Love for His Glory

Last night, in the middle school worship service, we discussed the laws in the Old Testament. I'm constantly amazed that Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), fulfilled the demands of the law (Galatians 3:13), for the Father's glory (John 17:1-4). I'm amazed that even though I'm constantly reminded of my nature to break His law (James 2:10), He gives me perfect grace to cover my failures (Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21). In the words of the old hymn, "What wondrous love is this?" Last night, as I stared in the eyes of my middle school students, I was given a gentle reminder to why I'm a youth minister. I have a deep love for the Lord as well as the students. My heart leaped with joy as the three main passages of Scripture were revealed to me in the message. Deuteronomy 6:1-2, Galatians 3:24 and Matthew 22:36-40 were all preached to me in the process of preaching them to the students. If you are a youth minister reading this, please take just a moment and think about the joy you get to hold in your job. You get to love the Lord, and love the students He has given you. Sometimes I can't believe (not all the times), why do I get paid for this?! I'm glad last night; I got to live out the law of my Savior in Matthew 22:36-40. What a Savior.

This morning, the alarm went off, and my first thought was, "Man, It's too early to be awake on my off day." I have made a commitment to meet with 3 guys each week for discipleship. In the past year, my love and respect for these guys has grown tremendously. I have to confess, this morning, my heart wasn't ready at 6am to meet with one of them. However, I was drawn by what I preached on last night; my love for the Lord, and my love for students. Please don't applaud me. I was selfish when I woke up this morning. However, after an hour at Starbucks, discussing beautiful theology and praying together, I watched with great joy as one of my seniors drove to school; a living testimony and Gospel light to many. I can see him in church ministry real soon. I love my job.

After my meeting with one of my guys, I had to go to the dentist. Nobody likes visiting the dentist. Well, most that are normal feel that way, I guess. Anyways, my nerves took the best of me. (This part of the blog serves no point, other than to see if you are still reading.) After throwing up near my car (again, I was nervous), I was ready for my teeth to be cleaned. I felt bad for the new girl that was responsible for my teeth. Her first job out of college, and she was dealing with a guy with a serious gag reflex. After an hour, my teeth were cleaned and I was able to share the Gospel with her. Please pray for her today.

Ok, back to my original point. After leaving the dentist and grocery store, I got a call from...my mentor! He was ACROSS the street from the office! I was blown away. Here was the man that I served under for almost 2 years in Murray, KY; in Acworth, GA for a quick stop. Boyd Smith discipled me for a few years. I would argue that he still is. I love that man. We had a great lunch fellowship before he headed back to Murray.

My point? I love His glory. This morning, He allowed me to love and minister to a student that I love...only to be ministered to later by my youth ministry mentor. Our God is glorious. He is sovereign and active in His creation. He reigns supreme. His Gospel is glorious. His Son is the vine that gives us life (John 15). His Spirit gives us a voice in His presence (Romans 8:26). I'm so blessed that today, I was able to experience His love, and love for others.

Read Matthew 22:36-40 today. Do you love the Lord? Are you amazed by His blazing glory? Do you praise Him for saving you from His just wrath? Apart from the blood of His Son clothing you with mandatory perfection to enter His presence, you will face the penalty for breaking His law (Again, read James 2:10, Romans 3:23, 6:23, John 3:36). I pray you will experience the lavishing love from the God of this world that made the rhythm of your heartbeat. Love others today. Invest and sacrifice for others. Don't worship the god of yourself. Read Philippians 2, and follow suit.

It was so worth waking up at 6am. What a glorious day. I love His glory. I'm glad my teeth are clean and my stomach has food in it. I'm glad that I invested in a student, and then was the recipient of the investment of another. How was your day?

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

An Old Friend

This past Sunday afternoon, I got out my French horn and played with my church orchestra. It was like being reacquainted with an old friend. During that hour of playing, my soul was refreshed. As a church staff member, my Sundays tend to be full of responsibilities and leadership. There are days in which my soul is in need of rest like David in Psalm 62:1. In God's infinite grace, He relieved a busy day with a sweet hour of revived friendship.

I started to play the French horn in the 6th grade. The first time my eyes took notice of the horn, I was drawn to it. I enjoyed all the curves and how it looked so different than all the other brass instruments. I started playing it in the 6th grade, and carried it in my heart for 11 years to follow. Yesterday, I picked it up and embraced the beauty of an instrument that gave me such musical comfort over the years.

Yesterday, I felt like the Psalmist in Psalm 150...praising God with the horn. Yesterday, the grace of my Sovereign Lord led me to pick up an old friend and continue years of praising Him with the melody of His instrument. I wonder if He had joy like I had? I wonder if He looked at me; an instrument of His symphony, playing for His infinite glory? The music was refreshing. The old friend was much needed.

The horn is sitting next to my office desk right now. I'm grateful for the gift I have, from the Father, in playing it. Like Jubal, the chosen originator of God's music (Genesis 4:21), I'm grateful that for an hour yesterday, my mind was on playing an instrument for the glory of my Lord.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

living Psalm 105

Take just a moment and read Psalm 105. If you don't have a Bible near you, go to Biblegateway.com and use theirs. I'll wait.


Genuine worship and adoration toward God comes from the awareness of His historical faithfulness. One doesn't need to sit around and think of reasons to worship God if the Scriptures are studied. Sometimes we experience seasons of our lives that produce difficult obstacles that prevent our adoration of God. Friend, if that season consumes you today, open up to Psalm 105 and allow the words to refresh you to the perfect providence of our Maker. In this rich Psalm, the writer gives us a shout of praise toward the God that led the Israelites in their history. Trust me; their history was far from perfect. Difficult seasons consumed them as they do us. However, in moments like Psalm 105, we see a beautiful choir of remembrance assembled for the Holy God. They praise Him for His deliverance from captivity and for His daily provision.

Sin blinds adoration. We could easily be consumed with sin to the point that His rich history doesn't capture our attention anymore. This tendency leads many church goers to live as lukewarm followers. Jesus warned us about this complacency. It doesn't matter what season you are in, fall on your knees today, read Psalm 105 and remember that the days are His. He was faithful in the past...and He will be faithful in the future. One day, as Revelation 7:17 teaches us, every tear will be wiped away. One day, we will get to immerse ourselves in an eternal bond of joy such as the Psalm 105 folks had. Why not trust that He will remove the obstacles of our praise today so we can enjoy Psalm 105? Why not remember His faithfulness in the past. He gave you life today. Start there. He was faithful to give you the ability to read the words I'm typing. Start there. Praise Him for His faithfulness. Follow Him in faithfulness. Treasure His Son. Enjoy His Spirit.

-living Psalm 105 today.

Am I crazy for singing Christmas songs in October?

It's October, and I'm singing Christmas songs in my office. Is that wrong? Why would some think that is weird or strange? For years, I placed Christmas music in a storage spot in my heart until December arrived. I never thought of the songs or even the premise of them until we sang them in church. Back in August, I was privileged to listen to a live T.V. taping of Chris Tomlin's Christmas album that has already arrived. During that evening, my soul was swept away with songs that celebrated the arrival of the promised Messiah. It was tough to go to bed that night, for it was 90 degrees...and I wanted Christmas. If you haven't purchased his new Christmas album, you need to. It is deeply worshipful and Christ-centered.

This morning, I arrived to my office, lit a candle, got a cup of coffee, and listened to the Christmas album. Song after song celebrated and worshiped the God of this world for His grace found in a manger. Several thoughts came to my mind as I was listening. Only one thought made sense. This thought, if you permit me, I'd like to share with you.

Thought: Could we incorporate Christmas music into our church worship gatherings?

Reason: Christmas music highlights (at least, Biblical Christmas music) the arrival of the Promised Savior. When we gather on Sunday mornings, we gather because of the celebration of the Lord's Day. The early church began worshipping on Sundays out of remembrance and joy for the empty tomb (read John 20 to get the whole scene). When we gather, we normally and sadly sing songs for ourselves...or for parts of God's character. When Easter arrives, we sing songs only focusing on the cross. I would submit to you the necessity to sing and boast in the cross every Sunday...not just during Easter season. On the same note, I would propose the idea that we should take the stance for Christmas music as well! If we celebrate ONLY His victory over death and resurrection...do we miss some joy in leaving out the arrival of God's faithfulness? He was born. HE ARRIVED. 400 years of a mysterious gap...and then BOOM, the Savior gloriously arrives in the world! However, to only sing of this foundational joy in 1 month of the year, we could lose the sweet aroma of God's faithfulness. If we are to savor the supreme worth of Christ as a church (This is the bedrock of John Piper's theology), then it would make sense to incorporate songs of His arrival WITH songs of His departure to glory.

Just something to think about today. I may be strange or crazy...but I'm going to sing Christmas songs today. HE ARRIVED. HALLELUJAH! Let's rejoice and sing of God's faithfulness together. I close with one of my favorite hymns of this glorious truth. Enjoy.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing - written by Charles Wesley

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Preaching Renewal

This morning, I finished Tony Merida's new book, Faithful Preaching. If you have a passion to preach or hear good preaching, you need to read it. After reading the last chapter on great preachers from the past, it led me to think about our current state of preaching. Do you attend a church that has great preaching? What defines great preaching? Perhaps some would define great preaching as the following:



1. Powerful Delivery

2. Creative illustrations

3. Organized thoughts

4. Challenging points

5. Practical guide to living

6. Emotional tug of heart

7. Amazing knowledge of current topics

8. Good use of media arts

9. Structured thoughts

10. Alluring and attracting themes



I wonder if we would look at great preaching with those above in mind...mixed in with sound doctrine? I've been challenged lately to preach the Gospel with every message. It's the best way to preach! For example, last night I preached a message about the life of Joseph to my middle school students. We looked at Genesis 37 and connected it to James 1 and Matthew 5. These powerful passages combined, pointed us to the cross. God's provision for Joseph, reminds us of His provision for us in the cross of Jesus; which gives us hope in suffering (James 1:2), and blessed joy in persecution (Matthew 5:10). The message was centered on repentance, faith, and joy in God's eternal provision.

I'm not a great preacher. In fact, I'm not that good at all. All I know is the Word is alive, real, and fully relevant for each day. Sinners must repent and confess Jesus as Lord. Why can't more preachers give messages centered on that foundation? I really don't know how to teach someone how to be better with their jobs or finances. I'm clueless with relationship advice. I'm lost with practical steps in improving health. I really can't preach any topical messages, because I'm tempted and drawn away from the eternal Word. However, when the Word is opened (2 Timothy 2:15), and revealed (2 Timothy 4:3), than all authority and validity is exposed to the eternal reign of Jesus (Isaiah 55:11).

I'm renewed daily by the Word. I hope any message I preach will expose the unsearchable riches of Christ, my King. I hope your church (if you attend one) has biblical preaching. I hope you will surround yourself with biblical preaching. It is such a treasure. Away from my own church, here are some preachers I listen to weekly:

1. David Platt
2. Mark Driscoll
3. Tony Merida
4. C.J. Mahaney
(All sermons above are available for free on iTunes)

These 4 men really handle the Word! Enjoy this beautiful gift. Have a great weekend ahead.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

Crazy Georgia Lady

Yesterday, as Brooke and I were heading to lunch, we noticed a lady in the middle of the street. Her car was parked with the emergency brakes on, in the other lane. I was a bit confused and concerned, to say the least. As I slowly approached her, I noticed she was bending over to pick up something on the road. My first thought was, "Oh no, there is a dead puppy...or cat." As we got a closer view, we discovered what she was risking her life to pick up; a University of Georgia flag.

I live in the south. In my culture, I've observed many people worship the god of college football. Now, before you send a response in anger toward me, please read to the end. Mark Driscoll defined idolatry in a great and biblical fashion last week on ABC. It's worth the 7 minutes to watch the interview. I believe the show was nightline...but you may want to Google it to make sure. Idolatry is simply anything we place as the object of our worship, apart from God. Years ago, I had to repent and confess of my love for baseball. I do enjoy the game still, but it doesn't hold mastery over my attention as it once did.

After a morning of corporate worship, I witnessed a lady place her life on the line, simply just to pick up a flag of her favorite team. It was indeed a tragedy. It brought several passages of Scripture to mind. Please permit me to share them with you:


"Whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things." Philippians 3:19

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." Matthew 6:24

"Little children, guard yourselves from idols." 1 John 5:21

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?" Mark 8:36

"Their idols are silver and gold, The work of man's hands." Psalm 115:4

These are some of many passages of Scripture that came to mind. I hurt for people, like this lady, that waste their life on idols that lead to destruction. You can have a hobby in college football, but don't let it run you. You can enjoy playing golf, but don't desire that above the God of this World. You can enjoy the pleasures of this world, because of the infinite pleasure you have in God. Watch college football. Watch baseball. Enjoy life, but please don't allow your enjoyment become the very idolatry that our God hates. Close out this reading by taking a glance over Philippians 3.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

Psalm 95

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,a
as you did that day at Massahb in the desert,
where your fathers tested and tried me,
though they had seen what I did.
For forty years I was angry with that generation;
I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray,
and they have not known my ways.”
So I declared on oath in my anger,
“They shall never enter my rest."

Psalm 95


Why do you sing songs of worship? Why do you wake up and join other believers in corporate worship gatherings each week? Think about how you would answer those two questions. After you give me your answer, read Psalm 95. It's just 11 verses...shouldn't take you long.

This powerful Psalm hits at the core of our worship gatherings. So much of this Psalm centers on the provision the Sovereign Lord gave to the Israelites in their wanderings. So much of this Psalm reminds us of His refreshing provision in our lives daily. We don't have to stretch ourselves thin to think about, "waters of Meribah" in our own lives (read Exodus 17). We have genuine worship and adoration in our souls simply by our true understanding of His nature. This Psalm gives us a few of His wonderful and indescribable attributes. Look at them with me:

1. Rock of our Salvation v.1
2. King above all gods v.3
3. Hand holds the foundation of the earth v.4
4. Formation of dry land was His work v.5
5. Our Maker! v.6
6. Our Shepherd v.7
7. His justice over sin v.8-11

These are just some of many! We gather to worship God...for who God is. Come, let us worship Him together today. Let us worship Him for the glory of HIs nature and for the grace He has given us to change ours. Once we had a fallen and sinful nature...but thru the gift of Jesus; the rock of our salvation, we given the sweet gift of gazing in His pasture. Don't worship in just selfish routine or necessity. Worship Him for what you know of Him. Don't know much, you may think? Open His Word and read. Make His attributes a divine priority to study and adore. I'll see you Sunday, friends.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

Downpour

I recently picked up a book titled, "Downpour" by James Macdonald. This book was no mere accident or coincidence. Around a year ago, one of my fellow staff members at my church went through this study. During that time, he experienced a time of refreshment and joy. Where did that joy come from? How was he refreshed? Those questions led my curiosity to pick up the book and read it. Friend, this is a must read for anyone that wants help in obeying and living out the Scriptures.

The book led me on a journey last week that brought such everlasting joy that my soul could not even imagine. For many months and even years, I neglected the direction of the Spirit to obey certain passages. Matthew 18:15-18 was the major passage that dealt directly with my sin...unresolved tension and hurt toward another. Last week, by God's irresistible grace, I was rewarded the gift of His reconciliation as I practiced what Matthew 18 commands. After 3 separate talks/meetings, the 3 individuals that were once separated from me by a prideful wall were drawn closer to me with sweet humble forgiveness. It's hard to go to someone for the purpose of reconciliation. In fact, I would dare to say...nobody wants to do it. I'm ashamed that there are many...perhaps some in leadership, that are ignoring this command. Friend, stop right now and read Matthew 18. Pray for a downpour of the Spirit to lead you to peace and restoration with anyone that you have wronged, or for anyone that has wronged you.

Another downpour in my life came from reading 1 John 1. We are commanded to live our lives in daily confession/repentance. Are you doing this? It's not easy either! A sweet time of worship for me is to seek the Spirit's Crucifixion over my sin and to allow the death I have experienced in Christ to ignite my life in Him to radiate His glory. It's very hard to lead, preach, and teach, without practicing the joy of daily confession/repentance. It's needed. It's commissioned. Don't be satisfied with a prayer in your lifetime to cover all...that will reveal to you the true condition of your heart! (Matthew 6:21).

Jesus came 2,000 years ago, to die an embarrassing and humbling 6 hour death...for the daily sins I seek forgiveness for daily. He died not for my happiness, pleasure, or dominion. He died, out of obedience to His Father, for the ushering of our perfect righteousness, so one day; our tired bodies will experience the everlasting pouring of God's glory. Friend, have you repented (to turn away from breaking God's law, and turning to Jesus who bled for your sins), and confessed Jesus as Lord? Experience a downpour today. Enjoy the gift of His eternal presence in life. Seek Him daily as the deer sought for some water (Psalm 42), or the Psalmist sought for his hunger to be satisfied (Psalm 34).

Churches need a downpour of revival. It will come when pride is eliminated, Scripture is obeyed, and love toward God first, and man second, is truly applied. May God grant us grace today to do what He has called us to do.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Faith renewal

Do you have faith? What is faith? I mean really, do we live by faith? My life has experienced a few trials this past week in which faith has been a word that has conquered my soul. The Word of God challenges us to live by faith (Romans 1:17, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 10:38), but do we really do this? I struggle. In all areas, am I constantly giving my full reliance and trust in the sovereign God of this world?

Last weekend, I attended a wonderful conference with a few friends. While coming home from the conference, I received a call that my 5 month old pregnant wife was in a car accident with a friend. I was scared. My wife's phone was dead, so I couldn't talk to her. Thankfully, her friend was kind enough to allow Brooke to call me with her phone. By God's amazing grace, the accident didn't harm the baby. Both my wife and her friend were hurt, but only muscle bruising and soreness in the ribs. Please pray for their recovery.

I was scared. Where was my faith then? Did I think about my sovereign Lord, who was in control of it all? For a few moments...I didn't really think about Him. My thoughts were aimed at my wife and child's health. I'm ashamed to say that the song I sing in church ("My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness) was not the song in my heart at that moment. Why? If I have faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness for my sins...why did I panic? Oh, may His Spirit help me to live by faith daily.

My dad had surgery a few days ago. I had faith in the surgeon's hands. By God's grace, my dad was fine. However, I had a few small moments of fear and concern. Perhaps that is ok...but still, my thoughts at those moments weren't on the Savior. Oh, may His Spirit help me to live by faith daily.

I can go on, but I'll stop for now. My short challenge for you today is to live by faith...I mean, really live by faith. Don't just say it. Do it. Enjoy it. Thank God for it, for we have faith only as a gift from Him! (Ephesians 2:9).

My friend just arrived. Got to run.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Dave