The Victory of Forgiveness

So much of my life has been spent with the on-going struggle of forgiveness. If you are like me, it's hard...it's tough to forgive. Have you ever been wronged to the point that forgiveness to that person isn't on the radar? Have you ever seen injustice in such a way that you are convinced forgiveness will never be issued? Take a look with me at the Gospel for just a minute. I pray you can see a glimpse of what has rocked my world today.

"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." - Matthew 6:14-15, ESV

From this powerful passage in the middle of the Sermon on the Mound, I see the beauty of the Gospel. What is the Gospel? The Gospel teaches us that God the Father in His grace has forgiven sinners and has welcomed them into the perfect righteousness of His Son. When you take a deeper look at the Greek word for forgive in this text, you will discover the word aphiemi; which translates, "to throw away, to leave alone, to send off." This is DEEP. This is HUGE. The Gospel teaches us that in our own sinfulness and rebellion, God the Father has rescued us by throwing His just wrath off of us and onto the cross of His Son. It goes far beyond words. It goes far beyond, "I'm sorry" or, "I'll never do that again." 1 John 1:9 can offer more joy in that truth. Get the picture? Forgiveness is defined by the Gospel.

With that...let's return to our dilemma. If you are like me, there are people in my life that I struggle to forgive. Left up to my own actions, I won't forgive them. Left up to the Gospel, forgiveness to others offers the genuine definition of God's love for sinners. Take a few minutes today and think about someone in your life that you are struggling to forgive. Got that person in mind? What should you do next? Think about the Gospel. Think about the definition of forgiveness. Are you willing to first look at your own fallen state and what God has done for you? Now, are you willing to throw off your own perceived right to show your own justice to that person? We are not God. He is just. We aren't. Forgive by throwing off your right to get even. Forgive by hurling off your temptation to speak ugly. Forgive by sending off your anger with intercession prayer. Forgive by walking in His Gospel today.

I have found forgiveness today only by what God has done, not by what I've attempted to do. What a victory.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Dave

I'm praying for you...and I really will

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people" - 1 Timothy 2:1, ESV

Have you ever promised someone that you would pray for him or her? Have you failed in that promise? It seems the honest thing we should do as followers of Jesus is to either fulfill our commitment in intercession prayer or not make the promise to begin with. For example, what if when someone asked for prayer, we replied with, "I really hurt for you, but I since I won't remember your request, I can't promise you I will pray." What a horrible thing to say in church! Well, at least it’s honest. You see, we tend to treat prayer like a passing gesture instead of a divine privilege. May this blog post today encourage you to pray...and really pray.

Paul wrote this verse with great passion to his young friend in regards to biblical worship. 1 Timothy 2 is immersed with a Spirit-led guideline for worship. It should come to us at no surprise that prayer begins the section. Without pure and honest prayer, how can we truly worship? How can we believe and trust in the greatness of God if we refuse to speak to Him? Friend, we have a divine privilege each day to enter into His presence through Christ, our Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). I believe it's time we quit treating prayer like a nice comment or gesture and handle it with graceful privilege. As the bride of Christ, let us pray for one another with sweet intercession. May our prayers for our leaders not be for our selfish conclusions but rather God's sovereign plans. May our promises to pray for others not be forgotten.

Why did I write on this today? Well, last night after the Wednesday night movie time with my students, I walked into the student center to grab a bottle of water. As I was walking into the room, some students were circled together near the stage. My intern was on the stage with a mic in his hand praying. I grabbed the bottle of water quietly and proceeded to the door. Right before my hand touched the door, I heard my name lifted up in prayer. I stood near the door for almost a minute as my dear friend prayed for me. The sweet intercession brought sweet peace to my soul as I drove home after a long day at the church.

I was prayed for that night.

Pray. Pray for someone today. Make a promise to pray for someone else...and really do it.

Dancing in the bath

I just finished helping Brooke with Eden's bath. Giving her a bath to end the day is a treasure. Her beautiful blue eyes light up like a Roman Candle as soon as she touches the warm soapy water. She often giggles as we sing to her songs involving the bath experience. At the conclusion of each bath, Eden dances. She stomps her feet in the soapy water and smiles in artistic fashion as the water splashes over the sink. We laugh. We enjoy the moment. The last thing on my mind is to clean the dance. Well, I think of it after the girls leave me with bathroom cleanup. During the moment, it is a treasure.

In 2 Samuel 6:16-23, King David danced with unceasing joy as the ark of the Lord was brought into the city. He couldn't help but dance in the presence of the Lord. His joy was contagious. We need more people with joy like this. We need more bath dancers. Sometimes, we get so boggled down with the trivial and less concerned with the joyful privileges. I sometimes find myself in the shows of Michal. Her prideful, legalistic, and self-centered life was offended by the celebration of the King. She was more concerned with the opinions of the important people in that day. We tend to become like Michal. We want a religious routine without the dance. We want the controlled rather than the freedom.

Seeing Eden dance in the bath tonight brought a gentle note to the score of worship in my soul. I want to live my life with such joy that each step I take in the presence of the Lord is like a baby dancing in the bathtub.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

Where is the Love?

The title may be only connected to a song by the Black Eyed Peas. Beyond that, take the title to an application of 1 John 2:7-11. Inside the children of the Living God...where is the love? With that simple question, take a few moments and read 1 John 2:7-11.

"Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes." - 1 John 2:7-11, ESV

Last night, I challenged my students to look at LOVE from 1 John in 3 ways. For the sake of this post, we are going to quickly examine those ways.

1. Loving others is Biblical. Looking at verse 7, you can't help but see the beauty of the Old Testament. We love others...because it is commanded in the Word. Love is Biblical. Beyond being an emotional drive that many believers share...it is a command. For example, we see love between brothers in Genesis 45:15 as Joseph showed humble forgiveness to his wicked family. God's love was clearly displayed that day as the second highest in command offered undeserved love. In 1 Samuel 20:17-42, Jonathan loved David. This brotherly love was unique for Jonathan had every reason in the world to remain bitter against the one that would take the throne that all paperwork would claim was his. Finally, in Psalm 133:1-2, we see how beautiful it is when brothers...when the CHURCH shows love to one another. This must come from leadership first. Leaders...where is the love?

2. Loving others reflects Christ. In verse 8, we see that IN HIM, the commandment is new. In Christ, we are radically challenged to love in a way that His grace is offered. John writes, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." (John 13:34). How can we reflect Christ? Beyond just preaching His great Gospel, we must live and love with His great Gospel. Are you reflecting the love of Christ? Are you showing His Gospel? Are you loving others in a way that you are showing them the darkness of their sin? Are you walking in the light in such a way that you daily acknowledge your own sinfulness and grace beyond measure? In reflecting Christ...where is the love?

3. Loving others shows genuine salvation. Finally, in verses 9-11, we see the fat challenge in the text. Hating others negates the love that we claim we have in our souls. How do we hate others? Gossip, slander, neglecting needs, neglecting the Gospel, failing His commands...comes from a lack of love. It's interesting to note that in the Greek, the idea for "stumbling" comes from the word skandalon, which literally translates, "a stick for bait, a snare, an offense." Some of the most common excuses I've heard in students not wanting to be in the church are centered around the treatment received from believers. Friend, we must knock down the walls of religious comforts and open the door for the Gospel. We must display love to the world in order to reflect the validity of the Gospel practically lived out in our lives. May we love with the Gospel. May we live in the Gospel. I like what John Ortberg writes, "Living in grace, remembering grace, keeps love alive. But losing touch with grace, forgetting that I am loved because God is a gracious God, is a love-killer." Where is the love?

I close with a song I played for my students last night.

By Our Love - Christy Nockels

Brothers, let us come together
Walking in the Spirit, there's much to be done...
We will come reaching, out from our comforts
And they will know us by our love...

Sisters, we were made for kindness
We can pierce the darkness as He shines through us...
We will come reaching, with a song of healing...
And they will know us by our love!

The time is now
Come Church arise...
Love with His hands
See with His eyes...
Bind it around you,
Let it never leave you,
And they will know us by our love...

Children, You are hope for justice,
Stand firm in the Truth now, set your hearts above
You will be reaching, long after we’re gone,
And they will know you by your love!

