The Gospel... my bride and bragging

This morning, I went around rooms to welcome my students to church. I have a wonderful habit that I share with others daily; I brag about my wife. I love Brooke. She is the most amazing person I've ever met. She is beautiful, smart, and so caring. I can go on... She supports me, listens to me, and reminds me daily of God's amazing providence in my life. Are you sick of my bragging yet? I hope so!

While I was in one of our high school girls' rooms, I made a comment about how nice Brooke looked today. To my happy surprise, one girl quickly responded, "We know... you talk about her all the time...thats all we hear about from you..." and other comments. I was so happy to hear this comment. I looked at each girl in the room and took the opportunity to tell them this: "Girls, I hope one day all of you will get married and your husband will brag on you every day." Many of the girls smiled. Some still looked annoyed. It was a great morning.

Paul ties in the Gospel with marriage so perfectly well. Read Ephesians 5:25-32. Isn't that amazing? My role as a husband is to love her. My role is to brag and present her daily as my pure and beautiful wife. My role is to give myself daily to her. Why wouldn't I brag about her? there is no one in this world that I would do that for. How is this the Gospel you may ask? I'm glad you're thinking that!

Paul writes in Ephesians 5:31-32 the importance of marriage. In verse 31, he quotes Genesis 2:24. This quote is not just talking about marriage... but the Gospel. Look at verse 32. Paul writes, "This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church." Isn't that amazing? The Gospel (euangelion), the good news is this... Christ came to redeem His people, to present them (the church, his bride) to His Father. He presents them just like the husband presents his wife from verse 26-27; sanctified, cleansed by the washing of water with the Word, (look at Romans 6:1-4). This isn't just a prayer decision! This is the Gospel! Do we brag about this?!!

I'm personally ready for college football to be over. I want all churches to gather on Sundays and brag about the Redeemer. I'm ready for us to brag... Husbands, if you read this, my encouragement to you is this: daily brag about your wife! In doing so, it opens the doors for an amazing way to explain the Gospel.

patience... a virtue?

I'm not a very patient person. Sometimes my impatience arrives in the smallest of situations. For example, the light that should turn green is set on red longer by someone operating it... just to make me mad. Or, "fast food" doesn't really live by the first name...or the second. I'm impatient in many ways. It's a flaw of mine. I don't like it. However, I have learned lately that my impatience sometimes creeps into my journey of glorifying the Father.

I'll tell you why. I love quiet times. I cherish any time with the Lord. It's sometimes takes me to the point that my anticipation leads me to impatience... I want Him! I need Him! I can't wait another second for Him! Is this bad? Is this unhealthy? I probaly would've quickly answered "yes" a while back... but now I'm not so sure. I wait with great anticipation for any time I can spend with the Father. Why? Because I'm convinced that a daily with the Almighty brings joyful desires for wanting to know Christ even more and experiencing the Spirit's presence on this side of glory. This morning, I read Galatians 3:13. I love this verse. Paul writes, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us-- for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE " If I believe and rejoice in this truth... then do I want to wait for Him? Do I really want to carelessly find time here and there to spend with the REdeemer that set me free from the curse of the Law? I don't think so! The Son of the Living God took , my guilty. hopeless life of sin and turned me into an adopted child of the Almighty; white as snow. I believe that impatience in wanting more of Him is actually something all of us should strive for. Are you impatient in wanting more time with the King? Can you join Paul when he wrote, "More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but ththat I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death at which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith." I am an impatient man in many ways that I'm not proud of. However, I wait each day with such joy and excitement... and yes even impatience when it comes to time with the King of Kings.

Have you spent time with the King today? Are you ever impatient; waiting to worship Him at His feet? Keep running the race my friends, for the glory of Christ the King.

I respect good authors

(A.W. Tozer)

After more than 600 miles on the road, my wife and I have arrived to Yorktown, VA. It's such a beautiful place. I love this time of year. My family here welcomed us last night with loving arms and a comfortable bed to rest in! This morning, the coffee was already set and the living room was quiet for my time with the Lord. Needless to say, I can get used to this!





