Great time in Wake Forrest

This morning, I'm closing out my time in Wake Forrest. I've been here since Thursday night, attending a preaching conference. My soul has been refreshed, my appetite for the Word has grown, and my desire to proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8), has given me excitement to return home! I'm thankful for the Spirit's anointing over the ministries led by the men that I've heard this weekend. They have faithfully taken the Word to their churches and preached messages that are centered on Jesus.

My prayer this morning as we pack up and head home is for churches to quit the entertainment and to preach Jesus. I believe His message works the best. I like what C.J. Mahaney said last night, "I choose to be unoriginal." What a powerful statement! I really don't have to watch all the latest movies and listen to the latest gossip around celebrities that I will never meet...I can boast in the One that has set me free (Colossians 1) from the wrath that was aimed at me (Galatians 3:13). Why would I go away from that timeless truth? Why would any youth minister go away from that timeless truth? Why would churches subject themselves to preaching and programming that focuses on self and not on the empty tomb?

I'm heading home today. I'm ready to join my church family in corporate worship. I'm ready to boast in the cross. I'm ready to celebrate the glory of King Jesus. If any are offended because of the Savior...may they repent and enjoy Him forever.

Father, my prayer is for your Spirit today to equip churches to be ready for Sunday. Please ignite the bride to see every Sunday as a gift of the resurrection. Please forgive her if she gathers to talk sports and gossip. Please wash her continually and lead her to be radiant in Your eyes. We know it's only because of Jesus that we meet. Please remind us all of that tomorrow. To your Name be the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Trust...or face a motorcycle.

Last night was a night to remember. After our High School worship service started, I had the students move close to the stage. One of my pet peeves is a large room with students scattered. Since we are the bride of Christ, I want us to worship...sitting together. Some think I'm mean, but I really don't care. As I told a friend this morning, my role is not to be a buddy...but to be a minister to my students. Last night was a classic example to why it is important to lead and not give in.

After I announced to my students the need to move, a few still didn't follow directions. So, instead of moving along with the service, I had to mean for just a quick moment. I don't remember all I said, but it was something to the affect of, "We won't start until everyone moves..." Once everyone moved to the front, we started the night of worship...only to have something happen that freaked all of us out.

All I said was, "turn to your Bibles to Daniel 6." Once those words came out of my mouth, the motorcycle fell. Please allow me to explain the purpose of the motorcycle being 10 feet above our heads; on top of the closet entrance...I DON'T KNOW. It's been there for at least 8-9 years. Someone donated the bike years ago; the bike was filled with sand, and placed in a platform high off the ground. The bike was positioned to lean toward the wall, not the chairs below. How this bike fell...I don't know. What I do know is our God was gracious and merciful last night. I had so many questions. I still do. Here are some:

1. What if I didn't make my students move to the front?
2. What if I allowed them to do whatever they wanted to do?
3. What if I didn't teach them lessons on obedience?
4. Why did the bike fall at that time? Why not during the week when nobody was in the room?
5. What caused it to fall?
6. And so on....

I'm glad my students listened. I'm glad they learned a lesson in obedience last night. I'm glad God spared us of not seeing someone hurt...or even killed (think about a motorcycle full of sand, falling on your head)!! Friend, we worship the Everlasting God. He is full of mercy and steadfast love (Exodus 34). He draws us to His side, His safety and His eternal provision (Romans 8). We are His...because of Jesus. Friend, if you haven't repented of your sin (to turn away from it, and turn toward Jesus), then please hear my cry today...DON'T DELAY. You really aren't promised another day. Today is a great day, to turn away from your selfishness and to turn to Jesus who is mighty to save. Obey His teachings (John 14:15), and submit to His glory (Psalm 115). One day, we all will stand and give an account of our lives (Romans 14:12, 1 Peter 4:5). May you be found in obedience to His Word (Romans 5:19), and washed in His blood (Psalm 51:7, 1 Cor 6:11).

I close with this powerful hymn...one of my favorites. Enjoy Him forever. He is worthy to be praised...and trusted!

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
And to know, "Thus saith the Lord!"

Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to trust His cleansing blood
And in simple faith to plunge me
'Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus
Just from sin and self to cease
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace

I'm so glad I learned to trust thee
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend!
And I know that Thou art with me
wilt be with me to the end.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Psalm 75 - What a Sovereign Lord!

Psalm 75 is a rich body of text that radiates the very true character of God. He gives us His Word and holds us accountable to obedience. A great judge and ruler knows the law and makes sure the law is obeyed. This Psalm begins with thanksgiving as Asaph focuses on the wonderful name of God (v.1) and the remembrance of God’s deeds (v.1). His Name is Wonderful. His deeds are wonderful. We can see that in Psalm 8, 19, and 46. We can see that in Luke 9, 24, and John 17. I love the nature of God that reminds us that His Word is true, and He is true to His Word. There is no inconsistency with God. He acts and wills according to His divine Word.