Where is the Love?

Soli Deo Gloria!

Imperfect striving for the Perfect

We are imperfect people. Looking through the Scriptures, I see passages that challenge us to strive for perfection. For example, in Matthew 5:48, the writer challenges us with, "You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." When you take a glance at this verse, it should automatically eliminate the tendency to say rubbish like, "I'm not perfect, I'm just forgiven." I hear many believers say that and it makes me sick to my stomach. We should never make excuses for our complacent faith and worldly conformity with placing between us the factor of forgiveness. How can we express biblical forgiveness if we don't walk in the LIGHT of that forgiveness? (1 John 1:7).

With that being said, we are imperfect people striving for perfection. Paul writes, "but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away."(1 Corinthians 13:10). This verse comes to us after a rich overview of various Spiritual gifts and the core of love in the body. Imperfection can be seen within the limitation of various giftedness. A perfect body of perfect believers would have perfect gifting for a perfect result. Let's face it, we aren't perfect. I work with a staff made up of various gifts. One staff member is a details person. This person will want details and answers to many questions. Another staff member is more laid back and goes with the flow of the day. One staff member has great people skills while another could work all day with contact with a person. Some can serve. Some can teach. We are all imperfect sinners saved by the matchless grace of Jesus. However, what makes the days more exciting is to strive and anticipate the Perfect. What brings unity to the church is the acknowledgment of the imperfect and the desperation for the Perfect. When the Perfect comes, there will be no need for spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts bring about the global mission of God. One day, when we receive the Perfect presence of His everlasting joy, we won't need to bring about His mission...because His mission will be complete.

When we come to the other side of glory, we will worship the Perfect One. We will be in His Perfect presence for all of eternity. Let us not live today with imperfect complacency but rather joyful anticipation for His presence.

Soli Deo Gloria!

What does God see?

What does God aspire in you? In other words, what do you believe is something He desires in His children? I've wrestled with this question this week. I know He longs for worshippers to be centered on Him. I know He longs for His children to crave His Word. I know He longs for followers to preach the Gospel of His Son to all nations. I know He longs for us to walk in His Spirit and not by our fallen flesh. With that being said, would there be another area He aspires? I see a powerful truth in Isaiah 66:2 that we must digest. Take a moment and chew on this verse.

"All these things my hand has made,
and so all these things came to be,
declares the Lord.
But this is the one to whom I will look:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit
and trembles at my word. " - ESV

For the sake of this post, we are going to camp out on the last half of the verse. God aspires, God LOOKS to those that are: humble, contrite, and tremble at His Word. This is rich. How are we reflecting that in our own lives? How are we showing humility? How are we contrite? How are we trembling at His Word? For the remainder of this post, let's look at these three categories separately.

1. Humble. God looks to those that are humble. Literally, those that acknowledge that they are poor and afflicted...and are in desperate need for His daily grace. If we were to live in such a way that we recognize our fallen nature and need for His divine favor, it would radically change the way we live. This truth hits me like an 18 wheeler. How can I live with humility? How can I not look to the faults of others and overlook my own? Humility places us in such a place that we are far more dependant on Him and less dependant on our own fallen state.

2. Contrite. God looks to those that are contrite. What does that exactly mean? Literally, those that are stricken. This connects us to humility. We are stricken daily in this fallen world. Looking at a "conservative" news website that many Christians favor led me to a contrite spirit. I'm not a political person. Some of my brothers seem to be driven by politics like teenage girls obsessed with Justin Beiber. Being contrite in Spirit literally can be in our stricken awareness of the depravity around us and our desperation for God to rescue. Do we live with that kind of urgency?

3. Trembling at His Word. God looks to those that are trembling at His Word. Literally, those that find fear and reverence in His Word. This attitude comes from a heart of meditation and an intentional desire to daily know Him more. I find that the only way I can know Him more is to study His perfect Word. This involves humility, because I come across passages almost weekly that destroy my way of thinking. I long for the day that the church and her leaders will tremble at His Word more than their personal agenda. How important is His Word to you?

In your life, what does God see?

Some thoughts to offer you on this quiet Friday morning in my office. Have a great weekend ahead.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

And Your Praise Goes On....

Last night, I had the joy of praising my Lord and my God with my CrossPoint students. The night began in similar fashion. We met at the same time, in the same room, for the same purpose; corporate worship. We had an announcement video, a few songs, a message, and a response song. When I looked at my watch, the time was about 7:30pm when the "program" was over. I'm not a big fan of that word, but that is what Wednesday nights can tend to be. When we dismissed the students to go home, some stayed. Instead of talking and socializing, they stayed to continue worshipping. The Praise continued well after the "program" was over.

His praise continues. Last night, I saw a dozen students stay in the worship center, in their own separated spots, worshipping their Savior. Without a spotlight on themselves, they worshipped without shame. The praise continued well after the program was over. Song after song was played in the room as the students responded with great joy in the presence of their Lord. The praise continued well after the program was over. Seeing many of their facebook statuses when they got home...I saw more praise. His praise continues.

Psalm 150

Praise the LORD.^a

Praise God in his sanctuary;

praise him in his mighty heavens.

2Praise him for his acts of power;

praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,

praise him with the harp and lyre,

4praise him with tambourine and dancing,

praise him with the strings and flute,

5praise him with the clash of cymbals,

praise him with resounding cymbals.

6Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD.

Don't wait for programmed time to praise your Lord and your God. His praise continues. Even when we don't have a song to sing, His praise continues. Even if we don't have a sermon preached, His praise continues. Even if we don't have a scheduled time to join together, His praise continues. I find this song by Chris Rice most helpful. Read it and may the praise in your heart continue...

The moon is high and the sunset fades
The lullabies have all been sung
We’re tuckin’ in another day
And stars appear now one by one
But the stillness moves and the silence yields
And not a single beat is lost
You can hear the chorus in the fields

Taking up where we left off
And Your praise goes on, rising to Your throne
Where You guard us while we dream
Past the stars they fly, Your praises fill the sky
‘Til You wake us with the dawn
And Your praise goes on

Now bring your warmth, O morning sun
Chase the stars and the moon away
And wake us with your brightest song
And add our voice to your refrain
Now rise up everything that lives!
Flap your wings and leap for joy!
Oh forest lift your arms and sway!
Clap your hands you ocean waves!

And Your praise goes on, rising to Your throne
Where You bless our toil and play
Through the clouds they rise, Your praises fill the skies
‘Til the setting of the sun
And Your praise goes on
And when my final breath You lend
I’ll thank You for the life You gave
But that won’t mean the praises end
‘Cause I won’t be silenced by the grave!

And Your praise goes on
I’ll be runnin’ to Your throne
With every nation, tribe and tongue
To Your arms I’ll fly
I’ll gaze into Your eyes
Then I’ll know as I am known
And Your praise goes on
And Your praise goes on
And Your praise goes on

Allegiance...to whom?

I'm typing these words on the day of my nation's Independence. This day will consist of families coming together, friends investing in one another, plenty of food, live music, and the culmination that everyone waits for...FIREWORKS. It's a fun day. I enjoy these days. However, in the midst of all the celebrating, I fear the tendency we all have in forgetting what the day is about. Do we honestly think about our forefathers who fought against the British in order to preserve for us a separate nation? Do we honestly think about the victory that was won in order for us to have freedom? I'm not convinced many of us think about that when we go about in our celebrating. I admit, I don't think about it much...and I should. I'm not what you would call a "Proud American," because, I see my country in desperate need for repentance and salvation. However, I am drawn to the conclusion that this day should prompt believers to look ultimately at the sacrifice our Savior bore on the cross in order for us to celebrate daily the liberation we have in Christ!

For just a moment, look over Hebrews 13. If you don't have a Bible with you, I encourage you to check out http://www.biblos.com/. That site will give you Scriptures...in many translations with helpful explanations. Go ahead and read, I'll wait.

How important is this day to you? How important is this day in other countries? How important is each day that the Lord has made? Is Christ the center of them all? One verse that jumps out at me in Hebrews 13 is found in verse 8 when the writer declares, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." I love this rich verse! Each day offers us a time of celebration over the joy of His conquering sin and death for the freedom we have to enter the presence of His Father. We don't really have to wait on day a year...or even a day a week to celebrate that truth. Jesus Christ is the SAME. In other words, He is unchanging. He never fails. He never disappoints.