This morning, I finished a great book that I recommend to all of you: "The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer. The last two chapters are my favorite. I've brought 3 books with me on this trip, and now I'm down to 2 that need to be read. I have much respect in good authors. In the past few years, I've added these to my list of "need to read" guys: John Piper, A.W. Tozer, Leonard Ravenhill, C.H. Spurgeon, and C.J. Mahoney (to name a few... the list is longer, I promise). This morning, this thought came to my mind: What makes a good author? I journal. I enjoy journaling. If you were to come upstairs to my study in my home, you'll see more than 2o journals tucked under our turtle tank (his name is Tortie). My best friend Jonathan challenged me to write when I was a sophmore in college, and I haven't stopped since. I recommend all of you to write.





So, back to the question: what makes a good author? I like to think of someone who knows the subject, has a passion for it, lives for it, and offers it in their life daily as a teacher. I like to think of someone as the master of that subject. I like to think of someone who could argue their writing in a defense, at any given time. If one can do such a thing; I would gladly call them a good author.





Look at this verse with me: fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). Have you ever thought of Jesus as, "the author and perfecter of faith?" The writer of Hebrews challenges us with this thought. He uses the word, archegos (ar-khay-gos: a chief leader -- author, captain, or prince.) This is such an amazing word in this text to describe our pursuit; to fix our eyes on the author, captain, and prince of our faith! Compare this to other texts:





For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6 (emphasis added)





For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings - Hebrews 2:10 (emphasis added)





And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. - 1 Peter 5:4 (emphasis added)





being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone - Ephesians 2:20 (emphasis added)





I respect good authors. I worship the perfect and author of my faith. Just some simple thoughts after a glorious morning I've been blessed to have with the Savior; the author and perfecter of my faith. Do you know the author?

Post Qadosh: Why study Scripture?

Why would we dedicate a weekend to study Scripture? Why would anyone want to study the Word of God? Why would anyone want to attend an event in which the truth of Scripture will be proclaimed? I'm so overwhelmed today with great joy over this past weekend. My church hosted her annual "disciple-now weekend." I love these weekends. The basic idea is this: students stay the night in homes provided by the church, they receive small group Bible study and participate in large group worship and fellowship. This year, my church took the small group Bible studies and hosted them on campus; led by an elder, two staff members, and two lay-leaders. It was an incredible blessing! I'm so grateful for the all the leaders that sacrificed a weekend to lead students. I'm blessed to have the best adult leaders in this world. 15 host homes, several co-hosts, and other various leaders. Amen!

However, permit me to go back to the original question: "Why would we dedicate a weekend to study Scripture?" For our D-now, we studied Isaiah 6. The idea behind the weekend was: QADOSH (The Hebrew word for "holy"). In this passage, God is revealed in all His glory; in all His holiness. Isaiah is captured in the glory and humbly abides to the Almighty. It's a powerful chapter, I encourage you to read it! Why study Scripture? Why would any teenager want to dedicate a weekend for this? I believe we can find our answer in 2 John 9. John writes, " Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son." The reason why my students participated in a weekend of studying Scripture is found in the grace of abiding in Christ. We are a church! Why wouldn't we study the Scriptures?

I've been to many disciple now weekends in my day. I couldn't tell you what I learned from all of them. I know many of them consisted of superficial games, activities, and lessons that were set out to entertain and not edify. I will not do that to my students. My role is to make sure they receive the teaching of Christ. Jesus said it best, "If you love me, you'll obey what I command" (John 14:6). I love Christ. I want my students to love Christ. I want them to be redeemed through Christ. Why would I teach something else? I believe John said it best; if anyone teaches too far or outside the truth of God... DOES NOT HAVE GOD! This may seem to be a tough verse, but I find such love and beauty in it.

