Awakened by joy

This morning came a bit too quickly for me. I enjoyed a wonderful evening with Brooke yesterday as she celebrated her 27th birthday. It was such a sweet joy to take her out to dinner and then to watch her open up a few gifts. Man, she looked good. I love my wife. I'm so blessed to have the joy of her hand. It was an incredible evening, to say the least. Then, the morning came.

Normally, I love the mornings. I love waking up early and diving into God's perfect Word. This morning, however, I was a bit tired. This week has drained me some with teaching a few times and then preparing for a wedding and speaking engagements in the future. My body wasn't cooperating with my mind to focus on the Scriptures, at all. 2 cups of coffee helped. Proverbs 16-18 helped. But, I drove to Starbucks to meet with Zach, still tired and needing to be awakened. By His joy, He delivered my wake up call.

Please permit me to proclaim to you my gladness in being a youth pastor. I love seeing teenagers get excited about their faith. I love seeing their passion as they share the good news to their lost friends. I love seeing their hunger for His Word. I love seeing their excitement as they participate in corporate worship. I love seeing their desire for this culture to embrace truth and to run to the cross. I love students.

This morning, our gracious Lord woke me up by seeing Zach excited in 1 Peter, and then seeing other seniors gather for bible study...all in Starbucks. These high school seniors are setting a standard that most adults cannot reach. 4 seniors in high school were in the coffee shop today for the purpose of waking up to God's glorious Word. By His grace, I sat back as a spectator; applauding the work of the Wonderful Maker. I'm so glad I drove early to have coffee and discipleship with Zach, for in doing so, I was blessed with the sweet privilege of waking up to the joy of Christ; indwelt in my students.

Did I mention to you that I love being a youth pastor? Above that, I love being an adopted child of the Lord Most High; through the riches of Christ and the power of His Holy Spirit. How awesome is the Lord Most High!!! I'M AWAKE!!! (Oh, and 2-3 cups of coffee helped too...)

This passage really sums up the joy of the morning to me. I want to close by sharing it with you, "Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." Psalm 90:14

Zach Norman and Tori DeYoung - thank you for the example you set for other students, in your passion for His Word and to share your faith in His Gospel to others. May students and adults follow your example. You make a youth pastor very proud and joyful.

What do we give?

I recently read a powerful quote from C.S. Spurgeon from his excellent devotional entitled, Morning and Evening. The quote goes like this, "We give Jesus the crown of silver when He deserves gold." When I read this quote...needless to say, I was broken. I believe the truth within that one statement can lead any church, by the marvelous Spirit, to great revival. It has recently given me the question as a minister of the Gospel and a true lover of church; what do we give?

Spurgeon's quote came from his passionate devotional inspired from Ephesians 3:8. Paul writes with such marvelous excellence, "To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." Within that one statement, I am drawn to the question; What do I give? According to the verse (and perhaps contrary to most modern church approaches), I am:

1. The least of any...born as a sinner that for years lived for his own crown and not for the golden crown of Jesus. (Read Romans to get a better picture of this). Even today, I still fight the temptation to wear a crown that isn't mine.

2. Grace was given to me. I didn't earn it. I didn't really work to get it. It was given to me. 1 John 4:9 reminds me that He loved me...before I even had the comprehension of loving Him. I have been predestined to receive such marvelous love and grace (according to Ephesians 1)...a love that I don't deserve. What do I give?

3. Paul, a terrible sinner saved by the mercy of God (read Acts 7-9 to get a better understanding of this guy), was forever changed to preach the Gospel. He was GIVEN task to GIVE to others a beautiful gift; a faith in the only One that is mighty to save. So passionate was His desire to give the news of the Gospel, that he called us to follow his example (read Romans 10, Galatians 1, Ephesians 1-3, Philippians 2-3, Colossians 1, etc.) What do I give?

4. The quote is how I end these 4 points; we give because God has given us the greatest gift of all; the Unsearchable Riches of His Son! We have the Messiah. We have the gift of the indwelling of God Most High (John 1, Colossians 1, Hebrews 4, 7). What do I give in response? I believe the passionate response to the greatest gift...is to preach the good news, feed the hungry, clothe the poor, protect the church against false teachers, and so on... For me especially, it the gift of Christ draws me to give sacrificial love to Brooke and my future child. What do I gift? I attempt to answer this question with daily reading about the gift He has given to me.

On Thursday of last week, I drove over to Scottish Rite Children's Hospital to give a few hours of encouragement to Weston. He is a 15 year old that recently was diagnosed with cancer. Since April, his family has gone through tremendous trials. Seeing him in the hospital on Thursday gave me more of a hatred toward sin. Because of our parents (Adam and Eve), and their desire to disobey the Holy God of this World, we have seen sickness enter the world. I believe that in my hatred toward sin, I give love and glory to my Father by visiting hospitals and encouraging those that are sick. What a beautiful testimony! For those that believe in no God because of the sign of suffering in the world, I wonder what would go through their mind when they see the Church rise up and take care of the sick and needy? Instead of bitterness, perhaps they will see the unsearchable riches of Christ in us? What do you give?

We give, because He first gave to us.
We love, because He first loved us.

Today, don't live your life in such a way that gives to the riches of Christ a crown of silver. Give Him the love and glory due His Name! For students, do well in school and preach His Gospel; for you desire gold, not silver. For husbands, love your wives and lead your family by the Gospel. For wives, love and support your husbands and paint for them a picture of the church. For children, obey your parents for the reason of worshipping your Father in Heaven. For ministers, don't lead selfishly, but rather for the purpose of others to drink the milk of the pure Word. For teachers, teach with excellence for a greater purpose; to help others find the truth of the Gospel. For others, do whatever you do, for the glory of the riches of Christ! (Colossians 3:24).

What do we give? Let us give Him our reckless and unspeakable love that is genuine from what we daily realize of what He has given to us; Himself.

Excitement toward the unknown/known

OK, I have to write again about my excitement about being a dad soon. Every week, we celebrate one week closer to the arrival of our baby (I know, rocket science...). The excitement I've had lately is just uncontainable. I'm so curious to what this child will be like. I want to know what kind of person he/she will become. I've read about many heroes of the faith recently, and my hopes is for my child to set the way for many to hear the Gospel. I'm excited about being a daddy. I believe we can carry excitement to an even deeper step; our excitement to being with the One that redeemed us from the curse!

I really like what the author of Hebrew says, "1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." These verses give me excitement about being a child of the Living God. By His eternal grace, I can throw off everything that hinders me...the sin that entangles, and by His power; run with great perseverance until the race is finished. What does that mean? It means the culmination of sanctification. Please permit me to explain in these 3 steps to remind you of Biblical salvation:

1. Justification - the moment of salvation in which you were declared right and innocent before the presence of the Holy God of this World...paid for by the blood of His Son. (You were saved)

2. Sanctification - the process of becoming more conformed into the likeness of Jesus. It is the process of being set apart and made holy...really it is the preparation time until you enter glory. (You are being saved)

3. Glorification - the final step as a believer; being with and enjoying God forever. One day, when your heart stops its rhythm, you will enter into eternity. By His grace, your fare has been paid to enter and enjoy His majesty. The race is over. No more tears. The waiting period has ended. (You will be saved)

I feel like as a pending daddy, I am experiencing sanctification in a real practical way. We were given the Good news of our baby (justification), and now we are waiting for our baby. We talk much about our baby. We share with others about our baby. We work to meet our baby. We enjoy thinking about our baby. One day, in God's amazing glory, we will (by His grace and will) get to meet the baby we have been waiting for. I pray by His grace and faithfulness, this will happen! What a day that will be... but even in the joy and excitement of wanting to see the baby that hasn't arrived yet; what is more glorious is the fact that one day, we will get to be with our Father in Heaven.

Do you live in such a way in which you are preparing for the presence of the Almighty? Do you enjoy Him this side of glory? Enjoy the step of sanctification as you grow into His beautiful likeness. If you don't know Him; read Romans 1-8 and may His gracious Spirit lead you to His salvation. Other texts to help?

Galatians 1-3
Colossians 1
Hebrews 4-10
John 3
1 Corinthians 15
2 Corinthians 5

Soli Deo Gloria!

A beautiful read on the beach

Brooke and I returned Saturday night from a 3 day vacation in celebration of our 3 year wedding anniversary. It was a wonderful time away for us. I'm blessed to have her as my bride and to see her excitement as she prepares for the arrival of our baby come February. Our recent trip was to a beach in South Carolina. Often times when we go on vacation, we go to a beach. I'm not a big fan of beaches because of the sun, sand everywhere, and the fact that I'm the hairiest and whitest guy there. Nonetheless, it means much to my bride to go, so I grin and bear it. What I do enjoy about going to the beach is the beauty of getting to read. This past trip, I was blessed to finish my book by J.I Packer, and then I was privileged to read the biography of C.T. Studd. What a beautiful read! (I'm a nerd...I enjoy reading away from other reading...)