My country seems to change alot. We change leaders. We change laws. We change the way we think and view certain issues. There is no consistency. In the midst of my personal frustration, I see a need to find all my allegiance in the ONE who is the SAME...today...and the infinite days to come. I see the joy in the fact that above my country being freed from the hold of Britain, my Savior freed ALL NATIONS to be free from the captivity of sin. I'm sure you saw verses in Hebrews 13 that jumped out at you. 2 issues that rob America are found in that chapter; sexual immorality (v.4) and the love of money (v.5). We have a free nation...but I would argue that we are still in slavery to those sins. The only remedy is found at the cross. Want a release from sexual sins? Find allegiance in Christ alone. Want a release from the worship of money? Find allegiance in Christ alone. This nation can't help you in your problem with sin. Only Christ can help, because only Christ has made the sacrifice needed in order to have freedom.

Allegiance..to whom? Join me today as I pray for my country in hopes that she will see the need for the Savior and rejoice in the freedom that He alone sacrificed to give.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

The Center of our Response

As a church, how can we genuinely and practically respond to the Gospel? When we read of the steadfast love of our Father who sent His Son to save sinners...what should our response be? When we digest the truth that we went from being objects of His wrath to adoption into His family...how can we respond? The center of our response can be found in 1 Peter 3:8.

"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind." - 1 Peter 3:8, ESV

I love this verse! This morning, it about knocked me out of my quiet time chair. How can a church function with unity, love, tenderness, and humility? The Gospel. The center of our response to the Gospel is understanding our daily need for His grace and relaying that need to others. I often times fall into the trap of my own pride which allows me to think that my steps are important, my words matter, and my leadership counts. Pride can swallow us up...which will take away the response the Gospel deserves. I've seen leadership so swallowed up in pride that sin isn't recognized...and disguised by the errors of others. The center of fallen man's response is his own hopeless determination. The center of our response to His Gospel must be in the words that Peter penned for our benefit.

What is the center of your response daily to His Gospel? Do you ignore it? Do you take it for granted? Do you proclaim it? Do you live with joy? Do you forgive others? Do you own up to your own sins? Do you recognize your desperate need for His presence? May the center of our response be like 1 Peter 3:8. Even in the context of suffering as this text is located in...may in all seasons we celebrate the Gospel of our Lord.

I believe this genuine response will show the validity of our faith and our passion for His Gospel.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

The Gospel according to...cell phones

This morning, I had the joy of preaching the Gospel to the new 6th grade class at CrossPoint church. I always love having opportunities to share the good news of my redemption to others. In this particular morning, I shared a story about my past that led to this blog post.

Before I share my story about cell phones, I want to share a quick story with you. After my first year of faithful service to my first church...I received a cell phone...and $300. What a blessing. OK, now for the longer story.

Cell phones have become the RAVE these days. In 2001, I got my first cell phone. My first church that I served in student ministry gave me a phone to use for "student ministry purposes." I looked at the phone as a gift from above. The phone was my driving joy each day. I'd call people simply to tell them that I had a cell phone. It was great.

With my new cell phone came a book that held all the rules and guidelines to the phone. As an idiot, I threw the book in the backseat of my car and went about my frenzy of calls. During this time, I had a long distance relationship with a girl named...well, I forgot. All I remember is that it lasted 2 weeks. Anyways, we talked at night on the phone. We talked alot. A month later, I received my first bill. The bill was $300!! I was dumbfounded. I refused to read the manual and had a fine to pay as a result. In the grace of the church...the payment was made in advance.

Take just a minute and chew on Romans 3:23-26. In this rich text, we see that the love of Father went BEFORE us to redeem us at the atoning expense of His only Son. Our salvation was sealed before we were born through the eternal riches of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7). We are saved, not by anything we have done...but by ALL that He has done for us...before us. The payment was made before the fine hit for our lives today. What grace.

Looking at my cell phone today, I'm reminded of what happened years ago. I broke the manual. I refused to live by the standards of my God. In His grace, He sent Jesus to suffer in my place. Just like the garden (Genesis 3:1-21)...Jesus paid it all.

I abide by my cell phone guidelines now after what happened in college. As a redeemed child of God, I strive to abide by His standards...perfectly accomplished in the Living Vine; Jesus Christ, my Savior and my Lord (John 15).

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

RED LETTERS...not man's letters

I just returned a few days ago from an incredible weekend with my High School students at CrossPoint. The focus for the weekend camp was THE RED LETTERS. When you look at the New Testament Scriptures, you will see the words Jesus spoke in red. This has always signified the grace and love He poured on the cross with His own blood. I was raised in a glorious home in which every time the RED LETTERS appeared...I automatically saw Jesus. It seems in most churches and ministries, the RED LETTERS have been replaced by man's letters. Please permit me to explain.

Mark 10:35-40 reveals to us the sinful desire for James and John to have their own letters next to the RED LETTERS of Jesus. In other words, they wanted the high position of worthy standing next to Jesus. What was the motive? I'm not fully sure what the motive was...but I do see much of it in today's society. We trust in the blogs, notes, leadership, direction, encouragement, guidance, and wisdom of man...and neglect to live under the joy of the Gospel. The way Jesus responded to this request should prompt us to live under His RED LETTERS.

Mark 10:45 served as our main verse for one of the three sessions this past weekend. In this verse, Jesus said, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." The RED LETTERS, the Gospel of our Lord can be clearly defined in this singular verse. We are ransomed by the grace of our Almighty God, paid for in full on the cross. It's not that we exist to do great things for Him. I believe He does great things in us...for Himself. It's not selfish. It's glorious. Who can compare to Him? He has no rival outside of His Triune nature. The RED LETTERS should spark in us the joy that in our sinful living and our selfish motives...our Savior ransomed us to receive the beautiful grace of His righteousness. In other words, we receive the undeserved favor of receiving the rightful standing needed in order to enter glory for all eternity. With that being said...what letters do we have to offer?

Some practical ways I've seen man's letters attempt to take the spotlight of the RED LETTERS are in the following.

1. "Your leadership motivates me to be a better Christian." Apart from the RED LETTERS, man cannot possibly lead. We lead only by the RED LETTERS.

2. "Your blog, your notes inspire me every day." Again, the RED LETTERS should give us the inspiration needed daily...for in the RED LETTERS, we are saved.

3. "Your encouragement is ALL I need." Well, encouragement is great (Hebrews 3:13), but we receive eternal encouragement in the Savior that all of Hebrews 3 talks about!

These are some of many practical ways in which man's letters are brought into picture. Friend, I struggle with this. Sometimes in the back of my mind...I wonder, "Was that sermon good?" or, "Am I good at what I do?" I tend to have the temptation almost daily to rely on my letters and not the RED LETTERS of my Savior. Repentance is a must in this area. The joy of His RED LETTERS forgives me when I want my own letters to interfere. He is gracious. He is all worthy of my praise.

May we not lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5) or our own desire to lead (1 Corinthians 1:12); but may we live under the grace of His Gospel; His RED LETTERS.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

Starting RIGHT not RELIGIOUS

This morning, my sweet Eden woke up at 6am. Normally, her wake up time is between 6:45am - 7:45am. I fell for the deception that each morning would carry the same routine. This morning, my routine was thrown off and the ugly monster of my sin of religion came down like softball size hail on my heart. Please allow me to explain.

For the past 8 years, I have blocked out about an hour each morning for much needed devotional time to my Lord. Some days changed, but for the most part the schedule was consistent. My quiet times consist of Scripture reading, praying, journaling, and reading books to help me understand the Word better. I usually drink about a half pot of coffee in that time. This routine started after a challenge by my BFF Jonathan in the summer of 2002. His challenge was to try better consistency with my morning times with the Lord. I'm so glad I took that challenge. I love the mornings.