Lets look at the word "abide." In the Greek, we get the word meno (men'-o: to stay in a given place, state, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for). If we want to "stay in" or "dwell" in the person and lordship of Jesus Christ; WE WILL TEACH HIS WORD! This idea of abiding in His Word is amazing. I believe many youth groups reject this. They often make the mistake of sacrificing the Gospel for entertainment. I may not be the most popular youth minister in the world, but I will be one that teaches the Word. The beauty of the Word is the revelation of the Almighty! The Almighty reveals Himself through His Word. Did you catch that? He REVEALS HIMSELF through His Word! If We know that... why would we stray far from it? If we want God... we'll want His Word. It makes sense to me.

I hope you will join me in this passion. Why Study Scripture? It's simple. If I commit to abiding in Christ; for the glory of God the Father. If I believe my steps are annointed by the Holy Spirit. Then I will stay in, dwell, endure, be present in, remaind, and stand for His Word.

Thank you all for a great Disciple Now Weekend. I close with one of my favorite hymns by Munster Gesangbuch. Enjoy abiding in the truth of Christ.

Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature, O thou of God and man the Son, Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor, thou, my soul's glory, joy, and crown.

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands, robed in the blooming garb of spring: Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight, and all the twinkling starry host: Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer than all the angels heaven can boast.

Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations! Son of God and Son of Man! Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine

Short comment... loved tonight

I loved worshiping tonight with my students. I felt such a draw with them to the throne room. There is just something that stirs in my soul when the Spirit pulls me with my students to bringing glory to the King of Kings. I love being a youth minister. I love seeing them worship their Father. May we all take the example from teenagers to come broken, humble, and in awe of the King when we approach His royal court!

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness Psalm 84:10

Love, from a parent.

(My father is on the right)

I believe the relationship between a parent and a child is such a wonderful display of the Gospel. I believe it magnifies the love of the Father as we identify the grace of His Son. I am blessed to have my earthly father. My dad's name is Jim. He has invested years of his life into mine. I've learned alot from my father. I've learned that I have a respect and love for him that I don't offer to any other men in this world. I want to give to children one day the amount of love and attention that my father has given to me. However, within my father's love is his discipline. I remember so many times in my life that I received discipline for the actions I took. One story comes to mind as I type this. When I was a young boy, I was outside with a friend of mine playing ball. We were having a great time. All of a sudden, I had to go to the bathroom (number 1). Well, I thought it would be "manly" to go #1 outside. This thought captured my feet and I found myself walking over to the side of the house. I went #1. Little did I know that I accidently did this action on and around the air conditioning unit outside. I was so proud of myself. I went inside and told my father what I did, and of course; received discipline. It was STUPID. He disciplined me, but loved me the same.

I'm amazed by Paul's relationship with Timothy. He referred to him several times as his son. Look at this text with me: To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord" (1 Timothy 1:2). Paul, in a spiritual sense, fathered Timothy in many ways. I wonder how often Timothy was disciplined for his actions. I wonder how often Paul had to call Timothy out for his mistakes. I wonder how much love Paul gave to Timothy. What an amazing relationship!

Do you come to God almighty as His adopted child? Do you come to Him with a love and respect as a child as for His Father? John writes, "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him" (1 John 3:1). Do you live like a child of the Father?

I celebrate today that I am an adopted child of God Almighty. The doctrine of adoption is a beautiful adoption indeed. I will probaly touch base on that later. Enjoy time today with your Father.

Old Coffee; the stain of sin

Last Friday, I was impatiently waiting for the coffee to be made in the room next to me. The excitement of sharing a fresh cup of coffee with my friend Leon was building. While I was in the impatient stage, I noticed a travel mug on top of one of the cabinets. My curiosity took the best of my attention, as my right hand reached for the mug. As I was bringing the mug down to my level, my hand shook; causing the coffee to spill on me. I got a free drops on my polo as well as my slacks. I didn't think much of it, until a few minutes later when the smell arrived. I imagine that coffee mug was on the cabinet for about a year. The smell was horrible. I gagged. I almost cried. It smelled bad. After a few minutes passed, I went downstairs to pick up my mail; BAD MISTAKE! The ladies in the office were gagging... and crying. It was bad! I smelled like a middle school boys locker room in which AXE body spray has never set foot. Needless to say, I went home early to change. I don't know if I can ever wear those clothes again.