C.T. Studd was a missionary that lived a little less than 100 years ago; serving in China, India, and then parts of Africa. He was a popular cricketer from England that gave his life to following Jesus. He gave up the glamour of being a famous athlete in order to preach the Gospel to lost people in different cultures. Studd is one of my heroes of the faith. At 25 years of age, he received a large inheritance from his father's death. The money was in today's understanding was probably millions...was given away to support ministries. Some was given to support the beginning of the Salvation Army. Some was given to George Muller in his work with the orphans...some was given to the evangelist that helped lead his family to an understanding of Christ; D.L Moody. Moody used the gift to help start the famous Bible institute that bears his name today. All of these gifts came from a simple reading of Scripture...most likely Matthew 6:19-24. I can say without any hesitation...C.T was a stud. Here is a quote from his biography that floored me,

"Christ's call is to feed the hungry, not the full; to save the lost, not the stiff-necked; not to call the scoffers, but sinners to repentance; not to build and furnish comfortable chapels, churches, and cathedrals at home in which to rock Christian professors to sleep by means of clever essays, stereotyped prayers and artistic musical performances, but to raise living churches of souls among the destitute, to capture men from the devil's clutches and snatch them from the very jaws of hell, to enlist and train them for Jesus, and make them into an almighty Army of God. But this can only be accomplished by a red-hot, unconventional, unfettered Holy Ghost religion, which neither Church nor State, neither man nor traditions are worshipped or preached, but only Christ and Him crucified. Not to confess Christ by fancy collars, clothes, silver croziers or gold watch-chain crosses, church steeples or richly embroidered altar cloths, but by reckless sacrifice and heroism in the foremost trenches." - C.T. Studd

When I read these words, I was drawn to the beauty of the Gospel. We worship the God of this world that doesn't rely on our impressive display of wealth or knowledge, our prosperity or popularity, our goals or ambitions, our prestige or our power, our fame or our fortune, our way or our want, our esteem or our self righteousness. We worship the God of this world that draws us to His saving grace through the atonement of His Son. He pardoned our sin, paid our fine, erased our debt, and changed our course from hell to His eternal splendor. From that, as a child by His creative work, we are simply called to be obedient.

I don't care if anyone likes my style of preaching or not. I don't care if anyone enjoys my leadership or not. I don't care if my clothes impress people. I've learned at a young age (By His grace) that allegiance to the acceptance of man leads to the rejection of His ultimate authority. I believe reckless surrender to His daily provision will indeed increase the beauty of the mission of the church as well as the genuine fellowship with other believers. All my cares are found in the joyful surrender to His wonderful Word. I don't want to study and know it for knowledge sake, but to study and apply it for the sake of treasured worship of my Savior King.

"If you love me, than you will obey what I command." John 14:15.

Take time and study some of the lives of missionaries that gave it all to Jesus for the sake of wanting His kingdom to grow on earth.

"

Loss is Gain

When I was in college, I used to sit by my television for hours each night. My time was spent watching sports and wanting to know the updates on several players. Most of my conversations would consist of comparing the stats from one player to another. Most of my memorization skills were found in who played for what team, in what year, for how long, and for what salary. It seemed to be a passion in my life. For some odd reason, I found great worth in it all. Much money was spent attending baseball conferences to get autographs, collecting game used equipment, and other random purchases. Overall, (baseball especially) sports were my god.....

Not any more.

Yesterday, I laughed when I noticed the cable box sitting next to the television; unplugged. It's been there for 3 weeks now. 3 weeks ago, I stood in line for almost 2 hours to get it replaced...only to to sit on my floor. Why do I even have it? We never watch TV anymore. Nothing really captivates my attention like Jesus. What a Savior.

I like what this verse teaches, "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ" (Philippians 3:7). In Chapter 3 of Paul's letter to the Philippians, we see a beautiful display of Paul's former passions and accomplishments in measure to the riches of Jesus. After listing many of his prestigious positions and past actions, we see Paul valiantly preach the beauty of his regeneration. In other words, when he found satisfaction in Christ; the Savior of the World who redeemed him from God's just wrath and gave him the gift of grace...Paul then viewed everything in the world as a loss, as rubbish in comparison to the Savior.

Loss is gain... I like this statement. I don't really follow sports or other things like I used to. In fact, I normally check on scores about once or twice a week to see how the Cardinals are doing. I really couldn't tell you who has been traded or who is playing well. I don't have stats memorized anymore nor do I have the insight on what potential player is to be drafted. I really don't care anymore. In fact, much of what I used to count as a joy...I view now as rubbish.

My passion is Christ. I want to study and memorize His Word, for I find great value in it. I want to teach others the beautiful doctrines that are soaked inside the 66 books of God's collective treasure. I want to spend the rest of my life, like Paul, counting all things as a loss or rubbish in comparison to Christ.

Do I miss the 5 hour nights of football or baseball? Not really. Since graduating college (the days in which I was obsessed with sports), I've been blessed to go to seminary, work 2 summers at a camp, and now almost 4 years on staff at my church in Acworth...My heart is captivated by Him... No loss, all gain. What a Savior.