Well, I've learned as a new father that my desires can often be selfish. Some may argue that having consistent time each morning with the Lord is the main priority of the day. In most ways, I would agree. However, I've noticed that my routine can sometimes be the sin of religion hidden in complacent expectations. If I'm used to having an hour of devotion and then because of unexpected events, that time is shortened, why do I get upset? Why do I believe that time is my time without any interruptions? Why do I get in a bad mood when I'm thrown off my routine? I believe it is because of my sin of religion.

This morning, Eden woke up and changed my routine. I loved it. I walked into her dark room and watched her do her morning dance while making her joyful noises. Her dance consists of kicking her feet in the air and moving her shoulders back and forth. She looked at me with her gorgeous blue eyes and even giggled some. I loved it. I believe the morning started out RIGHT. Instead of rushing her to fall back asleep, I enjoyed the grace of being a father. Instead of stressing out because I didn't have time to write in my journal or read a few chapters in the Word, I enjoyed the blessing of new life waking up to blissful unknowns. Instead of praying for my needs and expectations, I held her in my arms and prayed for the grace of my Lord to one day save her. I started the morning out RIGHT, and praised my Father for the love He placed in my soul in being Eden's father.

Eden fell back asleep and I had about an hour to spend with my Lord. Another lesson learned today. May religion not stick it's ugly head in my soul anymore. May worship not be defined in morning rituals but rather heartfelt devotion to the only One that is mighty to save. May serving my daughter and loving her draw me to sweeter times with my Father in glory.

Psalm 63 really jumps out at me with this post. Take a few minutes and read it. Live in the RIGHT and avoid the RELIGIOUS temptations of the day.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

Jaw is still on the floor

My jaw is still on the floor. That's all I can say still after this past Sunday. Since January, the Holy Spirit has overwhelmed me with joy over the impact of the Young Preachers Society in my church. For the past 5 months, close to 10 different young preachers from high school took the pulpit and proclaimed the excellent Word of our Lord. This past Sunday was the culmination of an excellent adventure. 3 corporate worship services with 3 young preachers from the society. The result? Well, my jaw is still on the floor.

All 3 young preachers had the Word of God marinaded on their souls to where the flavor of His truth was poured out to His church. I didn't hear flashy stories or pointless humor. I didn't hear classless insults or prideful boasting. I didn't see superficial expressions or separated illustrations. What I saw and heard was the gracious voice of my Lord found in His Word with the help from His anointed young preachers. All 3 had the Word memorized and maintained in it's right context. All 3 were excited about their responsibility. All 3 took the pulpit with great humility. All 3 gave glory to the One that defines the Word. All 3 accurately showed the weight of sin and the sufficiency of Christ, the Victor. (All 3 opened my eyes to my first sermon 12 years ago. What a tragedy, that was!)

My jaw is still on the floor. I'm amazed by the power of my Lord. I hope the legacy that I attempted to leave will show my church that I was out preached by 3 guys who are at least a decade behind me. I pray my church will see the treasure of true student ministry; not in games or events, but in the display of the eternal worth of Christ found in the hearts of teenagers. I believe the Young Preachers Society painted that picture brilliantly this past Sunday.

I hope what Paul wrote to Timothy was what I left at Summit; "You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness." 2 Timothy 3:10

My jaw is still on the floor.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Church; Biblical or Clique...ical?

If you have followed me in the past few weeks, you are probably aware that my time at my church is coming to an end. Last night was my final Wednesday night worship time with my students. I'm eternally grateful for the grace my Sovereign Lord has given me to preach His Word for the past 4 1/2 years at Summit. Last night, I challenged my students and adult leaders to think about the church. Are we Biblical...or (brace yourself, I made up this word) Cliqueical? Do we live by the Biblical model of church...or do we enjoy the selfish pleasures of being in a clique with church as its title? Below, I offer you 10 answers to this question. 5 answers will support the Biblical side (with Scripture), and 5 will support the Cliqueical side (without Scripture). These points were delivered last night to my students in our last time of worship together. Acts 2:42-47 will serve as the main text for these notes.

1. The Church is Devoted to the Word: Biblical. Looking at verse 42, you will see a sweet sentence of joy that the early church shared. Luke writes, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." I love this verse. Following Pentecost, the church was zealous toward the meditation and practical application of God's Word. Looking at this verse with a closer lens, you will notice 2 important words; "devoted" and "teaching." The former word can be translated as, "attending constantly," while the ladder word is translated, "doctrine." So, from these words, we can gather the fact that the church was constantly attending to the study and joy of doctrine. This is a beautiful picture of radical obedience and trust in the sufficiency of God's Word. What if we spent our collective energies on constantly attending to the study of God's truth? How would that change our churches? I believe we would see a shift from man-centered ideas to God-centered practice. It's interesting to me that the entire book of Acts is defined with just that; God-Centered, Spirit equipped practice of the advancement of His church.

2. A Clique wants quick solutions: Cliqueical. Above, we see the Biblical church devote time and efforts in constantly attending to the Word of God. A Clique that masquerades behind the church will strive for easy solutions and quick answers to their needs. From my angle, I see cliques very prevalent in church youth groups. A group of 15-20 church kids that devote all their time together will often want answers to questions that fancy their religious curiosity. For example, "How far is too far?" or "Is it OK for me to do this?" I've heard so many questions over the years from students that seem to like their youth group and have popularity as the goal for their age advancement. Cliques want quick solutions. They want to have comfortable answers in order to feel better about themselves. It's time for us to devote to the doctrines of our faith. Our questions need to be centered on areas such as: Who is God? And what is man? And Why the cross?

3. The Church is connected in fellowship: Biblical. Acts 2:42 offers us the vision of the early church; to live in fellowship. This word often gets diluted into the false assumption of eating or hobby sharing. We can go out to a fast food restaurant after a church service and talk about baseball...but does that define fellowship? Biblical churches look at fellowship at its core; to bind together for the goal of the Gospel and the edification of the redeemed. Sharing both joys and sufferings gives us a picture of the sweet definition of fellowship. Looking to Christ as the greatest prize on this earth naturally draws us to enjoy the presence of those that sing the eternal chorus. When churches fail in true fellowship, cliques run the halls and the mission is blurred. May we bind together in love (Colossians 3:12-14) and enjoy the Savior who is the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22).

4. A Clique has a closed circle of fun: Cliqueical. I remember growing up in a church that had a vibrant youth group. I remember the middle school years of rejection and ridicule (I admit, I was a bit annoying). I remember closed circles around me. I also remember being in closed circles. You see, student ministries can often have a few circles of friends that leave walls for those on the outside to only hear the noise from a distance. I still regret the closed circles I embraced at the cost of others' pain. Cliques are closed circles. It's almost like coming to an intersection with no options for any turn. If our churches are full of closed circles of relationships that seek selfish gratification with excluding the Gospel...then our mission is tainted. May the Spirit lead us out of our comfortable circle of friends and reach those that are outside the camp as Hebrews 13:13-14 beautifully challenges.

5. The Church has a great reputation: Biblical. Acts 2:43-44 simply reads, "And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common." This verse jumps off the page at us with the exciting thought that at one time...the church had a great reputation! Looking at verse 43, we can see the response of those outside the camp...they were in AWE! What??!!! Luke is right. The church was living in Biblical soil which gave the sweet fragrance of God's grace to those around. What have we done wrong? From all the programming and useless spending...we have made a system that looks too much at the clique instead of the mission. The Spirit was at work. People responded with awe. Unity was visible. What do we have in common? It's hard to think that the answer to that question could define a clique more than a Biblical church.

6. A Clique gives a bad name: Cliqueical. I remember my days of traveling to churches and serving at various youth retreats. I remember the lasting impression I received from a church while working camp. This church came with obvious divisions. The youth minister's arrogance and attitude revealed some of the source. In just 5 days of camp, if my memory serves me correct, this group had at least 5 conflicts...with only 20 total in the group! Cliques leave bad names. If people walk inside our church doors and see divisions birthed from pride and unrepentant sin...we will give them the memory of a clique. If pastors or other leaders live with pride and unrepentant sin; religious cliques can form. Some cliques will spark disunity with others. Some will try to change things. Some will walk away. What kind of name does your church have in the community?