I believe there is an illustration here with sin. So often, people think of sin has simply "bad things." For example, if someone murders another person... that is sin. Or, if someone cheats on their wife, that is sin. We think of sin as big events that have no objections. However, with sin, sometimes I believe we can become so immersed with the world that we don't see or observe the stain or smell that is running rampant. I'll give you an example. Have you ever spent time with someone that is bitter? This bitter person is always complaining, always whining, always talking slander about others, or constantly bringing you down? Do you ever notice that the more you spend time with that person, the more you take on some of their traits? I beseech you to consider your life. Think about the stain or stench of sin that easily entangles not only your life, but others as well. I love what the writer of Hebrews writes, "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Who surrounds you? What surrounds you? I encourage you to desire the stain or smell of sin to be removed from your life. Join the Psalmist when he wrote, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me." You can do this by pursuing Christ

Let us join together with Paul by "looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds." How can we rid ourselves from the pain of sin? It's found in no other place but through the cross of Christ. How can I be a better husband? I look at the cross. How can I get rid of bitterness from my heart? I look at the cross of Christ. How can I eliminate pride daily? I look at the cross.

I had to go home and change my clothes, because I was stained. My odor from the stain impacted others. I had to be washed. Here is a great verse to close with: "Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow" (Psalm 51:7). (Hyssop was the little shrub 1Ki 4:33 with which the blood and water of purification were applied. Lev 14:1-7 Num 19:1-19). Today, we rejoice for we have been washed in the blood. Take your sins to the cross of Christ. It's time to change your clothes.

What do you seek first?

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus spoke these words, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." I love this verse. I love this challenge. I love this daily pursuit. What do you seek first?

This morning, I had the privilege of speaking at the F.C.A. at Durham middle school. The main point for my message to the students was to focus on the beautiful truth that we worship, "The everlasting God." During the message, I shared with the students the frustrations and let-downs we receive when we seek other things outside His kingdom. It was a privilege to share, for it served as a warm reminder of my thankfulness for seeking first His Kingdom. What do you seek first?

For years, I sought after sports, music, movies, friends, etc. for my satisfaction. I would care more about who won last night's game then I would about living daily for the King. I would memorize baseball stats and neglect His Word. I would collect new music and memorize the lyrics and neglect His Word. I would invest all my free time with friends and neglect His Word. This question haunted me for years. What do you seek first?

This year, I've chosen not to watch much television. On occasion, Brooke and I will watch a movie, but outside that; our tv stays off. It's been so refreshing for me to have more time with the Lord. My quiet times are in the morning because of the fact that I want to seek Him first before I leave my home. I choose to memorize scripture daily because I want to seek Him in His Word first. I couldn't tell you today who was traded or who won last night, because lately I've come to the conclusion that I just don't care. I'm amazed by His kingdom. I'm amazed by Him. I marvel at His greatness; 3 in 1. I daily desire to seek Him first... and only Him!

Sports will come and go. Seasons will end. New bands will come into play, and then years later will be forgotten. Movies will last a short time until they are brought into the shadows of others. So many things that we seek are just temporary. Look at Psalm 90:2. We worship the everlasting God! El Olam! Why wouldn't I seek Him first? By seeking Him on this side of glory, I'll be drawn to more excitement of Him on the other side of glory! I can join Paul in Philippians 1:21, when he said, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

What do you seek first? This blog isn't a strong exposition of the text. My goal is to encourage you today with the question; what do you seek first? I pray our gracious Father, through His glorious Son, and powerful Spirit will draw you into the beauty and joy it is to daily seek Him first.

Worship; an observation from my dog.

Yup, it's an unusual title, but it does carry with it some significance. How would you teach "worship" to someone? What kind of words would you use? What Biblical texts would you use? How would a skeptic of the church understand worship in your life? I have so many questions about worship. For example, why do we seem to always associate worship with a type of music? Why do we give out titles like "worship leader"? Why would someone tell me that their job is to lead me in worship? I guess I ask too many questions, at times; but it's interesting to me.

I love what the Psalmist writes, "All the earth will worship You, And will sing praises to You; They will sing praises to Your name." Within this verse, we see the original language use the word: shachah (shaw-khaw). This idea of worship, from this verse translates: to prostrate (especially reflexive), in homage to royalty or God. Do we do this in our corporate worship gatherings in church? Do we recognize with the Psalmist that ALL the eart will worship and sing praises. I wonder if our worship would be from a redeemed soul or a lost soul receiving His justice? How can we be "led' in worship?

When I come home, my dog Chulo is waiting for me at the front door. He begins to bark and sing his unknown songs to me as his tail wags back and forth. I open the door and he runs into the house; circling me several times wanting to get as close to me as possible. For some reason (I still don't know why... maybe it's cause I feed him), he rejoices to see me everyday I come home.

In the morning, I wake up, say goodbye to my sweet wife as she leaves for work, grab my coffee, and head upstairs for my quiet time. Guess who follows me upstairs? You may be right... Chulo! He follows me into the quiet time room and within moments, he is at my feet. Most days, he is lying down. There are a few days that he just looks at me waiting for my attention. He wants to be with his master.

Do we approach God with such reverence? Do we approach God like a dog approaching his master? Do we rejoice in His presence? Do we anticipate more time with Him? Do we humble ourselves in His presence in which we are completely dependent on Him? Based on this one verse and idea with it... how can someone lead me in worship? These are just thoughts...

Let us rejoice in the presence of our Master. Let us come to Him in great submission to His authority. Let us Hear His call and follow His Word. I look forward each Sunday to joining my church family in corporate worship. I worship, for I have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ; the Son of the Living God. I worship, for His Spirit draws me each day. I wonder, how do you explain worship? This isn't my complete answer, just thoughts I've learned from my dog.

The Old Rugged Cross

My father-in-law loves this hymn. My wife loves this hymn. I love this hymn. There is something that stirs within my soul when I sing of the cross. When I think about the price paid for the redemption of my soul, I'm moved to many emotions. I believe we don't sing enough of the cross in church. We don't sing enough of the blood shed by our Redeemer. We don't sing enough of the perfect atonement made for our sins. We, guilty sinners, have been made whole through the cross... what else would we want to sing about?

I find sometimes we sing and get consumed with things of this world that cannot bring us to God. We sing of love; but do we know of His love? We sing of joy; but do we have His joy? We sing of our needs; but are we satisified in Him? I want to cling to the cross for I know threw it, I was made righteous in the sight of the Holy Father through the death of His Holy Son.

Paul writes, "But may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world!" Can we write that with the same genuine passion that Paul carried with him throughout his life? I love this verse. The word boast, kauchaomai (kow-khah'-om-ahee) has the idea to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense) -- (make) boast, glory, joy, rejoice. What do we do this in? With? I see in the south, much boasting in college football. Can this boasting produce the fellowship we need with the Father? I see many students boasting in their own selfish bubbles (facebook, myspace, texting, cheerleading, band, various sports, school clubs, etc.) Can this boasting produce within them the everlasting joy that we receive in Galatians 5:22? I hope you will join me in never boasting about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus. May we join Augustus M. Toplady when he wrote, "Nothing in my hand I bring,Simply to Thy cross I cling;Naked, come to Thee for dress;Helpless, look to Thee for grace;Foul, I to the fountain fly;Wash me, Savior, or I die."

Join me as I cherish the old rugged cross. Take time today and praise the Father for the grace that He displayed on the cross of His Son! May we boast in nothing more.

