the redeemed, we should wait everyday with great anticipation to sing of His eternal praise and glory. If we are the redeemed, we should protect our worship service gatherings from anything else. I'll stomp on one more foot if I need to today. I'm about to be a dad. Can I share something with you? I will not allow any organized sport or club take corporate worship time away from my daughter. I long for the day that I will gladly hold her hand as we approach the throne room, on our knees, in joyful celebration of our Savior. One day, all the things that distract us from worship will cease. When that day arrives, what will you be worshiping?

Love for His Glory

Last night, in the middle school worship service, we discussed the laws in the Old Testament. I'm constantly amazed that Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), fulfilled the demands of the law (Galatians 3:13), for the Father's glory (John 17:1-4). I'm amazed that even though I'm constantly reminded of my nature to break His law (James 2:10), He gives me perfect grace to cover my failures (Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21). In the words of the old hymn, "What wondrous love is this?" Last night, as I stared in the eyes of my middle school students, I was given a gentle reminder to why I'm a youth minister. I have a deep love for the Lord as well as the students. My heart leaped with joy as the three main passages of Scripture were revealed to me in the message. Deuteronomy 6:1-2, Galatians 3:24 and Matthew 22:36-40 were all preached to me in the process of preaching them to the students. If you are a youth minister reading this, please take just a moment and think about the joy you get to hold in your job. You get to love the Lord, and love the students He has given you. Sometimes I can't believe (not all the times), why do I get paid for this?! I'm glad last night; I got to live out the law of my Savior in Matthew 22:36-40. What a Savior.

This morning, the alarm went off, and my first thought was, "Man, It's too early to be awake on my off day." I have made a commitment to meet with 3 guys each week for discipleship. In the past year, my love and respect for these guys has grown tremendously. I have to confess, this morning, my heart wasn't ready at 6am to meet with one of them. However, I was drawn by what I preached on last night; my love for the Lord, and my love for students. Please don't applaud me. I was selfish when I woke up this morning. However, after an hour at Starbucks, discussing beautiful theology and praying together, I watched with great joy as one of my seniors drove to school; a living testimony and Gospel light to many. I can see him in church ministry real soon. I love my job.

After my meeting with one of my guys, I had to go to the dentist. Nobody likes visiting the dentist. Well, most that are normal feel that way, I guess. Anyways, my nerves took the best of me. (This part of the blog serves no point, other than to see if you are still reading.) After throwing up near my car (again, I was nervous), I was ready for my teeth to be cleaned. I felt bad for the new girl that was responsible for my teeth. Her first job out of college, and she was dealing with a guy with a serious gag reflex. After an hour, my teeth were cleaned and I was able to share the Gospel with her. Please pray for her today.

Ok, back to my original point. After leaving the dentist and grocery store, I got a call from...my mentor! He was ACROSS the street from the office! I was blown away. Here was the man that I served under for almost 2 years in Murray, KY; in Acworth, GA for a quick stop. Boyd Smith discipled me for a few years. I would argue that he still is. I love that man. We had a great lunch fellowship before he headed back to Murray.

My point? I love His glory. This morning, He allowed me to love and minister to a student that I love...only to be ministered to later by my youth ministry mentor. Our God is glorious. He is sovereign and active in His creation. He reigns supreme. His Gospel is glorious. His Son is the vine that gives us life (John 15). His Spirit gives us a voice in His presence (Romans 8:26). I'm so blessed that today, I was able to experience His love, and love for others.

Read Matthew 22:36-40 today. Do you love the Lord? Are you amazed by His blazing glory? Do you praise Him for saving you from His just wrath? Apart from the blood of His Son clothing you with mandatory perfection to enter His presence, you will face the penalty for breaking His law (Again, read James 2:10, Romans 3:23, 6:23, John 3:36). I pray you will experience the lavishing love from the God of this world that made the rhythm of your heartbeat. Love others today. Invest and sacrifice for others. Don't worship the god of yourself. Read Philippians 2, and follow suit.

It was so worth waking up at 6am. What a glorious day. I love His glory. I'm glad my teeth are clean and my stomach has food in it. I'm glad that I invested in a student, and then was the recipient of the investment of another. How was your day?

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

An Old Friend

This past Sunday afternoon, I got out my French horn and played with my church orchestra. It was like being reacquainted with an old friend. During that hour of playing, my soul was refreshed. As a church staff member, my Sundays tend to be full of responsibilities and leadership. There are days in which my soul is in need of rest like David in Psalm 62:1. In God's infinite grace, He relieved a busy day with a sweet hour of revived friendship.

I started to play the French horn in the 6th grade. The first time my eyes took notice of the horn, I was drawn to it. I enjoyed all the curves and how it looked so different than all the other brass instruments. I started playing it in the 6th grade, and carried it in my heart for 11 years to follow. Yesterday, I picked it up and embraced the beauty of an instrument that gave me such musical comfort over the years.

Yesterday, I felt like the Psalmist in Psalm 150...praising God with the horn. Yesterday, the grace of my Sovereign Lord led me to pick up an old friend and continue years of praising Him with the melody of His instrument. I wonder if He had joy like I had? I wonder if He looked at me; an instrument of His symphony, playing for His infinite glory? The music was refreshing. The old friend was much needed.

The horn is sitting next to my office desk right now. I'm grateful for the gift I have, from the Father, in playing it. Like Jubal, the chosen originator of God's music (Genesis 4:21), I'm grateful that for an hour yesterday, my mind was on playing an instrument for the glory of my Lord.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

living Psalm 105

Take just a moment and read Psalm 105. If you don't have a Bible near you, go to Biblegateway.com and use theirs. I'll wait.


Genuine worship and adoration toward God comes from the awareness of His historical faithfulness. One doesn't need to sit around and think of reasons to worship God if the Scriptures are studied. Sometimes we experience seasons of our lives that produce difficult obstacles that prevent our adoration of God. Friend, if that season consumes you today, open up to Psalm 105 and allow the words to refresh you to the perfect providence of our Maker. In this rich Psalm, the writer gives us a shout of praise toward the God that led the Israelites in their history. Trust me; their history was far from perfect. Difficult seasons consumed them as they do us. However, in moments like Psalm 105, we see a beautiful choir of remembrance assembled for the Holy God. They praise Him for His deliverance from captivity and for His daily provision.

Sin blinds adoration. We could easily be consumed with sin to the point that His rich history doesn't capture our attention anymore. This tendency leads many church goers to live as lukewarm followers. Jesus warned us about this complacency. It doesn't matter what season you are in, fall on your knees today, read Psalm 105 and remember that the days are His. He was faithful in the past...and He will be faithful in the future. One day, as Revelation 7:17 teaches us, every tear will be wiped away. One day, we will get to immerse ourselves in an eternal bond of joy such as the Psalm 105 folks had. Why not trust that He will remove the obstacles of our praise today so we can enjoy Psalm 105? Why not remember His faithfulness in the past. He gave you life today. Start there. He was faithful to give you the ability to read the words I'm typing. Start there. Praise Him for His faithfulness. Follow Him in faithfulness. Treasure His Son. Enjoy His Spirit.

-living Psalm 105 today.