7. The Church is active in meeting needs: Biblical. Luke writes in Acts 2:45, "And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need." Churches live with the anticipation to meet needs. Our primary need is to reach the lost with the saving Gospel of our Lord. The primary need is defined in love with the physical need of helping others. We should be on the front line with the issues our world is facing today. Children dying from preventable diseases, women abandoned by their abusive husbands, orphans left without hope, elderly forgotten, etc. The early church was known for staying behind during times of great disease in order to assist others. Many died in their efforts of taking care of the sick. They were zealous in the advancement and application of the Gospel. In centuries that have separated us from this verse...what has happened? It seems that mission spending is often put at the bottom priority of the list with the disclaimer of specific restrictions to follow. May we open the doors and show generous Gospel-saturated truth and love to our dying community around us!

8. A Clique wants needs met: Cliqueical. Ok, I said it. Cliques come with a list of needs. We tend to have many high-maintenance folks that attend our churches. As churches exist for meeting needs for the lost...cliques exist for having their needs met. I would argue that having certain needs met in the church is Biblical. Hospital visitations, counseling, intercession ministries, etc. I would argue also that those fall more in line with the Biblical understanding of fellowship. Cliques want their agendas on the table...and applied. They want programming that offers rewards and prizes to satisfy the ego. They want the best any church can offer in order to hide their sin under the umbrella of comfortable acceptance. What has gone wrong? May our only needs me found in the sufficiency of the Savior and His Glorious Gospel!

9. A Clique wants comfortable and ordinary religious routine: Cliqueical. What if we had preaching to start the service with ALL the music to follow? What if we decided to have 1 Sunday in which we didn't gather corporately to worship, but rather focused on mass evangelism? What would happen if we slashed our professional expectation of routine worship and had open time of simple silence? What would happen if we held others accountable for their sins as an act of worship? I can tell you what would happen from the aspect of a clique-run church; rebellion. We tend to like our normal routine of religion. We tend to have uneasy feelings when new changes are brought and people we don't recognize join the church. This has to stop. Cliques like things the way they are...as long as their circle of friends aren't impacted. Churches follow the teachings of Scripture and live with wreck less joy over the glorious unknowns each day brings. Churches read passages like Matthew 6:25-34 and find comfort in the sovereignty of the Lord and not the routine of man's failed leadership.

10. The Church worships and the lost are redeemed: Biblical. Finally, Acts 2:46-47 reveals, "And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." The church simply found Jesus to be the most worthy name to proclaim. The church found radical faith in His teachings...and they actually did them. I truly believe the church had worship as her focus; which led to the salvation of many. When the church finds nothing more satisfying than the adoration of praising God; the lost will see genuine joy and obedience is done as a response to love. Romans 5 will be proclaimed in such a way that the Gospel will be relevant...because the Gospel is lived. The Church worships and the lost are redeemed. The Lord accepts our worship and saves the lost. He receives the honor. He receives the praise. He receives the bride as His token.

So, what is your church: Biblical? or... Clique...ical?

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

A Hidden Splinter

I hate splinters. I hate the way a cool evening barefoot walk on my back porch ends with Brooke helping pick wood out of my skin. I hate it when a splinter gets in my skin and time passes before it can be pulled out. Have you ever noticed that the longer you keep a splinter in, the more it hurts? The longer you wait to remove the splinter, the more dangerous it becomes as it buries itself more into your skin. Splinters must be recognized and removed. If they are ignored, they can cause serious infections and even allergic reactions. Ok, enough of my attempt to teach anything about our bodies...

Pride is like a hidden splinter that grows into thorny branches all over our body. Imagine the pain of a splinter and multiply that to equal branches made of them...all over your skin. That thought should hurt! Pride begins with our attempt to find self-glorification over the worship of our Lord. This can be found in anything from our attempts to being the center of attention, to denial of biblical repentance over known sin, to believing our views and opinions are the only ones that matter, to refusing to accept help with our own depravity. There are more ways to look at pride, but these are some to serve my point in this post. Pride is a hidden splinter that buries into our souls and causes pain like no other. Unlike splinters that we get by wood, glass, plastic, or medal; the splinters of pride impact others. It's almost like once we receive the entrance of our splinter; someone near us receives it as well. Pride rubs off on others in a way that causes disunity, distrust, and division. Churches that crumble often begin the inward explosion by the refusal to see the problem...either from her leaders or members. Both fall into the trap of a hidden splinter; pride.

I like how CJ Mahaney writes on this subject. In his great book Humility: True Greatness, he writes, "Pride takes innumerable forms but has only one end; self-glorification. That's the motive and ultimate purpose of pride - to rob God of legitimate glory and to pursue self-glorification, contending for supremacy with Him." (Mahaney, 32). That's the hidden splinter! We can respond to the sin and pain of pride by ignoring its reality...but the longer we tally, the worst affect it brings. What are you doing today to actively remove the hidden splinter of pride in your life? Trust me, it's there. I have it and have to daily repent of it in order to celebrate in the grace of my Great Physician's touch of removal. I hate it. I hate the way it hurts me and others. I want to fully acknowledge its presence in my life and find the daily need for its removal. I hope more will join me.

Some helpful Scriptures I have found on this splinter.



"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom" - Proverbs 11:2

"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. ... Pride
goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall" - Proverbs 16:18

"One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor" - Proverbs 29:23

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up" - James 4:6-10

How can you get rid of this splinter? First, acknowledge it's there! Second, seek its removal. Third, be careful to not walk in such a way that it will return. Refusing to acknowledge your sin is the work of pride. Refusing to remove your sin by true repentance is the work of pride. Refusing to walk in the light of the One who offers removal is the work of pride. I strongly recommend you to examine your life and own up to whatever you find to be self-glorifying.

One final note of encouragement; be careful with your view of humility. We tend to think of humility is only defined in our broken seasons and trials. I believe Biblical humility is acknowledging the position of our Lord and gratefully living in our position as worshippers. William Law writes, "You can have no greater sign of confirmed pride than when you think you are humble enough." Be careful. Even boasting in walking with no fear of splinters can surprise you. Just a few days ago, I received a splinter by pulling weeds. My definition of splinters grew that day.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

2 Friends serving as mints

When I get nervous, I have to put mints in my mouth. It's a strange thing, but the mints calm my stomach down...which prevents me from giving up whatever is in me! I know, TMI. Anyways, mints have always served as a much needed relief from something big to come. The toughest moments of my life bring a necessity for mints; the hardest come with preaching. There's just something about standing in front of a body of people with the task of bringing a message from God's Word that makes me shake. I love preaching. It terrifies me. I need mints.

This past Sunday, I needed mints. I stood before my church family and announced my resignation and future plans for ministry in Alabama. Before I walked to the stage, I had my mints. They helped. During the first service, I downed about 10 mints before walking to the stage. During the second service, something happened that overcame my need for mints.

I have 2 dear friends named Brad and Ben. Before I walked to the stage to announce the saddest news I've given in a long time...my friends sat next to me. I had their support. I had their brotherhood. I had no need for mints. I had friends that supported me during a time of much anxiety and nervousness.

Friends are better than mints. We need them to stand next to us during trials and seasons. This past Sunday, my gracious Lord showed me more beautiful meanings behind Proverbs 27:17 with 2 dear friends that gave support to me that weighed far more than any mints could even compare. I'm grateful for them. They sharpened me (from Proverbs 27:17). They served as my mints. More than that, they acted like family.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Dave

Why I love student ministry

On Wednesday night this week, I announced to my students at Summit that I will leaving soon to begin a new season of student ministry in Alabama. The news was a shock to many. Some were hurt and some were upset. I wrote this on my twitter before I went to bed that night, "Tonight was one of the hardest AND glorious nights of my life." I meant that. I still mean that. Looking into the eyes of my students and sharing my departure took the very heart out of my chest for a second and placed it back in with cuts. I love my church at Summit. I've been blessed for close to 5 years to work in such a great church with a great group of students and adults. These next few weeks will come with many tears and laughter as I say goodbye to many that I love and anticipate meeting new family in a new state. So, for the purpose of my face remaining dry as I type, I want to submit to you a few reasons why I love student ministry. These reasons come after my experience this past Wednesday night at Summit.