The Old Rugged Cross by George Bennard

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,The emblem of suffering and shame;And I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,Till my trophies at last I lay down;I will cling to the old rugged cross,And exchange it some day for a crown. (chorus)

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,Has a wondrous attraction for me;For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above To bear it to dark Calvary.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,A wondrous beauty I see,For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,To pardon and sanctify me.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;Its shame and reproach gladly bear;Then He'll call me some day to my home far away,Where His glory forever I'll share.

To Preach or not to Preach... that is the question

This afternoon, a great friend came by my office for a time of fellowship. My friend, Canyon, is a passionate preacher of the Gospel. This afternoon, he went to Kennesaw State University, and exercised his 1st ammendment right. On a box, Canyon proclaimed the Gospel to students as they walked in between classes. Many of us would probaly be scared to even think about doing something like that. However, Canyon, with the power of the Holy Spirit; proclaims Christ in places and situations that most of us would avoid. I'm encouraged by Canyon.

In Romans 10:14-15, Paul writes, "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" Within these verses, Paul quotes out of Isaiah 52:7. I love the language here. The idea of "beautiful are the feet." In the Greek, we see the word horaios ho-rah'-yos: (belonging to the right hour or season (timely), i.e. (by implication) flourishing, and beautiful). This word is powerful! At the right hour of season, while flourishing and full of beauty; the Gospel is proclaimed! We don't all have to get on boxes and only go to campuses... we can preach the Gospel to our neighbors. We can preach at work, or at school. Paul also said in 2 Timothy 4:2, "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." We are to be prepared to preach! Always. You know how we do that? Here is how we get ready...

We must know Christ!!! If someone were to ask me why I'm married to my wife, I won't say "let me think about that... prepare...study...pray...seek... and then I'll be ready to answer that question." NO! What kind of husband would that make me? I promise you that if you ever ask me that question, I'll give you several reasons! I know my bride and I can talk about her because of the genuine, daily love and pursuit I have for her... Here is my point:

Many confessing Christians pray a prayer and then continue on with their lives like nothing has changed. They don't daily seek the Lord. They don't study His Word. They don't worship. I can go on... No wonder why proclaiming the Gospel to others is a challenge! They don't know Christ! I believe knowing Christ is far more than just simply talking to Him once. What kind of husband would I be if I only talked to Brooke once? What kind of marriage would we have? It would be BAD. Salvation, according to Scripture, is broken down by justification, sanctification, and glorification. I was saved, I am being saved, I will be saved. It is a life lived for the eternal glory of God! It is a life radically transformed from the inside out; by the grace of the Almighty. I know my dear friend preaches at KSU because of the fact that the Gospel has transformed Him. It wasn't a simple decision he made once... It was the gift of God's grace that led him to inherit beautiful feet to bring the good news. Please join me as I pray for Canyon and praise the Lord for the passion that dwells in his soul.

Today, are you preaching the Gospel? Are you proclaiming to others the incredible victory that Christ Jesus won on the cross, for the glory of the Father? Where are your feet leading you? May our feet be beautiful as we daily preach the Gospel to the lost. Oh, Father, by your grace, please send us by your Spirit, to daily proclaim the glorious riches of Jesus Christ, Your Son, to all nations.

How beautiful the feet... I want to join Spurgeon when he wrote, "Whatever subject I preach, I do not stop until I reach the Savior, the Lord Jesus, for in Him are all things"

Publix: my source for encouragement

this is a pic I found today on my laptop... good memories... great encouragement.

I just got home after a trip to Publix with Brooke. I'm amazed by how encouraged I am when I come home after going to our grocery store. I don' t have stock in Publix and really don't have a preference when it comes to grocery store companies, but I'm beginning to like my grocery store. Why? I don't know much about Publix as a corporation... but I do know my grocery store. Since Brooke and I got married, we have shopped at the same grocery store together. We make it a habit to shop together, because we both feel that it is one of those things we have to do, so why not do it together? I recommend all of you that are married to do this together... it really makes the trip faster and more enjoyable! Anyways, today, Kate was working in the deli. Everytime I go there to get our meat of the week, she asks me "where is your pretty wife?" Kate is probaly in her late seventies, and has a physical disability that forces her head to be tilted sideways... Kate ministers to my soul when I go to Publix. Within her simple question, my face finds a smile and I leave encouraged. Kate is one of many at that store that we stop and talk to when we go... I believe Publix is one of our mission fields. (one of many).



From Hebrews 3:13, I see a beautiful text to challenge us as believers. The author writes, "But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." If you look at this verse, you'll see the word "encourage' used. From the original language, this word in the Greek is: parakaleo (par-ak-al-eh'-o). The defintion of it is to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) -- beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, and desire. I wonder... do we do this in church? We are the called out ones, the bride of Christ, joint heirs to the kingdom, etc. When we meet, do we call near to one another? Do we comfort each other? Do we leave like I do from Publix, encouraged and wanting to go back? I wonder... if we practice encouragement more, would people fill the pews wanting to hear the Gospel? I believe if I am encouraged at a grocery store, what more than the bride of my Savior?



Take time to encourage one another. I value encouragement from others. I enjoy the encouragement I receive from my church family. I can't wait to go back to Publix. I can't wait to be in church.

Walking in the Light

This morning, I was taken back by a few facebook pages of former students that are currently walking in the darkness. Their claim for following Christ was not supported well with what they presented on the internet. It broke my heart. Why? Because, I began to ponder... do they have a fellowship with God? Have they been born again? Does the Spirit dwell within them? Please pray for these students that are walking across college campuses full of darkness. If we truly have been purchased, ransomed through the blood of Christ; We have His Glorious Light!

1 John 1:5-8 teaches us "This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. (NASB)

The light... are we walking in the light? I have come to the conviction that if we are truly the children of God; adopted by His amazing mercy and grace through the cross of Christ, then our lives must radiate His light! I hurt for people that claim to follow Christ but walk in the darkness. John made it clear in this passage, "If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth" (ESV). My question to you today is: are you walking in the light?

What I love about this passage is the door for correction we are given; verse 9. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (ESV). Christians, children of the Living God, desire His light! Desire His presence! Pursue Him! I pray today that you will be careful how to walk, not as unwise but wise (Ephesians 5:15-16).

I love the words to this song that we sang this past Wednesday night. I want to close by quoting it to you:

Into marvelous light I'm running,Out of darkness, out of shame.

By the cross you are the truth,You are the life, you are the way

-Marvelous Light, by Charlie Hall.

Today, may His gracious Spirit lead you to walk in His Marvelous Light.

Revelation... not just the book! and a man from Kenya

In the past few days, I've been enriched by the revelation of God Almighty. When you think of that word "revelation," what comes to your mind? Is it just the last book of the Bible? Is it the end of times? Please join me for the next few moments as I expose to you what the Almighty has revealed to me. This word revelation goes so much farther than just a book.

In the Greek language, we see the word apokalupsis (ap-ok-al'-oop-sis) used to describe our english word for revelation. In the original New Testament language, the word was used in several forms: (disclosure -- appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation) So, with that understanding, think with me for just a moment. Have God ever lightened you? Has He ever disclosed anything to you? Has He ever manifested Himself in you? (through His glorious Son; regeneration... we'll get to that important doctrine on a different post). Has He revealed anything to you? He has to me in the past day or two, and please permit me to share it with you.

In Ephesians 1:17, Paul writes "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him." Here, we see from Paul that God has appeared, come, lightened, manifested, and revealed Himself through our knowledge of Him. How do we have knowledge of God? Through our Lord Jesus Christ! Do you know Him?

This is how this hits home with me. This week, I felt the Lord reveal to me a message from Psalm 27. In Psalm 27:1, we see a beautiful verse written by the pen of David. He writes, " The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?" While preparing to deliver this message to the high school students, I was overwhelmed with 3 incredible promises: The Lord is our light, our salvation, and our defense. What an amazing truth! What an incredible revelation! So... I shared last night with the students this message. Well, this morning, I was asked to speak at a middle school near my home. I woke up early, had my quiet time, got dressed and went to the school. When I arrived, I was informed that they accidently asked someone else to speak! (of course, this was God's plan at work). I was a bit bummed, because I spent time working on a message on the law. I was going to play a game with the students about wierd laws, teach them that there are 613 laws in the first 5 books of the Bible, and then explain how the law was fulfilled through Christ Jesus our Lord. I was going to open up and read Matthew 22:35-40, when the lawyer asks Jesus what was the most important law of them ALL (613 to choose from). I was going to point out the response from Jesus (And He said to him, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.'This is the great and foremost commandment.The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.'On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.") I was excited. I felt ready! I arrived, and His revelation for me was what I wasn't expecting!

A man from Kenya came and shared with the students a beautiful expostion from Mark 1017-25; the story of the Rich Young Ruler. He shared with the students how if we are truly "born again" (see John 3:1-8), than we want GOD. We want all of Him. We'll do whatever it takes to get Him! We'll sell everything we have... we'll give to the poor, etc. And then, after teaching this, the missionary from Kenya said the answer to the question the rich young ruler was seeking; Matthew 6:33! But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. How do we do that? We do that, by His revelation through His Son! God fulfilled the LAW. God gave us His amazing grace. God gave us His light, His salvation, His shield through the cross and resurrection of His Son! We receive revelation, the knowledge of God through the Son! We are born again through His Holy Spirit! (see Romans 8:5-9. 1 Cor 2:10). What an amazing truth! I wanted to teach the doctrine of Christ fulfilling the 613 laws this morning... God wanted a man from Kenya to remind me of the fact that HE DID. Not I... HE DID. He saved me. He brought me His revelation. Let us take time today to thank Him for His glorious revelation through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Do you know Him? Has He ever been revealed to you? May the Gospel you know, you preach, you worship, you rejoice in; join Paul in full recognition when he writes, " For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ" .

Romans 1-9

This morning, I listened to a sermon by David Platt that was preached at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in September of this year. The sermon text was Romans 9. However, before he began with the text, he wanted us to understand the whole context; so he read Romans 1-8!! I was blown away by the power of God's Word. Nehemiah 8:5-6 tells us the time when Ezra the scribe, opened the Word in the sight of the gathered people. As the Word was opened, the people stood. Ezra blessed the Lord, the Great God, and people responded to the Word with answering, "Amen, Amen, lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground." (8:6).

I want to devote my life captivated to the Word. I want to join the bride as we applaud the Word of God. More than a song, more than an event, more than a leader, more than a team, more than a movie, more than another book; I want my life to applaud the Word. I'm drawn to worship by the Word. I am sanctified through the Word. Please join me today as we bow our heads and worship our King with our faces to the ground... Remember Romans 8:1, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Praise Him today for His amazing grace! Let us join Luther when he said, "I am bound by the Scriptures that I have adduced, and my conscience has been taken captive by the Word of God"

meet my wife; my hero

This is my beautiful wife Brooke. She is the most amazing person I've ever met this side of glory. In this picture, you'll see her holding a white sheet of paper. This paper is the official, signed document from her panel of professors that approved her defense for her P.H.D. At the age of 25, my wife received her P.H.D. in Neuroscience at Tulane University. I'm drawn to this picture, because I'm amazed by her. I praise the Almighty for giving me the honor to be called her husband. Wow, what a woman. I hope if you ever meet me, you will meet her, for she is everything to me. Everytime I look at her, I'm reminded of the beauty of the Gospel.

Colossians 3:14 "Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity."

This verse was used in our wedding.

Blessings,

Dave

I finally gave in

Well, I have given in to the world of blogging. I'm curious to see how this turns out. I'll be using this blog primarily to discuss and share theological insights. I'm excited about sharing with you what the Lord reveals to me in His Word daily. Thank you for joining me with this. We'll see what happens..........