The Psalm continues with God’s promise to hold the wicked with His justice. Last night, I preached a message to the middle school students out of Genesis 11, 50, and Revelation 20. These three passages are a great reminder to us all that God is sovereign over all; including sin. Sovereignty is a weighty word that shows us that God is the ruler and authority over all. With that simple definition set, we see in Psalm 75 that at God’s appointed time, He will judge. He holds humanity to His desire (v.2-6). It’s beautiful. Genesis 11 contains the story of the Tower of Babel. In that passage, humanity wanted to make a name for themselves apart from the glory of God’s name. In the process of building a tower to reach their view of heaven and fame, God stops the process. They disobeyed His Word given in Genesis 1:28 and 9:1. He remembered His Word. In Genesis 50, at the end of Joseph’s life, God revealed to Joseph’s brothers that what they intended for bad; God’s sovereignty meant for good. Finally, in Revelation 20, Satan is released from 1,000 years of captivity, to deceive many to go to war against God…only to be defeated in one verse. God will be sovereign over His own adversary. His Word promised us that in Genesis 3:15 and Romans 16:20!

So, my challenge today for you is to live your life with peace, to the God of peace (Romans 16:20), and rejoice in His sovereign grace and justice. Be refreshed in His rule and reign. Join Asaph in verse 9, in rejoicing over of the declaration of God’s eternal praise. Enjoy Him today.

Joy in Yucatan

This evening, I'm awaiting my turn to lecture on the doctrine of sin. So far, I've lectured four times, on the doctrine of God and man. I love teaching the riches of God's perfect and Holy Word. Seeing these sweet people in Mexico make sacrifices in their schedules to endure a week of classes. This week, the classes are:

1. An Overview of the Gospel of Mark
2. The Biblical Woman
3. Systematic Theology 2.

Can I share with you my burden for all Christians to take the time to study and sacrifice for the glory of the Word? I see in my state, at least, that church is reduced to a show at times with little to no emphasis on the true Word. It seems that it can be so easy to get comfortable with easy going faith without any need to sacrifice. This week, I've been refreshed and reminded by these precious folks that the Word is worth the work.

They sit in a room that has only 2 air conditioning units...that only bring the room temperature to only 85 degrees. The hot weather of Mexico makes all of us sweat as we study. There are 2 waves of students. The first wave comes in the morning, and the second at night. Both groups endure 3-4 hours of seminary classes. From Monday to Friday, they receive almost enough for a full semester of study. For us in America, we can look at this as a tough and perhaps straining week. For them, they look at it as the bread in which their appetites are satisfied in.

I want my church, my students, my family, and my friends to crave the Word of God. I want them to have joy in Jesus alone. It can be so easy to reduce joy to nothing more but a temporary happiness in self. Every time I finish teaching (an hour session a piece); I'm surrounded by pastors and members that share with me the very joy from their souls. Here, they love Jesus. I mean, they really love Jesus. Their lives are consumed with the joy of their Savior and the riches of His Word. Their worship services consist of nothing but solid preaching (sometimes more than an hour), biblical prayers, biblical songs, and joy of genuine fellowship. Where I'm from, we have to rush out the door as soon as an hour ends. If someone were to preach longer than 30 minutes, they may be looked at in a negative light. Here, they crave the bread daily.

I hurt for the lack of joy that perhaps many churches in the States carry. We need joy. We need the joy that I see here in Yucatan. I can't wait to return to my church and share more with them the riches of God's Word. I'm compelled to preach nothing but the entire counsel of God's Word. No holding back. I'm drawn to daily evangelize. No holding back. My joy is satisfied daily. It's amazing to know that separated from my home country, I receive the deep joy of the true bride that exists in all nations, for the glory of the Risen King.

I close with this powerful passage. May it encourage you as it encourages me.

"13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven milesa from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him. 17He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19“What things?” he asked.“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christb have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. - Luke 24:13-27.

May we, out of great joy, take the time to study Jesus for who He is...in ALL of Scripture.

A short view of Psalm 70

Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me! Let them be put to shame and confusion who seek my life! Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt! Let them turn back because of their shame who say, "Aha, Aha!" May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You! May those who love your salvation say evermore, "God is great!" But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!" - Psalm 70

5 verses. In just 5 verses, we see David offer up a short but yet powerful lament. Before we continue with this devotional today, please permit me to remind you of the definition behind lament. So often, we throw around words that don't make sense to some. If you are part of that number (and I was a few years ago); this is for you.