1. I love student ministry because students catch a glimpse of God's glory in a way that adults can follow. On Wednesday night, I shared from Acts 1, 20, and 1 Timothy 6 the reasons for my departure. The Spirit, in only a way that HE can, drew us together to see the glory of the Savior in the midst of tears. We saw in His Word that a time came for Paul to leave Timothy, the Ephesian elders, and Jesus with His disciples. After we gazed upon the beauty of God's Word, my students did the unthinkable...they worshipped. WHAT? YES. In an evening that they should've went home and left their church...they remained and exalted the Risen Savior. With hands lifted, we sang hymns of centuries old, songs of new, and combined joy in the presence of the Lord. How could they possibly have such a response like this? Many of them GET IT.

2. I love student ministry because students want to know about this man named Jesus...not Dave. During our time together on Wednesday night, we looked at 1 Corinthians 3:4-7. In this text, Paul calls out the tendency to follow man, instead of the glory of the Lord. Many in the church today fall into this trap. We follow man that sins instead of the Savior who became SIN for us. I've made mistakes in student ministry. I know some may find that to be surprising...but it's true! I'd like to think that success can be defined in any ministry when the leader is called away and the followers are still amazed by Jesus the Nazarene. If people follow the leader...than Christ was not the subject of the ministry. On Wednesday night, after the message was over...students lifted their hands out to the Father with united hearts of adoration. Only a few came up to me and told me that they would miss me. Am I upset by that? NO. On the contrary, I am refreshed in His presence to see the result of His kingdom come.

3. I love student ministry because students share in the joy of others. Before I made my announcement of my departure to my students, 3 young men that I've had the joy of mentoring over the years met with me in the parking lot. I looked these 3 in the eye, with much love, and shared my news of leaving. To my joyful surprise, all 3 were excited and hugged me. They expressed their desire for my ministry leadership to grow. They hugged me. They walked inside the room and worshipped with their peers. Since my announcement, I've had facebook messages, texts, tweets, etc., with joy and excitement for the new season. Do you know what this communicates to me? SELFLESS abandonment to the Father. Adults can learn from this. Leaders in church can learn from this. I learned from this Wednesday night. I pray I can have that maturity and joy when those I love depart for God-glorifying reasons.

I love student ministry. I'm excited about the new season to come. I am sad for the conclusion of this season at Summit. I'm grateful for the opportunity Summit gave me to serve. I'm grateful for the patience of many, and the prayers of the saints. Above all, I'm grateful for the grace of my Lord who equipped me by His Spirit, energized me through the Gospel of His Son, to proclaim the truth of His Name.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

Living Room Sessions

"The Living Room Sessions" was the name of an album put on by Chris Rice back around 2001. The album is a simple collection of old hymns that Chris recorded on his piano...in his living room. If you listen closely to the songs, you will hear the sound of the pedals and other noises that mixing would often eliminate. It is a cherished album in my collection that I go to often for musical praise of my Savior.

This evening, I had the sweet privilege of having my own living room session with Eden. She sat in her pink bouncy seat next to me as I played her a few songs on the piano. It brought joy to my soul as she stared at me while my lips sang songs of beautiful theology to her soul. I pray one day she will know these songs and will cherish them as she worships her Redeemer. So often, we get so caught up with trying to be professional in ministry that we fail to enjoy the simple sessions of family worship. I'm convinced that a simple evening of playing old hymns with the company of my daughter outweighs any work that I could accomplish behind a desk.

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him." Psalm 28:7.

At the end of the day...what will your song be?

The Rejoicing Overflow of the Spirit

There has been much talk for some time now about the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. This third member of the Holy Trinity has always amazed me. How can we understand Him? How can we know how He operates? I believe we flirt with spiritual arrogance if we try to label
Him in a way that fits with our own framework. We must be biblical. We must also be worshipers in His powerful Name. Below are some of my notes that I recently used in the sermon I was allowed to preach at Summit's OIKOS (the HS worship service). I pray they will edify you as we rejoice in the overflow of the Holy Spirit. The "He" I am referring to is our glorious Savior in Acts 1:1-8.

1. Before He ascended, He promised the gift that leads us today. Take a few moments and read Acts 1:1-5. You'll see Luke mentioned as the author; connected to the book of Luke in verse 2. You'll see a glorious connection with 1 Corinthians 15:7-9 in verse 3. The rest of the passage gives us the promise of the Holy Spirit. We must be careful not to get so absorbed into our studying that we neglect the role of the Spirit. In case you want a quick overview of the role of the Spirit, here are some references that I found to be useful:


i. Genesis 1:2 – Spirit created the world.
ii. Judges 14:6 – empowered Samson to tear apart a lion
iii. Psalm 51:11 – begged for the Spirit NOT to leave him (David)
iv. Joel 2:28-32 – Spirit is poured on the people to communicate with him.
v. Matthew 1:18 – part of delivering the Christ to Mary.
vi. Romans 8:9-11 – key and central for our salvation.
vii. Ephesians 1:13-14 – Spirit seals our salvation
viii. 2 Timothy 1:14 – Spirit dwells in us, guards us.

A quote from Francis Chan that I find to be useful -
I’m willing to bet there are millions of churchgoers across America who cannot confidently say they have experienced His presence or action in their lives over the past year. And many of them do not believe they can. The benchmark of success in church services has become more about attendance than the movement of the Holy Spirit. The “entertainment” model of church was largely adopted in the 1980’s and ‘90’s and while it alleviated some of our boredom for a couple of hours a week, it filled our churches with self-focused consumers rather than self-sacrificing servants attuned to the Holy Spirit….The light of the American church is flickering and nearly extinguished, having largely sold out to the kingdoms and values of this world….We are not all we were made to be when everything in our lives and churches can be explained apart from the work and presence of the Spirit of God….shouldn’t there be a huge difference between the person who has the Spirit of God living inside of him or her and the person who does not?”

The Spirit will NEVER lead us to say or do anything contrary to God’s Word…because it is the Spirit that gave it to us! (2 Peter 1:21) The Spirit CONNECTS us to the Word. An example from my own life recently was our recent mission trip to New Orleans. Brooke and I prayed for an opportunity to share the Gospel with a family. We believe the Spirit led a Hindu couple to us within seconds after we ended the prayer! The true Gospel was preached. So, the Spirit's role, in that situation, was connecting a couple to hear the Word...which the Spirit gave men thousands of years ago to write! Go back and read 2 Peter 1:21 for more insight on that. This makes sense…the author (God, the Spirit), would want us to know what the book is about!

2. Before He ascended, He gave the commandment that we live by today. Take a few moments and read Acts 1:6-8. In verse 6, we see the desire of the disciples was still leaning toward a military and political power to drive out the Romans. In Acts 1:7, we see a beautiful reminder of the sovereign control of our great Lord. May we not walk in our own ways of thinking that neglect to daily worship the Lord for His sovereignty! In Acts 1:8, we see our commandment given. We must live by this commandment daily! Part of millions of pictures of God's grace is His Spirit empowering us (with both the Word and the Opportunity) to preach His Gospel! Are you doing that? In verse 8, we see the word “witness” – martyreo – used. This word translates the idea of willing to live and die for the Gospel. It goes far beyond the simple command of witnessing…it's to live the Gospel! Romans 12:1-2. Are you doing that?

How does this apply to you? I believe C.H. Spurgeon said it best when he once wrote, "A sinner can no more repent and believe without the Holy Spirit's aid than he can create a world." May we as broken sinners, trust and rejoice in the overflow of the Spirit. May we submit to His leadership...which points us to Christ...which glorifies the Father.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Dave

Sheep or Goat?

This post comes from the message that I was privileged to give yesterday at Northstar church; a church just a few miles from where I live. During my recent mission trip to New Orleans, this text really challenged my walk. I have a simple question for you; are you a sheep or a goat? Are you on the RIGHT side of the King…or are you LEFT out of His kingdom? Take just a few minutes and read Matthew 25:31-46. I’ll wait.

These are some points that I’ve gathered from the text.

1. Sheep = RIGHT with the Lord.
a. His Right Defeated Sin (Salvation)
- Moses teaches us in Exodus 15:6 that the Lord’s right hand is glorious in power…and shatters the enemy. This verse occurs after the glorious parting of the Red Sea and the defeated of the Egyptians. I love the promise of this verse. We are given the defeat of sin, the glorious right hand of God…by way of the cross. Jesus tells Caiaphas in Matthew 26:64 that He alone will be seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven. This verse brings chill bumps to my soul! Jesus, the glorious One, tells one of His accusers that He alone is the RIGHT and glorious treasure that will conquer sin and return in glory. We are told in Hebrews 12:2 that we must, “Look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of God” What glory! As sheep to His right, we are given the gift of Jesus…the one that endured the cross and gave us the perfection of our own faith! Finally, we see in Colossians 3:1 that we must, “been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the RIGHT hand of God.” Christ is seated at the RIGHT hand of God…and as sheep, we join Him on His side. What grace!
b. His Right draws us to the Pasture (Worship)
- Looking to Matthew 25:40, we see the ROOT of our mission…to worship Jesus. Whenever we help the homeless, feed the hungry, take care of the oppressed, and preach the Gospel…we are doing it all for worship. Are you in His pasture? Are you grazing on His glorious field? Is Christ your shepherd? Psalm 23 comes to mind here. What field are you grazing? What satisfies your soul? Jesus told us in John 10:27 that, “My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they will follow me.” Does He know you? Do you know Him? What do you worship?
c. His Right identifies us with His mission (Evangelism)
- Matthew 9:36 really jumps out to me. Matthew writes that when Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion on them as sheep without a shepherd. When we realize His saving power and worship Him for His grace…we must look to others with the same compassion. What mission are you on? Matthew 25:35-39 tells us the mission.

2. Goats = LEFT out of His Kingdom
a. Left side people aren’t saved.
- John 3:36 really jumps out here. John teaches us that, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not OBEY the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. Left side people, goats, aren’t saved. They don’t turn to His saving power over sin. They don’t listen to His commands. They live for themselves. Jesus tells us that one day He will command us to depart from Him, because he never knew us! (Matthew 7:23)
b. Left side people rob Him of His worship…for now.
- Galatians 5:20 shows us how this happens. Left side people, goats, live by the desires of their own flesh. What do you live for? Matthew 6:19 tells us that left side people spend their resources on treasures of this earth. They aren’t looking after the needs of others. They are seeking what will please themselves. Does this fit your life today? Philippians 2:10-11 tells us that one day…left side people will worship…but only when it is too late and the wrath of the Holy God is on them. Don’t let that happen to you!
c. Left Side people live by their own mission.
- Go back and read Matthew 25:41-46. Does this fit you? Left side people reject the mission of the Savior. They live for themselves. Don’t fall into this sinful trap. Leonard Ravenhill once said, “Christians spend more money on dog food than on global missions.” What a tragedy! I’m not saying dogs should starve…but we should approach the mission with great joy and urgency. John 14:15 really hits it on the bull’s eye. If we love our Savior, if we are RIGHT with Him…than we should do what He commands.

Friend, today, come to the RIGHT side of the King. Repent of your left-sided, sinful, selfish living. Turn to the only One that has redeemed you from the darkness of the left. May you enjoy and graze upon His field of glory forever.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Dave

Why is Resurrection Day so important?

Why is Resurrection Day so important? In order for us to fully get a glimpse of the beauty of this weekend, we must tackle this question. This weekend is a glorious reminder of the grace, mercy, kindness, power, and glory of our Lord. For just a few minutes, let's focus in on a few points together that will guide us in celebrating over the empty tomb. You may want to have John 20 open with me as we look at these points together.


The Empty Tomb brings excitement in worship.
-You may notice in John 20:1-2 the excitement that arose to the early morning followers. The first verse lets us know why we gather on Sunday morning for worship. We gather, on the first day of the week, to worship in great excitement. I'm not too legalistic with the fact that it HAS to be Sunday we worship as a church body...but I'm sold on the riches of Sunday morning. I wonder...do we wake up on Sunday mornings with great excitement in worship? Do we sing, fellowship, listen, read, and serve in a way that radiates the power of the empty tomb? It's sometimes difficult for me to worship with excitement because of a long list of responsibilities that come with being a staff member. I'm convicted by this. I want to wake up on Sundays with excitement over worship.

I remember a time early in my ministry when I was asked to play the organ in my church. I wasn't familiar with all the organ buttons...and pedals. Well, during the invitation...I experimented with the pedal of the organ. My curiosity led me to believe that the pedal was to serve as a sustaining tool for the instrument. It wasn't. It was the volume pedal. I managed to make an entire row of blue-haired women jump during the response to the Gospel. There was excitement that morning in worship.
-I love how John 20:3-4 shows us the fact that John was more athletic than Peter. How important is it that we know that John beat Peter to the empty tomb? I love the Bible. May we wake up this Sunday morning with Psalm 100:2 in our souls; "Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." Let us worship with the JOY that our Savior is alive! Let us worship with gladness that He is ALIVE and we are ALIVE in Him!

The Empty Tomb brings clarity to Scripture.
-John 20:8-9 shows us the importance of Scripture in the life, ministry, atonement, and resurrection of our Lord. I love how the Scriptures tell us that the disciples were overwhelmed with excitement over the empty tomb...and were focusing on the ramifications the experience had on understanding Scripture. 2 male witnesses came to the tomb...to verify the testimony of the women. This perfectly connects to Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19:15. The Empty tomb was a believable and credible story with Scripture being fulfilled in the witness of the 2 male disciples. I wonder if we approach the empty tomb with the certainty on our questions being answered in Scripture? Do we see the resurrection as the culmination and definition of the entire Bible? Paul reminds us that, "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith," 1 Corinthians 15:14. I love this story. John and Peter had a Biblical discussion on the way home. Peter would later take the encounter of the empty tomb and use it to preach...Scripture. Take just a moment and read Psalm 16:10. After you read this verse, see how Peter uses it to help bring clarity to Scripture in preaching on the empty tomb in Acts 2:25-28.

The Empty Tomb brings Transformation.
-Finally, we see in John 20:11-29...two stories of two people being transformed by the empty tomb. Mary becomes a missionary (John 20:11-18) and Thomas becomes a believer (John 20:24-29). The empty tomb transformed the lives of these two heroes of the faith. How has the resurrection transformed you?

When I was a child, my mother MADE me take piano lessons. I hated it. I had to practice each day for about 15-20 minutes...in order to impress someone that I didn't care about in a 30 minute lesson. For years, I had no joy or passion for the piano. I wanted an escape. After many years of nagging, my parents allowed me to quit taking lessons. When I turned 15, my aunt Leta passed away. Leta was an incredible pianist. I loved visiting her home and sitting in the living room as she played for us. I'll never forget the immediate transformation that took place in my life as soon as she passed away. I blew the dust off of my piano books and began to play. In just a few days, I wrote a song for her that was played at her memorial service. Now, as a 27 year old, I have passion and excitement to play. What happened? I saw the treasure of the instrument.

So often, we go to church because we HAVE to. We do quiet times because we feel like we HAVE to. We develop a distaste for the very treasure that we should celebrate. I truly believe if we look at the victory and infinite worth of the empty tomb, we will daily live as transformed, adopted, children of the Most High. Instead of going to church this Sunday morning because you HAVE to...why not read John 19-21 and see the importance of the celebration? See the victory that is both yours and mine in the empty grave.

Friend, Resurrection Day is important. Let us celebrate together this Sunday.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

Faith in...

Last week, I had the joy of reading "Big God" by Britt Merrick. This incredible book highlights the necessity to live and walk by faith. It was a great read. Several chapters of the book highlight the heroes of the faith as mentioned in Hebrews 11. As I read this book, I was challenged with the level and intensity of my own faith. A few questions came to mind that I gladly submit to you today:

1. Are you living by faith?
2. What is faith?
3. How are we justified by faith in Christ?
4. What would the world look like if believers lived daily by faith?
5. Is your faith in the imperishable or the perishable?

Right now, some dear friends of mine are waiting to take their baby home from the hospital. Chris and Kristin Colquitt welcomed sweet Emma Katherine into the world last Tuesday. Emma is still in the hospital due to complications with her birth. My dear friends left the hospital on Saturday night without their baby. I hurt for them. I'm tearing up as I type these words. Please join me in prayer for sweet Emma to come home with her parents.

What is getting my friends thru each difficult day? Faith. What is guiding their joy? Faith. What is keeping them strong in their marriage and health? Faith. Their faith and assurance in the providence of God has been a refreshment to me. The least I can do is mention their names in this post and honorably place them as heroes of the faith in my eyes. They are still suffering. Please pray.

I have faith in the gracious and Sovereign Lord of this world. I have faith that the tomb of His Son is empty. I have faith in His saving grace. I have faith in His eternal joy. I have faith that He is fully able to strengthen Emma Kate and allow her the privilege of going home with her parents. I have faith in His blazing glory that outweighs the frailty of man's thoughts and opinions.

Perhaps if we spent more time lifting each other up in prayer...in honor of our Lord...we wouldn't have the issues in our churches that we do today? Perhaps if we lived by our faith and not by our selfish sight, we would continue to see His Kingdom advance on this earth? Begin today, in faith, and pray for my dear friends; the Colquitts.

Soli Deo Gloria

Dave

Outward appearances don't impress me

Today, I was in Lifeway Christian bookstore casually looking at children's books with Brooke and Eden. While we were in the store, I noticed a man entering the store dressed in his finest. His luxurious car was parked just a few spots away from mine. As I watched and listened to his conversation, I quickly picked up on the fact that he seemed to be a pastor. Trying my best not to judge him, I looked at books to steal away my attention. It was hard. His expensive suit, loud talking, and arrogant demeanor simply floored me. Outward appearances don't impress me.

This morning, I read 1 Thessalonians 2. Verse 8 was a challenge for me. In this verse, Paul writes, "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." Paul's love for that church drew him to give not only eloquent sermons and letters...but also a passion to share some of his life with the people. The verse dripped humility right off the page. I was speechless. I was convicted. I was burdened.

Please join me back in my Lifeway story. As I was watching this man pace back and forth in the bookstore, I began to wonder about what pastors should and shouldn't do. My area of ministry today is students. Some would call me a "youth director" or "youth coordinator." I personally see myself in the role of being a pastor to students at my church. I see the importance of not only preaching the Gospel to them, but living it with them daily. This man in the bookstore seemed to be important...and I'm convinced he knew he was! I wonder if those in his church see the Gospel in him? I wonder if my students see the Gospel in me?

I'm not impressed with flashy accomplishments or large successes in ministry. What impresses me is seeing pastors and leaders preach AND live the Gospel with their churches. We can't afford to waste our time and money on the worldly aspect of our jobs. May our words, our money, our resources, our time, and our passion be on living the Gospel.

I typed much more...but accidently deleted it.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

Jesus, the Supreme Savior

This post was inspired by the message I gave last night to our middle school students. Last night, we looked Christ being the perfect and living Word of God. We took time to examine three points from Scripture. This post will simply highlight the third point, for it had the most impact on my life. This has been a tough week of ministry and seeing this point from God's Word last night brought joy to my restless soul.

The third point from last night's message was simply, "The Perfection of Jesus reaches to our need." With this point, we examined Hebrews 4:15. This is what the author of Hebrews writes, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."(ESV). What is this verse actually teaching us? How can Jesus sympathize with what we struggle with here on this earth? Does He even have a clue to what we battle? I believe if you take the time to examine the Scriptures, you will be surprised to note how many issues you deal with were experienced by your Savior long ago. Last night, we covered 4 issues. I may sneak in a 5th issue if time allows.

Issue #1 - Friends deserting you –
1. Luke 22:54-62 – Peter denies knowing Jesus. (Peter, who walked with Jesus and traveled with Him, denied Him at His toughest hour.)
2. Matthew 26:36-46 – Disciples sleep in their last night with Jesus. (Jesus requested the disciples to stay awake and to be alert...they slept. Have you trusted your friends to help you or do something for you...and they drop the ball? Jesus experienced that.)

Issue #2 - Death –
1. John 11:35 – Jesus wept. At the death of Lazarus. (Jesus wept at the death of his dear friend. True, He did raise Lazarus back from the grave, but before that miracle took place, our Savior experienced the brokenness of losing a loved one.)
2. Mathew 4:3-13 – death of John the Baptist (Jesus lost His precious cousin to a sinful monarchy system. His own cousin that prepared the way for His ministry.)
*This shows us that Jesus experienced losing both a friend and family member while He walked the earth.

Issue #3 - Temptation -
1. Matthew 4, Mark 1, Luke 4…in the wilderness. (Jesus experienced a strong attack of temptation while glorifying His Father. When we find ourselves in strong attacks of temptation, let us cling to the Savior who is able to sympathize with our temptation.)

Issue #4 - Family issues -
1. John 7:2-5 – brothers rejected him. (In this passage, you will read about His own brothers ridiculing and rejecting Him. When we find ourselves in situations in our own families of rejection, let us cling to our Savior who experienced that pain before us.)

Issue #5 - The Most Important Issue...YOUR SIN.

Genesis 2:17 - God ordained a law in the garden. Death would occur if this law was broken.

Genesis 3:1-7 - The Law was broken by our parents. Sin came into the world.

Genesis 3:21 - God showed His marvelous grace by replacing their death with a substitute sacrifice...a verse to later show us the treasure of Jesus (John 1:29)

Romans 3:23, 5:12-19, 6:23 - God's Word shows us that we all have this problem, this issue that is non curable. The only remedy is found in a substitute death for our problem.

2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 1:7, Romans 5:8, Galatians 3:13, 1 John 4:10 - We see these verses showing us the love of our Father. In His mercy, He poured the death sentence on His only Son and giving us in replacement His grace...as shown to our parents in Genesis 3:21. We are forgiven. We have adoption. We have the perfect definition of love.

Let us worship today Jesus, our Supreme Savior. Let us quit fighting battles that hinder the Gospel mission. Let us quit living as religious people that know it all...but as children of God who love the One that knows it all.

My rambling is done. Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

What am I doing?

I recently read a book entitled, "Brothers We Are Not Professionals" by John Piper. I recommend this book to anyone that is actively involved in a position of ministry leadership. Many times, I've asked myself the question, "What am I doing?" I mean, honestly...what is this thing called "ministry" all about? I'm reminded of this question when people ask me what I do for a living. It's often times very humorous to see the response of others when I give my answer.

Piper writes with such eloquence, "Our first business is to pant after God in prayer. Our business is to weep over sins...our business is to strain forward to the holiness of Christ and the prize of the upward call of God ... to pummel our bodies and subdue them lest we be cast away ... to deny ourselves and to take up the blood spattered cross daily." This quote was taken from the book I mentioned above). I love this quote. It has helped me to draw my affections to what the Word instructs when it comes to answering the great question..."What am I doing?"

2 Corinthians 4 is arguably one of the finest chapters in the New Testament to explain the joy of ministry. Paul begins this chapter by writing, "Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart." (2 Cor. 4:1) I love this verse. What is "this ministry" that Paul is speaking of? You must read the rest of the chapter to see the ministry. One verse that jumps out at me is found in 4:7. In this verse, Paul writes, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." Think about this verse with me. We have this treasure (the light of our Savior shining in the darkness) in us! We are given the grace of shining the light of our Lord so others may see Him for His infinite worth (Matthew 5:16).

Paul really leads us to understand more of what ministry truly means. It's not just simply sitting in an office all day answering emails and pleasing every person that stops by. It's not just simply standing on a stage each week to speak or lead in some form or fashion. It's not just simply attending conferences and listening to others share how to do ministry better. It's not just simply setting up a twitter account so we can complain about the day to others that are superficially interested. It's not just demanding more and more for us while others in 3rd world countries are perishing without the Gospel. I can easily fall into the trap of what I just mentioned...as well as countless other flaws that my Father so graciously offers His patience over.

What am I doing? I hope and pray that I'm joyfully shining the Gospel Light of my Savior to the lost and dying. I hope and pray that I'm diligently lifting up prayers to my Father in hopes for His Spirit to revive His church, for His great glory. I hope and pray that I'm not wasting my hours in the office...but effectively engaging in opportunities that can fulfill the Great Commission daily.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave