2 songs, put together; How Beautiful is that blood!

Studying Hosea 1-9 has drawn me to realize several things. This is what I've observed so far in God's Word:

1. Sin is destructive
2. Repentance is necessary
3. God's steadfast love is offered.

We see Sin nailed to the cross. The death of Jesus Christ; the Incarnate, Son of God, absorbed the wrath of God toward sin; giving us His steadfast love. However, His steadfast love is not promised until we repent. We must trust in the only One that is mighty to save. These two songs have drawn me to rejoice in the cross and how God's steadfast love was given to me. I'm excited about singing them tomorrow night with my students.

Alas and did my Savior Bleed

Alas! and did my Savior bleed, and did my Sovereign die! Would he devote that sacred head for sinners such as I?

Was it for crimes that I have done, he groaned upon the tree? Amazing pity! Grace unknown! And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide, and shut its glories in, when God, the mighty maker, died for his own creature's sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face while his dear cross appears; dissolve my heart in thankfulness, and melt mine eyes to tears.

But drops of tears can ne'er repay the debt of love I owe. Here, Lord, I give myself away; 'tis all that I can do
This hymn was written in 1707 by Isaac Watts.

Beautiful the Blood
I never knew death could be so sweet
I never knew surrender could feel so free
I never seen such meekness in majesty
That the blood of Jesus was bled for me

And now I sing freedom for all my days
It's only by the power of the cross I'm raised
The King of Glory rescued me

How beautiful the blood flow
How merciful the love show
The King of glory poured out
Victorious are we now

Never knew through these nails would love unfold
And never knew these wounds would heal my soul
I've never seen such beauty and sorrow meet
The blood of Jesus was bled for me

Written by Steve Fee, 2007

Are you washed in the blood? Read 1 Corinthians 6:11. This verse is some powerful stuff! "But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God"

"Simply live your life so others can simply live"

This morning, my church family had the sweet privilege of receiving a message on the importance of giving. Shaun Groves, a recording artist and champion for Compassion International Ministries, was our guest leader. The Spirit revealed to Brooke and me some very powerful truths that has drawn us to simplify. I'm grateful for how God's Holy Spirit continues daily to speak to us (as His adopted children), the importance of being faithful, here on this side of glory, to bring glory to His Son.

2 passages of Scripture are on my mind right now. I believe these passages can be in conjunction with the message I heard today. Matthew 18:5, Jesus said, "Whoever receives one such child in my name, receives me." WOW. How can I avoid these verse by trying to hide under the blanket of my selfish theology? It's not a 5 point theology process. It's not taking apart the different Greek verbs to translate to us "the original meaning." I believe it is simple. We are called to receive others, to not avoid the fact that children go to bed hungry and without the love of the church, and to be faithful with allowing His Spirit, in us, to bring His Kingdom to all nations. Read Matthew 18:1-6. That is powerful. That rocked me today.

John 3:30, (I quote this often), John the Baptist says, "He must increase, but I must decrease." I believe to sacrifice, to give, to meet needs, to bring the Gospel with our words and actions, is to decrease ourselves and to watch His glory increase. What am I giving? What am I doing? Am I wasting away the resources God has given me? May He forgive me a thousandfold and allow His great light to shine through me and others that like to call oureslves, "the church;" for His glory sake!

I like what Shaun Groves said today, "Simply live your life so others can simply live." Please join Brooke and me in prayer over this. What am I doing? What are you doing? What are we doing?

May His Glorious Gospel be reached in all nations,

Dave

Text Messaging....

I love text messaging. I love the fact that in just a few seconds, I can send a message, through my phone, to a friend. In just a minute, I can send several text messages to others and relay to them a message that would take longer to tell if I had to call them. Text messaging comes in handy when I only have a few moments and I need to get some information to someone. For example, if I’m late to a meeting; I text. If I’m on my way to lunch with someone; I text. I love to text. Do you?
I didn’t always enjoy text messages. In fact, a few years ago, I couldn’t stand them! I thought they were a waste of time, a waste of effort, and an impersonal way to communicate. If you were to ask my family or friends, they could tell you that I used to not be a fan of text messages. What changed mind, you may ask? I believe what helped me was seeing how important it was to others and seeing the benefits they had with using it day to day. Over time, I developed a love for text messaging. Now, I can’t stop!
The Word of God can be viewed as God’s message to us through His text. Growing up, I had no care for the Word. I looked at the Bible as something others were passionate about, but my thoughts were like that of text messaging; a waste of time, effort, and an impersonal means of communication. I didn’t see the need for the Word as Peter describes as our “pure Spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). I often times would go to church and sit in the pew, completely bored of what others around me found to be exciting; the Word. However, just like text messaging, I didn’t realize what I was missing.
When I entered college, I quickly developed a love for God’s Word, His Text. I went to several college worship services that had preachers come and teach us the beauty of God’s Word. I remember going to bed on so many nights excited about the next day of what I was going to read. I remember thinking to myself, “Why didn’t I see the importance of God’s Word earlier”?!! From those days, until now, I realize that God’s Word covers the beginning of time; it shows His effort in bringing us to salvation through His Son, and reveals how personal He is by giving us His infallible Word. Now, I can’t stop reading His Word!


Today, I’d like to ask you a few questions:

1. How important is His Word to you?
2. How often do you read His Word?
3. What does His Word teach you about the following?
a. Creation (Read Genesis 1-2)
b. Sin (Read Genesis 3:1-7, James 2:10, Romans 3:23, 6:23)
c. Salvation (Read Genesis 3:21, Romans 5:1-8)
4. These are just some of many incredible passages found in God’s Word. Remember that God’s Word teaches you about His Nature, His Justice, His Grace, and His Glory! Before you close your Bible, read Psalm 119…as much as time allows! This passage of Scripture is 176 verses long; all dealing with God’s Amazing Word
Pray today for God to reveal more of Himself to you through His perfect Word.

Glory Protected

Last night, I had to do something that I hate to do; I had to discipline my middle school students. The week before, several of them disrespected my adult leaders by not listening to them, talking back to them, and skipping their small group times. I had 3 students walk around the church when they were supposed to be in their groups. I had a few of them tell my adults to "turn around and shut up." It was a rough night. It was an unacceptable night. Because I love the glory of God, the majesty of His Son, and the radiance of His Spirit more than anything or anyone else in this world, I believe I'm called to protect His glory at all costs. So, I had to discipline my students last night. It broke my heart, but it was the right thing to do.

So, last night, I started the night by seperating the talkative group. I then went on to explain to the students how hurt I was by their behavior and how when we come to church, we come to glorify God Almighty. I then went on to say something that some thought to be too harsh. My comment was, "if you come each week only to misbehave, talk, disrespect, etc...then don't come back." One of my adult leaders was shocked. After the program was over, we talked some about it. As I explained to him my reason, I was led to put this on my blog today. I believe above meeting needs, evangelizing, meeting for fellowship, etc...the church's main goal is to glorify God. Since we are the bride of His Son; Jesus Christ, we cannot negate His glory simply to please others. Here is a text to support my statement I made last night:

John 2: 13-25 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15 And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; 16 and to those who were selling the doves He said, “Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a place of business.” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “ZEAL FOR YOUR HOUSE WILL CONSUME ME.” 18 The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” 21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22 So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken. 23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. 24 But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, 25 and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.

Here, Jesus protects the glory of His Father by driving out those that disrespected His House. I believe we must take this passage and apply it to our church today. If we neglect His glory for the sake of "babysitting," then we possess no zeal for His House. Telling students they can't come back if they continue to disrespect is not a bad thing to say. In fact, I would say it is a loving thing to say, because I'm drawn more to the holiness and worship of my Father more than allowing a continual pattern of disrespect to go on in His House. I do believe that disrespect leads to more evangelism, perhaps more outside then inside the house. However, I wanted to share that I may not be the nicest youth minister in the world when I make statements like I did last night, but my passion above all, is the glory of my Father in Heaven. Church is for His glory.

I'm not a glorified babysitter to students. I'm a minister of the Glorious Gospel that is commissioned to preach Christ Crucified to lost students. My passion is for God to be glorified, His Son to be proclaimed, and His Spirit to draw all churches to be consumed by Him.

Enjoy the rain today,

Dave

A good laugh on a dreaded flight

This us us on the SAFE flight to D.C.

Well, as you may remember from my last post, I was a bit scared coming home from my flight to Atlanta. (The whole taping the wing thing just doesnt' do much for someone that is about to be elevated 30,000 feet above the ground.) As you may remember, I wanted to dive deep into the Word and prayer. This is what I read:

1 As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5 “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” 6 When He had said this, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and applied the clay to his eyes, 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went away and washed, and came back seeing. 8 Therefore the neighbors, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, “Is not this the one who used to sit and beg?” 9 Others were saying, “This is he,” still others were saying, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the one.” 10 So they were saying to him, “How then were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man who is called Jesus made clay, and anointed my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash’; so I went away and washed, and I received sight.” 12 They said to him, “Where is He?” He said, “I do not know.”
Controversy over the Man
13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who was formerly blind. 14 Now it was a Sabbath on the day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. 15 Then the Pharisees also were asking him again how he received his sight. And he said to them, “He applied clay to my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” 16 Therefore some of the Pharisees were saying, “This man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others were saying, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And there was a division among them. 17 So they said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?” And he said, “He is a prophet.” 18 The Jews then did not believe it of him, that he had been blind and had received sight, until they called the parents of the very one who had received his sight, 19 and questioned them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? Then how does he now see?” 20 His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but how he now sees, we do not know; or who opened his eyes, we do not know. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself.” 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone confessed Him to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue. 23 For this reason his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 24 So a second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, “Give glory to God; we know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He then answered, “Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26 So they said to him, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I told you already and you did not listen; why do you want to hear it again? You do not want to become His disciples too, do you?” 28 They reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 “We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where He is from.” 30 The man answered and said to them, “Well, here is an amazing thing, that you do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. 31 “We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him. 32 “Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. 33 “If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.” 34 They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you teaching us?” So they put him out.

This text comes out of John 9:1-34. This text cracks me up. Jesus heals a blind man. He celebrates over the miracle. The religious dudes don't believe that he was healed, so they bring in his parents to make sure he really was blind...they turn the question to their ADULT son...the blind man makes fun of the religious dudes...and they kick him out (this is my summary.) You can learn alot from this text.

1. Jesus has the power to transform lives (v.1-7)

-Jesus saves. I love these two words. Powerful theology. This blind man is now able to see. We once walked in the darkness, but now we are walking in His marvelous light. What a Savior!

2. People sometimes need to examine or investigate in order to understand the truth from Jesus. (v.9-27)

-I sometimes wonder why my students hear the Gospel week in and week out, only to go home without even thinking about what they heard...Then they go to camp and hear it from someone else...then they are saved. I wonder, why does it take a few times, a few different people in order to finally get it? God works in His own sovereign ways. We're called just to proclaim like this healed man.

3. The truth of Christ offends (v.28-34)

-if you look deep into the 21 chapters of John, you will see how the words of Christ, the miracles of Christ, the truth of Christ offended many. I see this daily in the American culture. We should not be surprised! 1 Cor 1:18 teaches us, "For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

This text really brought joy to my soul during a flight on the way home that at times almost made me have to change my pants. I love God's Word. I love the fact taht Christ changes lives, His message is trustworthy, and we must all face the reality that it will be offensive to some. Enjoy time in His Word. Read John 9.

Weekend Summary: Running for Glory and a Broken Wing

This is Brooke taking off for her 26.2 mile run (The national Washington D.C. marathon last weekend.) She ran the marathon in only 4 hours and 26 minutes. It was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. She began with a smile, and ended with a smile At mile 15, Brooke's dad decided to join the run to encourage her (this is the guy with the long black coat and the sunglasses; he looks like a member of the secret service.) This part made me laugh; my wife had great security! She still ran by with a smile. I (in my deep laziness) stood on the side and took pictures. I know, I'm lazy, don't judge me.

This is Brooke finishing the marathon. She ran for the glory of God. 4 hours and 26 minutes...pretty amazing. I'm so proud of her. Where I was standing was the finish line.

Brooke, in her victory. She ran the marathon. She completed the race. I look at this picture and it truly reminds me of glory. I love my bride. I love the fact that she never gave up, and continued to train. She ran for God's glory. In those 4 hours and 26 minutes, she prayed. She prayed for many. She prayed for the Gospel to be spread. Her running truly radiates the glory of God. I look at it as a perfect picture of salvation. She began the race (justification, made right in the sight of God through the blood of Jesus Christ), She continued on the race (sanctification, our daily process of being set apart and made whole by the Holy Spirit), and she finished the race (glorification, one day, we will be in glory, worshipping our Father in His holiness.) In Revelation 6:11, we see the martyrs; those men and women that ran the race, were given white robes in glory. I like how this verse connects us to that verse. Salvation = We were saved, we are being saved, we will be saved. Brooke ran the race (she started), she kept running the race , and she finished the race. God used her run to preach a marvelous message to me.

I'm not sure if you can see this at all, but this is the wing of our plane for the flight home. Our pilot informed us that the plane wing was experiencing some problems. In fact, screws were missing! No joke. They had a guy get on the wing with a drill and drill the screws back in. I jokingly told Brooke, "they should just use tape." Well...they did. See if you can see the tape on this pic:

I had a long quiet time on the plane ride home!! By God's grace, we made it home safely. It was a great weekend. I'm so grateful for the time we had away. I'm so amazed by the glory of God. From running a marathon to a broken wing...He never ceases to amaze me. Read Psalm 139. Some Good stuff.

Cancelled Bible Study and a devoted wife

Brooke, before her marathon in Washington D.C.

About 2 hours ago, I cancelled the Monday Night Bible study. Each Monday night, for the past 2 1/2 years, students and adults have gathered in our basement for a night of studying the sacred Scriptures; penned through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Tonight, our house sits empty. It's just Brooke and me here...and I'm loving it.

I think I got sick from this past weekend travels and yesterday's full day at the church. Tonight, Brooke has cooked me a nice dinner, got medicine from the store, and has made sure that I have rested. I LOVE MY WIFE. I need to get some cool bumper sticker that lets this world know that I'm taken by the most beautiful, gifted, encouraging, supporting, loving, helping,...etc. woman in this world. (It would be a long bumper sticker; so you just have to read it now on my blog today.)

I really want to stress to you the joy of marriage. I'm so discouraged by the amount of couples in my church that have recently divorced or are on the steps toward it. I look at Brooke, I look at God's Word, I look at His grace; and divorce is alien to me. While Brooke was taking care of me, Proverbs 31 came to mind. If you are single; I pray that if the Lord leads you to marriage, may it be for His glory; His Gospel. If you are married, cherish and love your spouse. Look her or him in the eyes and say those words, "I love you." ("You can add suga mama in there if you want, I like to say that from time to time and make Brooke blush,)

I need to go lie down before Brooke sees me up.

Blessings,

Dave

Proverbs 31:10-31

An excellent wife, who can find?For her worth is far above jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,And he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evilAll the days of her life. 13 She looks for wool and flaxAnd works with her hands in delight. 14 She is like merchant ships;She brings her food from afar. 15 She rises also while it is still nightAnd gives food to her householdAnd portions to her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it;From her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strengthAnd makes her arms strong. 18 She senses that her gain is good;Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,And her hands grasp the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor,And she stretches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household,For all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for herself;Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates,When he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them,And supplies belts to the tradesmen. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,And she smiles at the future. 26 She opens her mouth in wisdom,And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household,And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and bless her;Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 29 “Many daughters have done nobly,But you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her the product of her hands,And let her works praise her in the gates.

Too Tired To Post; want to journal?

This is my BFF Jonathan. (Brooke is my BFFF). He has journaled everyday since June 1, 1997 (I think that is the right date) He hasn't missed a day. Oh, and he knows how to juggle water balloons. I praise God for Jonathan almost daily, for God used Jonathan to draw my attention to the joy and journey of journaling (3 j's; wow)

I had all the intention to write a post tonight to describe the marvelous weekend Brooke and I were blessed to have together in Washington D.C. However, I'm just going to tell you flat out; I'm tired!! With 10-12 hours of sleep in the past 2 nights, I'm out of it. So, I didn't want to have another day go by without something, so I wanted to share with you something random.

I love to journal. I encourage you to journal. I journal for these reasons:

1. I write out my prayers each morning. This allows me to communicate to the Father after reading His Word. I like to spend time in writing, as if I was writing a proposal letter to Brooke (which I did on December 22, 2005...in my journal. She kept the page. She said, "yes.") I believe that prayer shouldn't always be something we rush into as if we were in line to see "santa" in the mall, and only have a second with him before others get upset behind us. I believe that passionate prayers from a passionate heart truly draws the beauty of our privilege to pray.

2. I write out what the Lord continues to reveal to me. He uses both His Word and His Glorious presence through His Spirit, to teach me more about His perfect character. I love to write about how His sanctifying (biblical word for the process of becoming holy, set apart, more like Christ,) work continues to grow. He is amazing and all the steps I've made have only been made by His grace; His presence.

3. I write to demonstrate His Worth. I love to write of His beauty. For example, I was amazed not too long ago how beautiful the birds sounded outside. (I'm not some nature nut that hugs trees or anything like that,) but I truly believe the symphony I get to hear for free outside my house is something worthy to mention in my journal!

These are a few reasons. I've been journaling now for about 6 1/2 years now. It's been an incredible journey. I encourage you to give it a try. You'd be amazed at how much He reveals to you, teaches you, and grows you daily (for those that have experienced regeneration through His Spirit; another fancy word for being "born again"""") ---How do you put more than I set of quotations into a larger quotation? I don't know, so I put several.

I'm tired. This is all I got. I'll write about our weekend soon. It will be called, "Running for His Glory and taped Airplane Wing."

Blessings,

Dave

Freaky Series... moved by His Spirit?

This morning, I was overwhelmed with direction from God's Holy Spirit. For the past several months, the middle school ministry at my church has gone through the "Trek Leader Book," to help shape the Wednesday night messages. I've, of course, preached from my own notes, but the titles were aided by the leader book. Some Wednesday nights, it worked well. Some Wednesday nights...not so much. This morning, I read an incredible passage out of John 6:22-40. Jesus, in this passage, uses what I like to call, "freaky" language; He refers to Himself as the bread of life. Who calls themselves bread? It led me to realize how sweet it is for His Spirit to lead. After much prayer, tonight, in just an hour, we will begin a new series with our middle schoolers entitled, "Freaky Conversations with Christ." Read John 1-6. He says some powerful stuff!

Here is the text for tonight: "22 The next day the crowd that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other small boat there, except one, and that Jesus had not entered with His disciples into the boat, but that His disciples had gone away alone. 23 There came other small boats from Tiberias near to the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they themselves got into the small boats, and came to Capernaum seeking Jesus. 25 When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?”
Words to the People
26 Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” 28 Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” 30 So they said to Him, “What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform? 31 “Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘HE GAVE THEM BREAD OUT OF HEAVEN TO EAT.’” 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. 33 “For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” 34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, always give us this bread.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. 36 “But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. 37 “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. 38 “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. 40 “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”

From this passage, we can see these points:

1. People are drawn to Jesus (v.22-24)

2. People make the mistake of wanting Jesus for only temporary reasons (v.25-27), see my blog about Ricky!

3. People make the mistake of not understanding Jesus (v.28-33)

4. People can find all their satisfaction in Christ (v.34-40)

So, based on this beautiful text, I will attempt to dive into Scriptures with my beloved middle school students in the next weeks, maybe months to come; as we read things Jesus said and find the meaning in them. I don't want to follow programs. I want His Spirit to guide me ALWAYS. What a sweet fellowship it was early this morning to feel that leadership from Him. Soli Deo Gloria!

Blessings,

Dave

Devils made me Blue

On this past Saturday, I had the privilege of making money by working security for the A.C.C. tournament. By working two basketball games, the security money went to help students attend camp this summer. It was a joy to serve, for only that purpose. It made me grateful, however, that I don't do that kind of work for a living.

The first game was fun. I say that, because my job was to serve as the "walmart greeter" to those that walked into the dome. Although, I didn't get to see much of the first game, I still got to stand and greet people as they entered. It was fun. The fans coming in were in great moods. the first game flew by with no problems.

Well, the second game was quite a different story. I had to work security in the upper bleachers. This game was between Duke and Maryland. My assignment was to stand behind Duke fans and make sure they didn't walk across the fire exit aisle. (This lane was dangerous and they weren't allowed to walk on it due to the fire code.) My job really was to protect them. My job was to keep them safe. Well, I was trying to help...Duke fans. I know now why they call them the Blue DEVILS. I've never had so many people upset with me in such a small period of time. I gave them all the same message; "do not walk across this aisle." It was rough. One guy, whom everyone in the stands knew and some even got his autograph, was in disbelief when I wouldn't let him cut across the aisle. One guy smiled, and KEPT WALKING DOWN IT! (I gladly called the supervisor for him.) I gave everyone the same message, the same warning, and few of them actually listened. I went home feeling blue...because of those devils. I can't wait for baseball to begin.

It made me think about evangelism. When we die, we will face judgment. It doesn't matter who we are. It doesn't matter what wealth we may have or what social status we may hold, we will all be held in judgment one day, in the presence of the Holy Father. We are called to preach the Gospel; to warn people of the wrath of God poured out on sinners, like you and me. We are called to preach to people the gift of grace God has given us through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son (Read Romans 8). Same message, to all people. We all need Jesus.

They didn't listen to me that day. Many still don't listen to me when I tell them about Jesus. However, what I learned that day is that I was commissioned to still protect the people and give all fans the same instructions. No exceptions. May we preach, for the glory of God and not allow the attack of the devil to throw us off.

Romans 10:12, "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him."

Geil family, there you go. Happy Birthday Sarah!

Dave

Ricky and the woman at the well

Yesterday, Brooke and I had lunch at Zaxby's after our morning church services were over. At the end of our lunch, I noticed a man walk over from the Waffle House next door. He walked inside the Zaxby's and directly to our table. (I knew from the time I saw him walking from Waffle House that he was coming to us.) He sat down at the table next to us and opened with a typical question that many people in need ask, "Excuse me, can you tell me where churches are?" (Brooke and I both had on our typical "Southern Baptist outfits" on; a.k.a. nice clothes.) I knew this man. This was Ricky.

Ricky comes by my church about once a month for one thing; money. He normally approaches strangers in the parking lot with the same sad story which normally results in unearned money given to him. Ricky then gets into his truck and drives home. On this day at Zaxby's, he wanted money from us. Instead, I wanted Ricky to want Jesus.

We agreed to get Ricky a few times from Publix to help him out. Before we left Zaxby's, Brooke went to use the restroom, which gave me some time with Ricky; 1 on 1. I looked at him directly in the eye and said the following, "Ricky, you know where churches are, you come to mine alot!" His look was priceless. (Ricky's way of getting money from people is to pretend he doesn't know where churches are. When they tell him of where they are, he perceives them to be Christians, and then asks for money...alot of money) I then took the opportunity to encourage him not go to churches simply for getting his physical needs met. I challenged him to be honest with me and to seek Christ. I told him that it was wrong, it was a sin to lie about the church in order to get benefits from the church. I preached the Gospel to him. We fulfilled our promise and gave Ricky what he needed, and then took him home. When we got home, I told Ricky I wanted to see him in church, to worship Christ. I prayed with him in the car and he got out. Pray for Ricky. I want Ricky to want Jesus.

I love helping people, like Ricky. However, I'm drawn more to wanting people to want Jesus. Sometimes people want Christ, or ideas of Christ, or church, or God, or any word they throw out; in order to have their temporary needs met. This morning, I read this passage:

John 4:1-26
1 Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were), 3 He left Judea and went away again into Galilee. 4 And He had to pass through Samaria. 5 So He came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph; 6 and Jacob’s well was there. So Jesus, being wearied from His journey, was sitting thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
The Woman of Samaria
7 There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 9 Therefore the Samaritan woman said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” 11 She said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? 12 “You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?” 13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw.” 16 He said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.” 17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.” 19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 “Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24 “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”

This passage really struck a chord in my heart! Here, Jesus begins talking about salvation to this woman. He mentions, "eternal life," but her response is only focusing on her temporary physical needs on this earth. He then begins to proclaim His truth to her. She shifts the conversation to "spiritual matters," once Jesus opens the conviction of her soul by testifying to her current sinful life. She wants to avoid the subject, Jesus is the subject. Jesus explains to her that He was sent to be the deliverer of sinners. (v.25). She leaves forever changed, preaching the good news to the village. What a testimony.

We are called to meet physical needs. By all means, help people. During this terrible Economic season, we must be faithful with benevolence. However, above that, we must preach Christ. We must not back down from telling others about the good news of salvation found only thru Him. i pray Ricky will want Jesus like the woman at the well wanted to tell others about Jesus.

Blessings,

Dave

Oikos, the law, and rest

Last night was a blessing. It was my turn to preach at Oikos (this is a Greek word, which means "house"; which is what we call our High School worship night). We have begun a new series entitled, "Got Questions?" The series opened last night with a message called, "OT Laws...why?" I enjoyed opening this series. I believe the Spirit led us, as a beautiful symphony of believers, to the throne room. I love corporate worship with my students. I love praising the King. I'm grateful for oikos. If you live close to Acworth, GA, and are in grades 9th-12th, I invite you to join us each Wednesday night, at 6:30pm, upstairs in the student center at Summit Baptist Church.

Ok, I got the "promotional side" out of the way, now to the good stuff. I'd like to share with you some of what I preached last night. The main passage of scripture was Matthew 5:17, when Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill." I love what Christ does here. In response to the religious leaders' accusations, the King proclaimed gloriously that His purpose was to fulfill the law...basically, to show us that the Old Testament points to Him. How, you may ask? Please look at these three major points gathered from the Word:

Keep in mind; probaly 613 laws. All fulfilled in Christ. (If you want to read something cool, read Matthew 22:36-40).

1. Jesus fulfilled the moral law. The moral law focused mainly on the Sabbath. I love what Jesus said in Matthew 12:8, "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." This is powerful stuff! He took the Old Covenant law of the Sabbath by fulfilling it within Himself. Our way to focusing on God isn't by simply setting aside a full day a week, but to set each day in His watch, in His glory, as He brings us to our focus on the Father! The moral law had much to do with the hearts of people. This is why Jesus began the Sermon on the Mount with Matthew 5:3-12; often known as the Beattitudes. The condition of the heart, the moral law of God's people was fulfilled in His Son; our Lord of the Sabbath.

2. Jesus fulfilled the judical law. This had to deal mainly with the many laws involving dietary restrictions, cleansing processes, clothing, etc. All of these laws were made in order for God to "set apart" His people. These laws, through the faith of God's people, led them to be a holy nation. Jesus fulfilled that, by His death on the cross; which led to the glorious grace of adoption. Read John 1:12. We have been justified through His blood, set apart daily (sanctified, Romans 8:30, the process of being set apart), and glorified through the Son. His death, burial, and resurrection set us apart as God's children. Once again, Jesus fulfilled this law.

3. Finally, Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial law. This dealt mainly with all the sacrifice laws. Once a year, the high priest, would go beyond the veil, into the holy of holies, and make a sacrifice for the people. This would be done each year. Jesus, according to Hebrews, made 1 eternal sacrifice; His own life, for us. We are told in Scripture now that God has made His dwelling in us because of that! (read Romans 8:1-9). WOW. Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial law by going to the cross, out of obedience to the Father, for our sins! Soli Deo Gloria!

So, it is safe to say that from Genesis 1:1-Malachi 4:6, it all points to Jesus. I praise Him, for He has redeemed my soul, gave me access to the Father, and the beauty of setting me apart daily.

I have found my rest in the King. Where do you rest?

Blessings,

Dave

Early morning joy

This morning, I had to wake up at 5am in order to have my time with the Lord before I met Zach, a student of mine, for coffee at Starbucks. We meet each Wednesday before his school begins, with our Bibles open, and our hearts united in fellowship. It is a refreshing time. This morning, Zach brought up a great point. We read together a powerful passage in Ephesians. Paul writes, "He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:5-7). This rich text produced in both of us an early morning joy. I love God's Word.

Often times, I've heard Christians argue over the doctrines such as "predestination" or "election" or even "adoption." I always wonder why we put so much effort in discussing these issues to the point in which they raise debates, split churches, and hurt friendships. I believe that if we're not careful, we miss the beauty of what Paul writes. I believe in predestination. I believe in election. I believe in adoption. Why? They are in the Word. I can't deny them. However, what I have learned is to find the joy in them, not the anger.

Think about this with me. Based on what you read above from Ephesians, doesn't that make you rejoice? For those that read this blog that have placed their faith in the only One that saves; Jesus Christ, in Whom we have redemption, these verses should cause you to celebrate! God Almighty, in His amazing grace and love, adopted us as His own, to Himself, by His grace, through the blood of His Son. If we just argue over these verses and not celebrate over them, then we miss the beauty of "the riches of His grace." I read verses such as this and it sparks me to evangelism, because I want my friends, my family to know of the grace, love, redemption, adoption, that I have. I want them to taste and see that the Lord is good. I want them to receive the riches of His grace. I'd rather not spend the rest of my life just arguing over these passages, but celebrating, worshipping, and giving God all the glory for the gift of His love that I don't deserve.

It was an early morning joy. I enjoyed it. Read Ephesians. It's a great book.

Blessings,

Dave

Hosea 7 and Psalm 103

I'm under the assumption today that I need to blog on these two passages, because in the last 24 hours, I've taught out of them twice. Last night, in our Monday Night Bible Study in my basement, and this morning for my staff meeting. Both times, I was blessed to teach God's Word. I fall more in love with His Word each day. It is powerful, penned by His Hand, through His Spirit, to saints of old, into our hands today. I love it. Read it. Enjoy it.

Hosea is a powerful book in the Old Testament. It is the largest of the minor prophet books. It appears after Daniel (which I like to call a bridge book. Daniel serves as a bridge between the major prophets and minor prophets, Acts is another bridge book, which serves as a bridge between the major Gospels and the letters from Paul). Hosea is 14 chapters long and deals with the need for repentance and the steadfast love of God, mixed with His just wrath. Powerful book. Read it.

In Hosea 7, we see the crimes of Israel mentioned. Within the 16 verses in chapter 7, we see no evidence of a fear for God by the people. They are so caught up with their sin that they lost all awareness that God remembers their sin (7:2). They even go to lengths of seeking advice from other nations and not Him (7:11). Their sins are burning them (7:4-8). 4 times in this chapter, we see that they never turn to God. They never trust Him. Their sins are leading them, instead of God. They are lost. They are hopeless without Him.

Look at Psalm 103. I love Psalms. 150 total, 73 penned by David, Moses, Sons of Asaph, Solomon, Heman, etc.. penned some as well. It's a great book. Read it. In Psalm 103, we see the reverse from Hosea 7. I want to include these passages to show you the light we have when we fear God and turn to Him from our wicked and selfish ways. Look at these verses with me, "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him." In this passage, the word "fear" is used. This idea is a reverent trust and submission to His authority. It shows us where our heart truly is; the worship of our Creator. When we trust in Christ; His Son, the only One that can truly save us, we are given His gift of adoption, His righteousness, His steadfast love, His forgiveness over our sins, and His compassion. This is given to us when we trust in the sacrifice of His Son for the forgiveness of our sins. Read John. Read Philippians. Read Romans. They will give you more to chew on.

So, we see in one book the consequences of a people that turned away from God. In another, we see the grace of His steadfast love for those that fear Him.

Do you fear Him?

Blessings,

Dave

2 Random Guys and a Dear Friend

I'm sitting here in my office, recovering from a busy, but incredible weekend. My students and I had the sweet joy of going to a conference called, "Dare to Share." This conference teaches the Gospel and how we are commissioned to proclaim it everywhere we go. It's such an encouraging sight to see thousands of students together, for a weekend of rejoicing in the Gospel. I'm grateful for the Lord's amazing provision over the weekend. As a youth minister, I love retreats in which my students have an appetite for God's Word. For some reason, to get away a few times a year is healthy for them to know how precious the Word is. I'm excited to spend this upcoming week with them, to see their hunger grow and to see their satisfaction found in only the Almighty.

On Saturday morning, Channing (the assistant youth minister guy, and dear friend) sat in a "youth leader only" meeting with Greg Stier, the founder of Dare 2 Share. Before the session began, I turned around and began to talk with the youth ministers around me. I'm refreshed with times in which I can meet other youth ministers and hear what the Lord is doing in their ministries. This particular morning, my soul was blessed by "2 random guys."

I turned around and met these two guys. They were both close to retirement age. They both were the leaders of their youth ministry of about 10 students. They were full time husbands, dads, employees, etc. They didn't receive any pay for their work in the church (or did they?) We engaged in conversation. They asked me the question I tend to dread: "how big is your youth group?" (I have this question, because i have a rather large youth group and it often makes people feel uncomfortable, or whatever...) Well, I answered, they smiled, said "amen," and then said something that rocked my world, "that's great, I'm sure you love them as much as we love ours." They both had smiles on their faces. I felt a few inches tall. I turned around in my chair and the session began. I didn't listen all that well because I was overwhelmed with the simple love and joy these two volunteer leaders had for their students. Here I am, 26 years old, 2 degrees behind my name, a church of around 1,000 people, and these two men had more love and joy in that moment than I did. I was blessed. These 2 random guys reminded me of the love and simplicity ministry can be. It doesn't matter if there be 10 students or 100; I'm called to simply love and teach my students the Gospel of the King. I'm reminded of Hebrews 11 with these two men (read the whole chapter; the roll call of faith, I like to call it the heroes of faith.) These two men are heroes of faith. May God continue to bless that sweet ministry and give them the joy each time they have with their students. Their faith amazes me.

Last night, I spoke with a dear friend. David, a friend of mine, is currently being trained in the special forces for the army. He comes home on the weekends to see his pregnant wife and 2 year old son. He is sacrificing to meet their needs. On the field, he is shining the light of Christ to other soldiers that need salvation. David, in the midst of trials, is giving glory to the King. Last night, he told me how grateful he was to how God was growing him in his faith. WOW! Here is a guy that was just 30 miles away from Fort Campbell, yet he called me and told me how much he loved God, wanted more of God...with being seperated from his family and working hard each day! He was grateful to how much his faith was growing. I think of passages such as James 1:2-4, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Amen.

In a weekend, by God's amazing grace, I was blessed by 2 random guys and a dear friend. I re-learned (is that a word?) the simplicity and love for ministry, and the driving focus to keep running the race with great faith for the King's glory.

Blessings,

Dave

An Unexpected Answer

This is my Aunt Roberta (on the right, my Uncle Butch is on the left. sweet people).

On Wednesday morning this week, I got into my car and drove over to Starbucks. It was 6:30am and I was on my way to meet with one of my students for a time of discipleship. During these mornings, I tend to wake up about 5:15am in order to have some time with the Lord before the busy day begins. I'm a youth minister, so my Wednesdays tend to be my hardest days of the week. On my way over to Starbucks, I decided to call Brooke (my lovely bride). Since I'm not great with cell phones, (this one is number 6 I've had in the past 12 months), the screen was blank and I was not able to see who I was calling. Well, I just pushed "send," thinking that the last person I talked to was my wife. Little did I know who I was calling....

The phone rang twice and a voice I wasn't expecting answered. It was my Aunt Roberta. Of course, my first reaction was out of embarassment, because it would've been 5:30am her time! I quickly apologized to her. Her sweet voice blessed my soul. My Aunt was up already! In fact, she was up since before 5am, in order to pray with a friend of hers. My Aunt is one of my heroes of the faith. Every morning, she wakes up and makes time with the Lord her first priority of the day. She drinks coffee, reads the Bible, and spends long time in prayer. I LOVE THIS WOMAN. When we talked, she encouraged me. She told me how often she prays for me and prays for my wife, and prays for the ministry I'm blessed to lead. She prays that the Gospel will be proclaimed through my obedience. She prays that the glory of God will shine. She prays. She partakes.

This verse that Paul wrote many years ago reminds me much of my Aunt Roberta. Look at it with me, "For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me." (Philippians 1:7). Paul was believed to be in house arrest when he wrote this powerful letter to the Philippians. His opening to the letter addressed his deep love and appreciation to those that supported him. After reading this verse, I paused and thanked God for my Aunt Roberta. I love the last part of the verse, "in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me." This is my Aunt!

I love this word, "partaker." In the original language, it means a co-participant -- companion. Through her prayers, my aunt is a co-participant with me for declaring the glory of God to the nations. Although we are seperated by a few states, we are partakers together. I'm grateful for her. I'm blessed by her. Do you have any Aunt Robertas' in your life? Do you have any partakers of grace with you? Praise God for His bride; the church. When churches are full of partakers of the Gospel, then neither imprisonments, legislations, change of governments, company policies, religious politics, people pleasing temptations, or any other distraction can rob us of making His excellencies known to all peoples.

I love you Aunt Roberta. Keep running the race for the glory of the King.

Dave

A Refreshing start of the day...

This morning, I had the privilege of teaching the Scriptures to the senior adults from my church. It was such an honor to stand before those heroes of the faith and enjoy the refreshing waters of God's Word. It brought me to the realization that one day, if God allows me to live their age, I want to wake up joyfully on Monday mornings and enjoy times of study and fellowship with other believers. My students at my church have spiritual giants here to follow. I love my church family.

I'd like to share with you a brief overlook at the lesson I gave this morning. It was entitled, True Satisfaction, and it came out of Isaiah 55. I love the book of Isaiah. 66 chapters long, focusing on the glory and steadfast love of God, the power of His Word, and the need for repentance. What a powerful text. I encourage you to read it! It contains 2,186 unique Hebrew words (compared to 2,170 in Psalms, 1,653 in Jeremiah, and 1,535 in Ezekiel). Beauty! Honor! all Praise to the Almighty!

Here were my points that I gathered from the text (I preach this as a born again believer in Jesus Christ, read John 3! repent.):

1. God, through His Son, satisfies.
-v.1-2, 4.
-Ephesians 2:8-10

2. God, through His Promise, satisfies.
-v.3
-Hebrews 13:20 - refering to the eternal covenant.
-2 Sam 7:12-16, the covenant made with David.
-was it fulfilled? YES! Acts 13:34, Matthew 1:1-18

3. God, through His People, satisfies
-v.5
-the nation of Israel, the people of God...attracted nations to the Lord.
-I love the church!

4. God, through His salvation, satisfies.
-v.6-7
-repentance, grace, the freedom found in Him!

5. God, through His love, satisfies.
-v.8-9
-Psalm 103:11-12, praise Him!
-His grace, His love is truly "indescribable" (to steal the word from Chris Tomlin)

6. God, through His Word, satisfies.
-v.10-13
-I love His Word...Hebrews 4:12, 2 Tim 3:16, etc.

So, here was my point, "where is your satisfaction?" I want to follow Paul's example in Romans 12:1-2, when he challenges us to not be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. I find too much garbage this side of glory that is trying to steal our satisfaction. Friend, we find it in God. I love the quote from Piper, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him" (Piper, Desiring God).

Find your satisfaction in Him alone. Praise Him for His amazing grace, demonstrated on the cross of His Son (Romans 5:1-8). May His Spirit lead you daily to glorify the resurrected One.