Lament = the function serves in a way that allows the writer to present a difficult situation before the presence of the Lord, pleading for His help. This type of writing consumes about 1/3 of the entire book of Psalms!

OK, we have the definition laid down. Lets look into Psalm 70 together, In these verses, David seeks the Lord's help, His rescue, from enemies nearby. The plea comes out of quick need. Take a moment and look at how verse one begins. Here, we see David begin with, "Make haste, O God." In fact, the ESV translation uses this phrasing twice in just one verse. So, when something is used more than once, we can quickly identify that as a great need, can we? I'd like to submit to you three points from this text (I'm a baptist preacher, so I sometimes look at many things in life with 3 points...it is hereditary, I guess.)

1. In His power and presence, we have the privilege of coming to Him with great despair.
- Look at verses 1-3.
- Here, we see that David is coming out of fear, out of desperation. In verse two, he requests for the Lord to move the positioning, the movement of his enemies. His concern moves from the Lord to making quick movement Himself (v.1), to moving the enemies (v.2). This movement culminates in verse 3, when David pleas for their turning back and dwelling in their own shame.
-Why such strong language, you may ask? It's hard to fully understand what is going on here. I believe it could very easily be a pagan army that was trying to impose false worship and immoral living to God's people. David, as God's selected king, was in charge of protecting the people and leading them to the genuine worship of God Almighty, through faithful obedience. His passion was for the nation. His anger was toward those that would try to abuse the very character and holiness of God. Do you have that anger in you?

Recently, I was in a bookstore by myself. When I walked inside the main entrance, the first book that caught my eye was, "The Shack." Many Christians view this book as, "A great read for understanding God more..." or, "It helps you understand the Trinity." or, "It's just fiction, so we shouldn't freak out over it too much." Well, please permit me to share with you the anger I have toward books that lead people astray. I believe it is the same anger and fear that David, Stephen, Peter, and Paul carried. The holiness, the glory, the beauty of God is found in His truth, His grace, His Word. We know of His Trinity by the way He revealed it to us. We know of His character by the way He revealed it to us. We must develop within us a deep desire to protect the Word, and to preach faithfully to those that are outside the camp (as Hebrews 12-13 refers to). I believe our passion will lead us to praying prayers of lament; requesting the Lord's help as we protect His bride from outside enemies. Oh, may we rise up like the soldiers He calls us to be (Ephesians 6), and faithfully declare His full counsel (2 Tim 4), for the glory of His name (Isaiah 43:7). Think about that today. What is your greatest concern? Is it your own health or prosperity? Or is it for the salvation of lost souls and the elimination of false teachers that serve as wolves to His sheep; His very enemies? (read John 8:44 to help with this point).

2. In His power and presence, we have the privilege of rejoicing in His perfect joy.
-Verse 4 is beautiful. Take a moment and read it.
- Here, we see a powerful display of His infinite worth. I love what John Piper teaches throughout His ministry, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." This simple statement is the backbone of his theology. I enjoy it every time I quote it.
- Here, we see an infinite and eternal God give us gladness in our souls. Do you seek Him? Do you view Him as the ultimate source of joy in your life? Take a moment and read Jeremiah 29:13. I memorized this verse as a teenager. It first was a verse that put the attention on myself. However, when I got older, I viewed it a bit differently. The Lord gives us the privilege of being found. The very fact that He tells us of His predetermined plan (Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:10), and that plan is to display the glory of Jesus (1 Peter 2:9), than seeking Him as our only source of hope and joy is the culmination of His power and presence working in us already! Verses 1-3 show David, a guy that was wanting God to help in a time of trouble...this king was sought after by God, to lead God's people. You and I have the divine privilege today of His eternal fellowship, by His grace, through His power and presence. Live out verse 4 today, friend. Seek Him in all things (Matthew 6:33). Rejoice and be glad in Him alone (Philippians 4). Declare His greatness (Psalm 115). Radiate His character (1 Peter 1:15). Preach His salvation message (Mark 16:15).

3. In His power and presence, we have the privilege of submitting humbly.
- Finally, in verse 5, we can see humility.
- David here shows his position in view of God's position (my definition of humility).
- He declares to God that he is poor and needy...in need of God to come to His rescue.
-So often, we rely too much on our own effort or decision making for each day. How often do you approach the King in prayer? Even in your own effort, your seeking of God in prayer is ushered by His Spirit! (Romans 8:9, 26). Why would we think otherwise? David places God as the subject of his need. He doesn't go to his friends or other kings...he sought after the Lord out of humility. Do you walk in humility? Do you come to Him daily in your own desperation and need? I have no clue how to be a youth minister. Every day that I wake up, I have to come to Him for help. I have to seek His guidance, for my wisdom is foolish. I've learned that the hard way. I need His power and presence to lead me, even in the midst of enemies (yes, you can even have enemies inside the church...it is a tragedy.) Seek Him today. Go to Him in your need. Trust in His great pleasure. Remember Proverbs 3:5-6.