Soli Deo Gloria

A Night to Remember

Last night, Brooke and I were privileged to attend a live taping of the upcoming, "Chris Tomlin Christmas show" that is scheduled to be broadcast later (during Christmas, I imagine...) It was a great night to get away and sing familiar songs with an artist that we both respect. We sat in this tiny room with only 70 others, and joined Chris and his band as they sang each song twice (for recording purposes). 4 hours of Christmas music in August...what a treat. My legs hurt that night because a girl that worked for the station (or just acted like she did, Brooke and I are still investigating), put her chair at my knees making me feel like I was inside a kitchen cabinet. Anyways, I trail off, forgive me. It was a great night.

The 4th song that Tomlin sang was his version of Amazing Grace. With eyes closed across the studio, we joined our hearts as a perfect bond of unity (Colossians 3:14), as we sang to our King. During one of the verses, I was given a sweet reminder of my call into ministry. The Spirit opened my attention to the fact that 10 years ago, I was drawn in a worship service to full time vocational ministry. 10 years ago, the service was led by Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio (who also was in the room with me last night for the recording). I was awakened to the fact that last night, both of those men were in the room with me...and 70 0thers. It's not that I was worshiping them or giving them credit; but I was amazed by the faithfulness of God.

10 years ago, I was a scared 17 year old who had no clue of what to expect in ministry. I nervously told my youth minister on a night during that week of camp that I felt drawn to faithfully serve the King in ministry work. My youth minister quickly prayed with me and began to encourage me (as he still does today). That night, he did something that really freaked me out; he took me backstage to meet the guy who was leading music (Chris Tomlin) and let me talk with him about ministry. I got to spend about a half an hour with Tomlin that night, just the two of us. He told me something that has still stood with me today. That statement was; "Fall in love with the Scriptures and may your heart be centered on His infinite worth," something like that, at least. I've never forgotten it. This morning, I read Psalm 56-68 and Hebrews 1. I love His Word and I can see how 10 years ago, the Lord used Chris to help me understand what truly is the foundation for ministry; His unchanging Word. God is sovereign and He could've used a 9 year old...it's just neat that He used Tomlin.

Today, I'm a 27 year old who has no clue of what to expect in ministry. With a beautiful bride and a baby on the way, I find myself at times completely clueless on where to take the next step. However, when I look in His Word, I rejoice in His infinite worth and realize its not my role to be concerned, its my joy to follow. 10 years ago, the Lord used those 2 men; anointed by His Spirit and messengers of His Word, to help me begin a life of faithful obedience in full time ministry. Last night, I got to worship with both of them. In all His glory and splendor, why would He allow a nervous and weak soul such as I to serve His bride? Grace. He is indeed the Wonderful Maker.

I close with this verse that has encouraged me today. "What is man that you remember him, the son of man that you look after him? (Psalm 8:4). I'm eternally grateful for my God who remembers me, knows me, and gave me a gentle reminder last night to the rich call He has placed in my life.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Psalm 139 with a heartbeat

1O Lord, you have searched me
and you know me.
2You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O Lord.
5You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths,a you are there.
9If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
12even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17How precious tob me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
Psalm 139:1-18

This morning, Brooke and I heard our baby's heartbeat. It was the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. The rhythm of that new life brought me to such sweet worship. I'm preaching on this Psalm this upcoming Wednesday, and I imagine that I won't get through it all without crying. I'm not a person that normally cries. However, hearing the majestic heartbeat of a baby that months ago wasn't anywhere near our lives, served as a gentle reminder of the Everlasting God...(El Olam)... What a Wonderful Maker... I'm drawn to sing songs such as this:

You spread out the skies over empty space Said "let there be light"Into a dark and formless world Your light was born

You spread out Your arms over empty hearts Said "let there be light"Into a dark and hopeless world Your Son was born

You made the world and saw that it was good You sent Your only son for You are good What a wonderful Maker What a wonderful Savior How majestic Your whispers And how humble Your love With a strength like no other And the heart of a Father How majestic Your whispers What a wonderful God

No eye has fully seen, how beautiful the cross And we have only heard The faintest whispers of how great You are

We indeed worship the Wonderful Maker...

Psalm 139 has poured into me such sweet thoughts just lately. I see in God the following; His perfect knowledge (v.1-6), His everlasting presence (v.7-12), and His power in creating humanity (v.13-18). I see so many reasons to praise His glorious name. Think about it with me for just a moment; the heart that is beating in your chest right now was given to you simply by His perfect weaving (v.13). As a living child of His, I indeed join the Psalmist when he writes of praising Him out of fear and wonder (v.14). These thoughts have recently been resurrected in my mind due to the creative work of my baby. I realize life is unknown when it comes to future steps...I realize anything can happen in this fallen world...but for just today, I want to enjoy Him forever by praising Him; my Wonderful Maker...

Join me. Feel your heartbeat. Worship Him for the rhythm He majestically gives to you.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave