The sweet joy of sitting

You can't see him very well, but this is Brad; leading an obstacle course...for the glory of God. (Brad is the guy on the right, now the small guy about to enter the tube hall)

Last night, I sat during our middle school service. Besides doing the media shout, I had the joy of just sitting and participating. As a youth minister, it brings me great joy to observe and give opportunities to college students to lead. Last night, Brad, a 21 year old youth leader in the ministry, preached the middle school message. It was a great message for the students. The content was strong, the illustrations were helpful, and the delivery was given with great confidence. It brought peace to my soul to see another college student step up and lead.

Sometimes I wonder if ministry leaders would benefit more if they intentionally sat once a month and allowed college students to lead. I wonder if student ministers spend time equipping and encouraging college students to lead. Please permit me for a moment to share with you a short history of my relationship with Brad.

I first met Brad when I accepted the call to the student ministry at Summit in November, 2005. Brad was one of the first students to welcome me to the church. He was a part of the 2006 senior class; my first class at the church. They were a great group. Brad left after high school and went to college in Kentucky. After a discouraging first year of school, he left and returned home. For a short while, Brad worked at the hospital and spent his free time just having fun. He was living a pretty easy, young adult life. However, by God's gracious design, Brad developed a stronger hunger for the Word. I've observed him in the past several months diving deep into Scripture with great anticipation. His excitement has moved from the newest album or dvd to a great truth he discovered while studying the Word. Instead of speaking about upcoming shows, Brad comes into my office with one thing on his mind; He wants to talk about his Savior. Last night, Brad preached for the first time in the middle school service. After what the Spirit did through him last night, I'm convinced he will be preaching more.

Invest in your college students. Remind them of their great value to the bride. I'm blessed to work in a church that has recently stepped up the college ministry by bringing on a ministry leader who has taught great truths to eager ears. It is such a sweet joy to simply sit and watch God make His glory known through a college student. Oh to see more college students crave His Word like a baby craves for milk.

Read Psalm 119. 176 verses... the power of His Word never ceases to amaze me. In fact, I'm going to read now...within the sweet joy of simply sitting.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

A Sweet night at the Ballpark

Dad and I supporting our Cardinals...

Last night I had the rare privilege of seeing the St. Louis Cardinals play baseball against the Atlanta Braves. Even though the Cards lost 2-1 (thanks to the bullpen), it was a fun night. I'm grateful for my dear friend Steve Goforth and his willingness to take me to the park. Nothing like a nice Spring evening of baseball to get this week in motion.

While at the game, several sweet memories of baseball games from the past, with my father, came to mind. My earliest memory that I hold is sitting next to dad, at a Cards game. I remember pouring upon him question after question about the game. I remember leaving and wanting to know more about each player. I remember the day that I finally learned what E.R.A. meant and how it showed the value of each pitcher. I remember how dad explained to me that math was important to the game (figuring out the batting average of each player) and how math should be important to me as well. It was a rich time in my life. Those memories of going to the ball park, with my dad, were indeed sweet. When I see the Cards play, I think of dad and how it would be great to go to another game with him again. (Even last night, he sent me text messages...which is still odd, asking about the score).

When we enter into corporate worship as the bride of Christ, may we indeed enter with great anticipation. May we dive into the rich Word of God which hopes of finding answers to our questions. May we take communion and remember the atonement. May we rejoice together in the joy of salvation and weep together in the affects of sin. May our memories on this side of glory be filled with the greatness of God Almighty and how He daily reveals Himself to His bride.

Just random thoughts for this beautiful day. I hope the cards win today.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

My first attempt in reaching parents

It's Monday afternoon and I'm resting in my office after a great weekend. I'm so grateful for the vision my gracious Lord gave me a year and a half ago in planning a weekend to equip parents. This past weekend, that vision became a reality as over 50 parents gathered together for a time of fellowship, worship, and discipleship. What a sweet joy it was to see families gathered together, in the midst of tears and laughter, for a time of renewal. I'm grateful for all the parents that were able to attend. The sessions were divided into the following:

1. Know the Word (Do parents know the Word? Do they understand the riches and treasures of Scripture? Do they know it well enough to teach their children?)

2. Teach the Word (Do parents actively engage in teaching their children Scripture as much as they teach them how to: ride a bike, tie a shoe, drive a car, etc.)

3. Share the Word (Do families worship together? I've seen a trend of churches dividing their corporate worship services by age...what a tragedy. Families that worship and serve together produce such beautiful obedience to the King.)

Dr. Allen Jackson, who has become a dear friend of mine, led in these sessions. Allen is a professor of youth ministry at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. His leadership, led by the Spirit, was truly a blessing. I praise the Lord for the miracle He performed in Allen's mom. She had quadruple bypass surgery on Wednesday of last week...and went home yesterday! Amen!

James Tealy, a dear friend of mine from New Orleans, along with his friend Jacob, led us in music. What a blessing that turned out to be. The passion for the Lord that is so deeply immersed in James, was a source of refreshment for my soul. This world needs more James Tealys.

My heart still is burdened for parents. My desire is for them to step up daily and be leaders in their home. I'm growing tired of the weekly routines of "drop my kid off at your church and you fix them." Oh, to see parents rise up and preach the matchless Word of Christ in their homes...what a day that will be! As I stated in an earlier blog months ago...I'm not a glorified babysitter. I'm a minister of the Gospel. If that means going past students in order to reach their parents for Christ...then so be it. My prayer today is that the Gracious, Perfect, Holy, and Sovereign Lord will transform homes for His glory.

Just a short reflection from a great weekend. Soli Deo Gloria!

Blessings,

Dave

Some fun in Romans last night

Last night, I had the sweet joy of preaching Romans 5:1-10 to my high school students. I love this text. It reminds me of the grace we have to be justified in our faith in Christ. Justification by faith alone in Christ alone is indeed the root of Christianity. It is the concrete that holds the structure together. All doctrines connect to this truth. When other things are added...then heresies begin. For the message, I used resources such as: "Don't waste your life" by John Piper and "In my place He stood condemned" by Mark Dever and J.I. Packer. Here's a recap of what I preached on:

1. Don't waste your life by waiting..."through Christ"
-this covered the first two verses of Romans 5. I love how the text shows "through Christ" twice. It reminds me that we are justified (dikaioo, to render, to show innocence, etc.) in Christ alone. I don't stand as a guilty sinner in the presence of God Almighty. Instead, I stand as a redeemed, justified, righteous, adopted child; because of Christ. I'd encourage you to read Ephesians 2:18, 3:12 and Hebrews 10:19. When I was 14, I had the sweet privilege of going to a Jars of Clay concert. My youth minister gave me a backstage pass before we arrived to the show. This pass gave my access to the band! I was able to go behind the curtain and meet the guys that I used to listen to in my room. I was boasting in that backstage pass all night. Jesus Christ, our great High Priest (read Hebrews 5 and 7), gives us unlimited access to the Father! We go to Him, redeemed, righteous, and holy; because of this doctrine of justification. Sick stuff!

2. Don't waste your life by waiting...through the trials of this world = eternal hope.
-this covered verses 3-5. Here, I talked about the persecutions we often receive when it comes to our faith. This world, this fallen world, hates truth (read 1 John). I pointed the students' attention to 2 Timothy 3:12. When I was in high school, I was in the marching band. I hated band camp. One summer, a bee flew over and stung my nose! I dropped my horn and ran around the field screaming. I went home and told my parents I HATED band! Even today, as a 27 year old, I have no desire to go to band camp to suffer. Christ redeemed me from the curse f the law (Galatians 3:13). Through His blood, through His obedience, through His resurrection, I am redeemed! Therefore, I can go through trials for His glory, for I know my treasure is found in Him. I encourage you to read the lyrics from the hymn, "Solid Rock." I love this hymn! I love the line, "my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name." Sick!

3. Don't waste your life by waiting...through the atonement of Christ.
-this covered verses 6-8. You can preach an entire year's message on these verses! Well, I spent only 15 minutes in them. I love the word: atonement. Erickson defines it as, "the work of Christ that makes possible the restoration of fellowship between individual believers and God." Sick! We are restored to God, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I explained to the students the importance of the Day of Atonement. Read Leviticus 16. It's really cool. 2 goats brought in, 1 slaughtered for the penalty of sin, 1 spared for the fact that we are made right, made clean... 1 dead, 1 alive. We are dead in our sins, but alive in Christ!!! Read Ephesians 1:7. It's sick stuff.

4. Don't waste your life by waiting...through the gift of reconciliation.
-this covered verses 9-10. I love this world: reconcile. It basically means, "to bring together." We are brought together, to God, in Christ, for His glory. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 7:25, and 1 John 2:1. The gift of Christ gave us the joy of being restored to God Almighty. It reminded me of the fact that a recent gift from a family member has made my dream of going back to school...a possible reality. He made it possible, he brought together my hopes of going to school by making a way. John 14:6 reminds us all that the gift of Jesus, the Son of God, who is the way, the truth, the life...has given us reconciliation with our Creator, our Father. Soli Deo Gloria!!

To God be the Glory, Fanny Crosby, 1875.

To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

An Unexpected trip to Yorktown

We received news a few days ago about Brooke's grandpa's condition. "Papa" has been in hospice for a few months now. Just last week, his condition turned; leaving him in the hospice house. The doctor estimated only a short time left. So, after church service yesterday, we jumped in the car and made the 600 mile journey to Yorktown. This morning, my body is full of various pains from the car ride and the softball game on Saturday (I'm too young to feel old). I anticipate an emotional visit here.

It's always hard to say goodbye to loved ones. In just a few minutes, Brooke and I will be heading over to the house to visit papa. We are going there to encourage him, love him, and let him know that we appreciate him. Above all that, we want to know if he is ready to see Jesus. Brooke has spoken with him in the past about his faith, and hasn't been given any sign of an absolute hope. This morning, the Word reminded me of the everlasting hope, a hope that never disappoints, a hope that never fails. This hope that we want papa to have is a hope that we can't give him personally. I pray the Holy Spirit will draw him today to that hope, or refresh us in our visit that the hope is already there! I love what Hebrews 11:1 says about faith. We indeed have faith in the Risen Savior, the hope for all generations! May this hope, may the message of Christ dwell richly in papa today. Please pray for him. Please pray for Brooke and her family.

Every morning, I wake up with more anticipation, more love for my Father who reigns victoriously in glory. Oh friend, we indeed receive the treasures of His grace daily; in His Word, in His revelation. Enjoy time with the Almighty today. If you don't have a certain passage to read, I invite you to read Acts 17. I love the passion, the boldness, the confidence of Paul. This woke me up this morning (mixed in with 2 dogs parking and 2 birds screaming...about 8-10 feet away from my head).

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

Broken Law, pee stained, and cleansing

This morning, Brooke and I woke up and walked down the hallway to wake up Chulo, our dog. As soon as the door opened, we smelled the result of Chulo breaking the law of the quiet time room; he peed. I've told him several times (of course, he doesn't know what I'm saying), that peeing is for the backyard. This is the first time in several months that he has had an accident. He is 2 years old now and is house trained (or he likes to convince his mom of that.) Well, he peed on himself, in his sleep, on himself, and now he is outside waiting for a bath. It's a good thing that my furniture in that room was donated by my best friend Jonathan. It is old. Chulo is wearing the stain of his decision right now. He needs to be cleansed. He reaks.

Oh friend, we can learn from this. All of us, in one way or another, have broken God's law. We have sinned. The Word tells us that (Romans 3:23) we have fallen short of His glory. According to James 2:10, one broken law consequences in all of the law being broken. We need to be cleansed. We need to be washed in the blood of the Lamb of God (John 1:29, 1 Cor 6:11). We need His grace, His cleansing (Ephesians 1:7). We need to be made right (Romans 5:1). We can learn alot from the accidents of animals. I believe, as D.L. Moody preached long ago, that most sermons are preached daily by the shoes of those that walk.

When Brooke gets home from her run, we are going to wash our dog. We are going to restore him to the house and allow him to enter in. Are you washed in the blood?

I close with this old, but powerful hymn

Are you Washed in the Blood? 1878, by Elisha Hoffman


Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow’r?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you walking daily by the Savior’s side?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb;
There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean,
Oh, be washed in the blood of the Lamb!

From the Inside out

I love the song, "From the Inside out," by Hillsong. We sing it often on Wednesday nights with our students. It has powerful theology. I especially like the line,

"A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace."

The honesty that shines in that line is encouraging. We are called to be honest with our Maker. Through Christ Jesus, we have the privilege of prayer. I find it very encouraging to admit my mistakes, my failures, my sins...because I taste and rejoice more in His grace. I don't label that grace "cheap," for I am reminded of the price my Savior paid to cleanse me with His righteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:21 reminds me of the fact that He became sin, so that I can become His righteousness. So, confessing (or to agree with the Spirit of your sin, your failures, etc.) leads you and I to taste daily and see how good our God is! (Psalm 34:8). I don't ever want to sound trite in my failures. I'm drawn to live and preach Christ crucified. Praise His Holy Name that the tomb is empty!

I need to share this with you. This morning, I went to the dentist. I sat down with Colleen, one of the new girls that works at the office. Colleen is unfamiliar with my gagging problem. Well, I wanted to keep it hidden, on the inside! I sat down and she lowered the chair...and the dental torture began. I held in as much as I could...the dark secret of my gagging. Well, I lasted just a few minutes. She placed the ice pick scraper deep in my throat...and I gagged! She jumped back and panicked. I then had to sit up and explain to her my gagging problems. (That would've been important to tell her before she opened my mouth.) Very cautiously, she laid the chair back down and continued on. Once the secret got out of my gagging, she worked from a distance and I breathed more out of my nose. 25 minutes later...I was out of there.

I should've been honest with Colleen. I should've been more open with telling her of my gag problem. It really reminded me of 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This confession is a daily confession. We are to daily be open and in agreement with our sinful condition and our need for Christ. I was a fool to hide my gag problem. We are fools if we walk into church buildings and expect to be whitewashed tombs. I'm grateful for those that know my weaknesses and love me anyway. I'm grateful for my bride who embraces me daily and reminds me of my calling. On top of all of that, I'm grateful for my Savior King who has imputed to me the righteousness of my Father in Heaven. I'm grateful for His Holy Spirit that captivates my attention to the glory of God.

Confess daily. Be honest daily. Rejoice daily. If you have a gagging problem, confess that to your dentist.

Blessings,

Dave

Christ Glorified

My aim in my life is to glorify my Risen Savior in all that I say and do. I believe His glory outweighs human comforts. Yesterday, I went to books-a-million with some friends, to look at possible books to read together. While I was walking through the "Christian Living" section, I was horrified by the rubbish I saw. One author offers his steps on how to be successful, while rejecting the doctrine of the Holy Trinity (I don't want to be near him on judgment day; I pray he gets saved.) Another author offers her steps on how to live healthy...while ignoring the bigger issue; SIN. I picked up another book that offers chapters on how to live a happier, more fulfilling life...while ignoring the joy of walking IN Christ daily. Why do we waste money on books that offer no hope in a Risen Savior, no guilty tears toward His Blood shed, no talks on proclaiming His excellencies across the nation, or no joy in humble and broken worship of God Almighty? Be careful what you buy and read that has the label, "Christian Living." I am a Christian, living under the authority of my King. I can offer you steps on living a joyful life...read Galatians 2:20; crucify yourself with Christ, and allow Him to live victoriously in and through you. Romans 5:1 offers to us the foundational truth that we are indeed justified ONLY through His blood. what other book would I want to spend money on? I want to read and study of the riches of my King. Ephesians 1:7 reminds me that I am given the glory of salvation by the RICHES of His Grace! Wow, what a King!

I like what Spurgeon said in response to a question of his theology..."It is Jesus Christ...Jesus who is the sum and substance of the Gospel, who is in Himself all theology, the incarnation of every precious truth, the all glorious personal embodiment of the way, the truth, and the life."

He didn't answer with any "step by step, Christian living" type book. He boasted in only Christ! He lived his life in humble admiration of His King. My aim is to glorify my Risen Savior in all I say and do. Please join me.

Blessings,

Dave

Rebel in rap music produces joy

Right now, I'm listening to a guy named, "Lecrae." He is a born again believer in Jesus Christ, who happens to rap. His rapping truly is preaching...with great style. I'm loving it. I love the doctrines of Scripture. We can't just look at doctrines as seminary required teachings. In this music today, I've learned about justification, sanctification, and glorification. I've learned about the battles against the sinful nature with the spiritual nature (Romans 7.) I've learned that being a child of the living God may entail being a rebel in a sinful society;such as much of America. Romans 12:2 teaches me this. If we truly are to take with us the idea that we are not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds...this means the sinful luxuries of this world do not appeal to us. This isn't our home. We are indeed aliens, according to Peter. It's awesome. I'm loving it. This rap music is good. Check it out. Go to itunes and look up lecrae...and enjoy.

Blessings,

Dave

New Orleans mission trip...what a trip it was

Some pics and small comments about an amazing week!

We stayed 4 nights on campus at the

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

what a beautiful place!

We preached as much as we could. Even with ice cream vendors!

This is a picture of some of the members of my team. We spent our second evening on the French Quarter in New Orleans. This was our fun night; preparing us for a hard working week.

We spent some time with some residents at an assisted living center. This was indeed an emotional experience. I pray our love and attention brought the King glory.

We spent most of our time cleaning destroyed lots from Hurricane Katrina. Many of our students were blessed by serving the city of New Orleans. What a mess.

We also took care of the physical as well as spiritual needs of the homeless people on the streets of New Orleans. We passed out hygene packs, clean shirts, and proclaimed the glorious Gospel. What a Savior.

We also found time to sit around and sign praises to our King.

This trip was indeed a blessing. I was amazed by the hard work from my team. They demonstrated a passion for proclaiming the excellencies of the ONE that set them free (read 1 Peter 2:9). My heart was enriched with praise by the service from my church. Please pray for missionlab as they minister to New Orleans. May that city be reached for Christ! Soli Deo Gloria!

Blessings,

Dave

The joy of Easter; everyday

Tomorrow, I will blog on the mission trip that I took part of this past week. This morning, I want to boast in Christ. Happy Easter to you and your family. What a joyful morning we all hold today; to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior King. His atonement, His victory over death has given us the freedom to be justified to our Father. His faithfulness to drink the cup has given us the joy of never having to thirst again. His obedience to the cross gave us the sweet privilege of His vicarious substitution (fancy talk for our victory through His death; the death that all of us deserved.) I rejoice today is Easter. However, I'm puzzled to why we only wait one day a year to focus so much on the cross, the empty tomb, the victory over death... why can't we celebrate every day as if it were Easter? I look this morning at the tomb at celebrate that everyday, it sits empty. My Savior is on His throne! He has risen from the dead, and He is Lord! Join me everyday as I boast in the empty tomb. Praise the Lord! The Son has risen! He has conquered death so that we can all be more than conquerers; for His great glory.

I recommend a book to you entitled, "Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ" by John Piper. You can have it read in a few days. It is only 13 chapters long. I was privileged to read it this past weekend. I'm encouraged by the challenge that Piper gives us. We as a church seem to savor Christ more on Easter than on any other day. I wonder if we were to see and savor Christ daily, what would that look like for missions? What would that look like for worship? What would this dark, sinful world think? Friend, join me, at least today, as I see and savor Christ. He has risen!

Happy Easter to you. Since we are going to sing this song this morning, I'd like to put the words here. May you find all your joy, all your desire, all your satisfaction in the King daily.

I will Rise, by Chris Tomlin
There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees And rise I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

And I hear the voice of many angels sing, "Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart, "Worthy is the Lamb"

The Journey begins

In just a few hours, I will be leaving with 22 students and 4 adults for New Orleans. We will be there until Thursday night. I probaly won't have much time to blog while I'm away, but I did want to post a short note here; asking for your prayers. While in New Orleans, we will be doing the following:

1. Working with children at daycares
2. Cleaning up after previous hurricanes
3. Spending time with shut ins at an assisted living home
4. Feeding and giving clothes to homeless people at Jackson Square.

To God be the Glory! I'm excited about what He will do, for the glory of His name, this week. please pray. Talk to you later.

Blessings,

Dave

Empty Tomb gives absolute hope

After reading John 20, and 21, I'm overwhelmed by the good news of the empty tomb. I believe the core of my faith is found in the empty tomb. Jesus really did what He said He would do; He rose from the dead. The resurrection is absolutely amazing to me. It gives my faith foundation. It gives strength to my hope. It radiates my steps. It reminds me each day that there is indeed victory over death. Read John 20 and 21. After reading those rich chapters, I encourage you to go to itunes and listen to a sermon called, "The Tomb is Empty," preached by Tony Merida; pastor of Temple Baptist Church. Amen, the tomb is empty.

Today, this rich text came to life (as it does each day) as I visited the hospitals. Fridays are the days in which I have the joy of visiting people in the hospitals. I love praying over them. I love encouraging the families. It's such a blessing to represent the church as I step into those rooms. Well, today, I was taught the importance of the empty tomb. Without the empty tomb, my faith is in vain.

Phyllis is a saint. She is a dear elderly woman from my church that may be on the last few days, weeks, or months of her life. She has been in and out of the hospital with heart problems. Due to a severe heart attack not too long ago, she is bound to have heart problems until the day she leaves this earth. I walked into her room today, expecting to find a woman in brokeness. Instead, I found a woman with joy and anticipation for glory. How can this be? I believe she has found hope in the empty tomb. Amen. To God be the glory. Praise Him for the empty tomb. I'm jealous, Phyllis. Rejoice in the presence of the King.

Westin is a 14 year old boy that just received news that he has cancer. His head was hanging low as I walked into his room today. What kind of words can I offer to him? Am I to say things like, "it's going to be ok?" or am I to say, "you'll be fine?" I believe those words can be offered with great intentions, but with little hope. I sat down next to Westin. I placed my arms around him and shared with him Matthew 6:19-21. With a smile on his face, he asked me to write the passage on his board. Right now, I imagine Westin is in his bed, staring at that rich text from God's Word. Amen. Westin can find hope in Christ. Why? Because of the empty tomb. Please pray for Westin. May he wake up daily with hope that never fails. May he wake up each day, celebrating the empty tomb.

Why is the empty tomb so important? I believe it demonstrates to us daily the hope that we have in Christ. He has paid our debt. He has given us victory over death. He has given us the gift of the Father. Look at this passage with me; 55 “O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:55-58). Within this, I find comfort in passages such as: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21.) and Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."

The empty tomb reminds us all that Christ, who became sin, who know no sin, was not defeated by sin. He placed our sin upon His cross, but won the victory with the empty tomb. Praise the Lord, He is risen! Amen! May we celebrate, rejoice, and share the good news of the empty tomb to others. Where is your hope? Do you carry absolute hope in the only One that can truly save you from the sting of death?

I love this hymn. Sing it with me. Have a great weekend ahead.


My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

Inspired by students

Last night, I believe the Lord opened my soul to receive inspiration from my high school students. I'm amazed by their passion for Christ and their desire to see their friends get saved. Lucas, an 11th grade student who is fairly new to our ministry, brought 3 of his friends with him to church. On top of that, a friend of his that has come with him...drove himself to church..on his own initative! It's neat to see the Spirit use an 11th grader to bring 4 friends total to church. When I went to bed last night, I was overwhelmed with joy. I see a new generation rising up that desires to bring God all the glory. I see a generation that lives out 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;" I see a generation that isn't backing down from the truth of Scripture. I believe they are also living out 1 Timothy 4:12, "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe."

May we take notes from this generation and never cease to proclaim the excellencies of HIM who has called us out of darkness and into His Marvelous Light!

Blessings,

Dave

Tender Devotion

This morning, I read John 20 in what I've recently called, "My quiet time room" (for lack of a better word.) This chapter of Scripture really moved my soul. Jesus has been betrayed, mocked, abused, crucified, and now we see the third day approach. With great sorrow, we see Mary Magdalene come to the tomb early (John 20:1), to her surprise, the stone was rolled away! Her immediate response was to RUN (Brooke and Mary have something in common; they both run because of the glory of God) back to the disciples and let Peter and John know. Together, they RAN together to the tomb. Ok, should I start running now daily? I hate running. Anyways, they ran together to the tomb. It was empty. Their first response? They saw it empty, and then returned to their homes (John 20:10). I love what happens next.

Beginning in verse 11, we see Mary Magdalene weeping. As she was approached by two angels who questioned her emotions, she responded with words that touched my soul this morning; "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him" (John 20:13). Jesus, in His great glory and mystery, appeared to her twice in this passage, and in the second time, she sees Him...ALIVE. What does she do? She preaches the good news to others.

This short passage really touched my soul. I love the tender devotion of Mary Magdalene; a sinful woman saved by the grace of our Savior. Her statement mentioned above really grabbed hold of my heart this morning. She was crying because of HER Lord. She wanted to be near HER Lord. It was Christ and Christ alone that saved Mary from the destruction of sin. It wasn't just a statement in Mary's life (I hear statements each week in church from people, but do they really HAVE a Savior and Lord?) She was tenderly and wholly devoted to the King. She wanted to be with the King. Praise God that the tomb was empty and the King appeared to her. What a testimony of the sweet, steadfast love of God Almighty to His redeemed people.

The story ends with Mary preaching the good news to others. She announced it. I don't wait for Easter Sunday to celebrate the empty tomb. I celebrate it daily. The tomb is empty, Christ is risen, we are redeemed. Do you live your life in such a way that holds comparison to Mary? Do you offer daily, tender devotion to the King? Do you celebrate His victory over death? Do you bring that good news to others? Read John 20 today. I pray it will grab your soul the same way it grabbed mine today.

Praise the Lord I am saved Solus Christus (by Christ alone)

Dave