So, today I want to challenge you to enjoy His power and presence. Trust in Him alone when you feel attacked. May His Spirit fill your soul with the sweetest song of true worship; birthed out of joy and humility in His eternal position.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

Big Numbers...Genuine Disciples?

Last week on facebook, I observed some one's status that simply read, "Great night of worship...350 middle school students and 250 high school students." When I originally read the status, I confess; I was jealous. (That night, we had maybe 115 students with both groups combined). Most youth ministers weigh the success of their ministry on the amount of students that attend. It seems to be something all of us inherit within our nature when we take on the position of leading. It's hard not to do this. So often, I speak with other youth ministers and the common first question I get is, "How many are you running?" I'd love to answer by saying something like, "It depends on what they do wrong...but normally we send out 5-6 on a few miles when they forget their bibles." It may not be funny to you, but I laugh even now as I type it. It doesn't take much to make me laugh, I guess.

Again, revisit what I wrote above with the facebook status one put. I'm not that impressed with numbers as I used to be. When I first started in student ministry, I was 19 years old with hopes of growing the youth group with enormous results. I admit, when we went from 5-6 students to over 20...I was pretty pumped. I felt that I was on top of the world with such great growth. However, when I look back even today, I realize that the ministry then was built on fun, games, music, and shallow messages with little to no real biblical content. I was simply putting on a show that was equivalent to cotton candy (something that grows very large, but contains no substance.) I wonder if that number are active and passionate followers of Christ today? I wonder if they are faithfully leading their families and serving the bride? If not, than what is the purpose of that inflation?

Why do so many ministry leaders weigh the success of their ministry on the size of people that come? Before I give you my take on this problem, let me highlight the positive points of wanting to focus on numbers:

1. It reflects the intentions of believers (when we invite our lost friends to church...and the church grows, then we are following Matthew 28:19...if indeed those that come are turned into true children of the Living God.)

2. It reveals the passion of leadership. When leaders don't care about who comes...then why should someone care about coming? Leaders that focus on wanting more to participate and hear...reveal to the listeners that their heart is focused on declaring the love of God above this world...read 1 John 5:1-5 to help understand more...

3. It resembles the impact of the ministry of Jesus. When He preached, multitudes at times gathered to hear. When the true name and doctrines of Jesus are preached, we must all hope that many gather!

There are more...but these are some. I hold onto these. I want numbers, don't get me wrong. But, should we identify the effectiveness of worship with how many come? Why not define a great night of worship simply by the glory of God being revealed in the presence of passionate believers; on their faces with joy in His pleasure. Worship = His revelation and grace to sinners such as you and me...our response with love and admiration, and our holding Him in high esteem. Worship = many numbers...nothing but a man centered approach to fitting his own personal agenda. If I were to open my eyes and see nobody around me in a time of lifting up praises to my King...do I stop? Or, do I close and continue? What would be the purpose of quiet times if we can't identify worship with just solitude? Does this make any sense to you?

This passage really got to me this morning. I invite you to join me in reading it:

He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.” From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” - John 6:65-69

In verse 65, Jesus declared the only way we can receive salvation; the enabling of the Father to draw our attention and repentance to the Son. We know this is one of the reasons why we have the Holy Spirit. To convict sinners to repent and turn to Christ. Messages that point out repentance, confession, election, and wrath seem to draw people away from church. It seems above, the same result happened with Jesus. They followed Him in John 6 when He fed the multitudes, because their physical needs were met. However, when He preached a message above simply meeting temporary needs, many left. Hmm...seems to happen today.

I love Simon Peter. I love his response when Jesus asked him if he was going to leave. Man, that is the response of a true worshipper! Where else can we go? Why would we not want to go and participate in corporate worship gatherings, mission trips, evangelism outreaches, bible studies, serving opportunities, ministry leading, etc...We WANT to come and gather as a group because in Jesus, we have the eternal words of life! He is the WORD (John 1), and we simply want to follow Him closely as living stones in His foundation (1 Peter 2:4-5).

Do we take the definition of school as, "It was great today...1,250 were there!!" Absolutely not. It's school. We may not have a response. Why would we treat the church with this regard? If 1,250 came to church...why not more? What did those 1,250 do? Did they come to enjoy a show? Did they come to have their ears tickled? (2 Tim 4:3) Is He not worthy to be praised? My hope is to see that number continue to increase...and to be centered on His revelation, His glory, and His grace. Not our show. Not our bragging rights. Not our pride.

May He forgive us when we use our definition of worship over His.

Just something to think about today...