Ricky and the woman at the well

Yesterday, Brooke and I had lunch at Zaxby's after our morning church services were over. At the end of our lunch, I noticed a man walk over from the Waffle House next door. He walked inside the Zaxby's and directly to our table. (I knew from the time I saw him walking from Waffle House that he was coming to us.) He sat down at the table next to us and opened with a typical question that many people in need ask, "Excuse me, can you tell me where churches are?" (Brooke and I both had on our typical "Southern Baptist outfits" on; a.k.a. nice clothes.) I knew this man. This was Ricky.

Ricky comes by my church about once a month for one thing; money. He normally approaches strangers in the parking lot with the same sad story which normally results in unearned money given to him. Ricky then gets into his truck and drives home. On this day at Zaxby's, he wanted money from us. Instead, I wanted Ricky to want Jesus.

We agreed to get Ricky a few times from Publix to help him out. Before we left Zaxby's, Brooke went to use the restroom, which gave me some time with Ricky; 1 on 1. I looked at him directly in the eye and said the following, "Ricky, you know where churches are, you come to mine alot!" His look was priceless. (Ricky's way of getting money from people is to pretend he doesn't know where churches are. When they tell him of where they are, he perceives them to be Christians, and then asks for money...alot of money) I then took the opportunity to encourage him not go to churches simply for getting his physical needs met. I challenged him to be honest with me and to seek Christ. I told him that it was wrong, it was a sin to lie about the church in order to get benefits from the church. I preached the Gospel to him. We fulfilled our promise and gave Ricky what he needed, and then took him home. When we got home, I told Ricky I wanted to see him in church, to worship Christ. I prayed with him in the car and he got out. Pray for Ricky. I want Ricky to want Jesus.

I love helping people, like Ricky. However, I'm drawn more to wanting people to want Jesus. Sometimes people want Christ, or ideas of Christ, or church, or God, or any word they throw out; in order to have their temporary needs met. This morning, I read this passage:

John 4:1-26
1 Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were), 3 He left Judea and went away again into Galilee. 4 And He had to pass through Samaria. 5 So He came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph; 6 and Jacob’s well was there. So Jesus, being wearied from His journey, was sitting thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
The Woman of Samaria
7 There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 9 Therefore the Samaritan woman said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” 11 She said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? 12 “You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?” 13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw.” 16 He said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.” 17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.” 19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 “Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24 “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”

This passage really struck a chord in my heart! Here, Jesus begins talking about salvation to this woman. He mentions, "eternal life," but her response is only focusing on her temporary physical needs on this earth. He then begins to proclaim His truth to her. She shifts the conversation to "spiritual matters," once Jesus opens the conviction of her soul by testifying to her current sinful life. She wants to avoid the subject, Jesus is the subject. Jesus explains to her that He was sent to be the deliverer of sinners. (v.25). She leaves forever changed, preaching the good news to the village. What a testimony.

We are called to meet physical needs. By all means, help people. During this terrible Economic season, we must be faithful with benevolence. However, above that, we must preach Christ. We must not back down from telling others about the good news of salvation found only thru Him. i pray Ricky will want Jesus like the woman at the well wanted to tell others about Jesus.

Blessings,

Dave

Oikos, the law, and rest

Last night was a blessing. It was my turn to preach at Oikos (this is a Greek word, which means "house"; which is what we call our High School worship night). We have begun a new series entitled, "Got Questions?" The series opened last night with a message called, "OT Laws...why?" I enjoyed opening this series. I believe the Spirit led us, as a beautiful symphony of believers, to the throne room. I love corporate worship with my students. I love praising the King. I'm grateful for oikos. If you live close to Acworth, GA, and are in grades 9th-12th, I invite you to join us each Wednesday night, at 6:30pm, upstairs in the student center at Summit Baptist Church.

Ok, I got the "promotional side" out of the way, now to the good stuff. I'd like to share with you some of what I preached last night. The main passage of scripture was Matthew 5:17, when Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill." I love what Christ does here. In response to the religious leaders' accusations, the King proclaimed gloriously that His purpose was to fulfill the law...basically, to show us that the Old Testament points to Him. How, you may ask? Please look at these three major points gathered from the Word:

Keep in mind; probaly 613 laws. All fulfilled in Christ. (If you want to read something cool, read Matthew 22:36-40).

1. Jesus fulfilled the moral law. The moral law focused mainly on the Sabbath. I love what Jesus said in Matthew 12:8, "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." This is powerful stuff! He took the Old Covenant law of the Sabbath by fulfilling it within Himself. Our way to focusing on God isn't by simply setting aside a full day a week, but to set each day in His watch, in His glory, as He brings us to our focus on the Father! The moral law had much to do with the hearts of people. This is why Jesus began the Sermon on the Mount with Matthew 5:3-12; often known as the Beattitudes. The condition of the heart, the moral law of God's people was fulfilled in His Son; our Lord of the Sabbath.

2. Jesus fulfilled the judical law. This had to deal mainly with the many laws involving dietary restrictions, cleansing processes, clothing, etc. All of these laws were made in order for God to "set apart" His people. These laws, through the faith of God's people, led them to be a holy nation. Jesus fulfilled that, by His death on the cross; which led to the glorious grace of adoption. Read John 1:12. We have been justified through His blood, set apart daily (sanctified, Romans 8:30, the process of being set apart), and glorified through the Son. His death, burial, and resurrection set us apart as God's children. Once again, Jesus fulfilled this law.

3. Finally, Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial law. This dealt mainly with all the sacrifice laws. Once a year, the high priest, would go beyond the veil, into the holy of holies, and make a sacrifice for the people. This would be done each year. Jesus, according to Hebrews, made 1 eternal sacrifice; His own life, for us. We are told in Scripture now that God has made His dwelling in us because of that! (read Romans 8:1-9). WOW. Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial law by going to the cross, out of obedience to the Father, for our sins! Soli Deo Gloria!

So, it is safe to say that from Genesis 1:1-Malachi 4:6, it all points to Jesus. I praise Him, for He has redeemed my soul, gave me access to the Father, and the beauty of setting me apart daily.

I have found my rest in the King. Where do you rest?

Blessings,

Dave

Early morning joy

This morning, I had to wake up at 5am in order to have my time with the Lord before I met Zach, a student of mine, for coffee at Starbucks. We meet each Wednesday before his school begins, with our Bibles open, and our hearts united in fellowship. It is a refreshing time. This morning, Zach brought up a great point. We read together a powerful passage in Ephesians. Paul writes, "He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:5-7). This rich text produced in both of us an early morning joy. I love God's Word.

Often times, I've heard Christians argue over the doctrines such as "predestination" or "election" or even "adoption." I always wonder why we put so much effort in discussing these issues to the point in which they raise debates, split churches, and hurt friendships. I believe that if we're not careful, we miss the beauty of what Paul writes. I believe in predestination. I believe in election. I believe in adoption. Why? They are in the Word. I can't deny them. However, what I have learned is to find the joy in them, not the anger.

Think about this with me. Based on what you read above from Ephesians, doesn't that make you rejoice? For those that read this blog that have placed their faith in the only One that saves; Jesus Christ, in Whom we have redemption, these verses should cause you to celebrate! God Almighty, in His amazing grace and love, adopted us as His own, to Himself, by His grace, through the blood of His Son. If we just argue over these verses and not celebrate over them, then we miss the beauty of "the riches of His grace." I read verses such as this and it sparks me to evangelism, because I want my friends, my family to know of the grace, love, redemption, adoption, that I have. I want them to taste and see that the Lord is good. I want them to receive the riches of His grace. I'd rather not spend the rest of my life just arguing over these passages, but celebrating, worshipping, and giving God all the glory for the gift of His love that I don't deserve.

It was an early morning joy. I enjoyed it. Read Ephesians. It's a great book.

Blessings,

Dave

Hosea 7 and Psalm 103

I'm under the assumption today that I need to blog on these two passages, because in the last 24 hours, I've taught out of them twice. Last night, in our Monday Night Bible Study in my basement, and this morning for my staff meeting. Both times, I was blessed to teach God's Word. I fall more in love with His Word each day. It is powerful, penned by His Hand, through His Spirit, to saints of old, into our hands today. I love it. Read it. Enjoy it.

Hosea is a powerful book in the Old Testament. It is the largest of the minor prophet books. It appears after Daniel (which I like to call a bridge book. Daniel serves as a bridge between the major prophets and minor prophets, Acts is another bridge book, which serves as a bridge between the major Gospels and the letters from Paul). Hosea is 14 chapters long and deals with the need for repentance and the steadfast love of God, mixed with His just wrath. Powerful book. Read it.

In Hosea 7, we see the crimes of Israel mentioned. Within the 16 verses in chapter 7, we see no evidence of a fear for God by the people. They are so caught up with their sin that they lost all awareness that God remembers their sin (7:2). They even go to lengths of seeking advice from other nations and not Him (7:11). Their sins are burning them (7:4-8). 4 times in this chapter, we see that they never turn to God. They never trust Him. Their sins are leading them, instead of God. They are lost. They are hopeless without Him.

Look at Psalm 103. I love Psalms. 150 total, 73 penned by David, Moses, Sons of Asaph, Solomon, Heman, etc.. penned some as well. It's a great book. Read it. In Psalm 103, we see the reverse from Hosea 7. I want to include these passages to show you the light we have when we fear God and turn to Him from our wicked and selfish ways. Look at these verses with me, "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him." In this passage, the word "fear" is used. This idea is a reverent trust and submission to His authority. It shows us where our heart truly is; the worship of our Creator. When we trust in Christ; His Son, the only One that can truly save us, we are given His gift of adoption, His righteousness, His steadfast love, His forgiveness over our sins, and His compassion. This is given to us when we trust in the sacrifice of His Son for the forgiveness of our sins. Read John. Read Philippians. Read Romans. They will give you more to chew on.

So, we see in one book the consequences of a people that turned away from God. In another, we see the grace of His steadfast love for those that fear Him.

Do you fear Him?

Blessings,

Dave

2 Random Guys and a Dear Friend

I'm sitting here in my office, recovering from a busy, but incredible weekend. My students and I had the sweet joy of going to a conference called, "Dare to Share." This conference teaches the Gospel and how we are commissioned to proclaim it everywhere we go. It's such an encouraging sight to see thousands of students together, for a weekend of rejoicing in the Gospel. I'm grateful for the Lord's amazing provision over the weekend. As a youth minister, I love retreats in which my students have an appetite for God's Word. For some reason, to get away a few times a year is healthy for them to know how precious the Word is. I'm excited to spend this upcoming week with them, to see their hunger grow and to see their satisfaction found in only the Almighty.

On Saturday morning, Channing (the assistant youth minister guy, and dear friend) sat in a "youth leader only" meeting with Greg Stier, the founder of Dare 2 Share. Before the session began, I turned around and began to talk with the youth ministers around me. I'm refreshed with times in which I can meet other youth ministers and hear what the Lord is doing in their ministries. This particular morning, my soul was blessed by "2 random guys."

I turned around and met these two guys. They were both close to retirement age. They both were the leaders of their youth ministry of about 10 students. They were full time husbands, dads, employees, etc. They didn't receive any pay for their work in the church (or did they?) We engaged in conversation. They asked me the question I tend to dread: "how big is your youth group?" (I have this question, because i have a rather large youth group and it often makes people feel uncomfortable, or whatever...) Well, I answered, they smiled, said "amen," and then said something that rocked my world, "that's great, I'm sure you love them as much as we love ours." They both had smiles on their faces. I felt a few inches tall. I turned around in my chair and the session began. I didn't listen all that well because I was overwhelmed with the simple love and joy these two volunteer leaders had for their students. Here I am, 26 years old, 2 degrees behind my name, a church of around 1,000 people, and these two men had more love and joy in that moment than I did. I was blessed. These 2 random guys reminded me of the love and simplicity ministry can be. It doesn't matter if there be 10 students or 100; I'm called to simply love and teach my students the Gospel of the King. I'm reminded of Hebrews 11 with these two men (read the whole chapter; the roll call of faith, I like to call it the heroes of faith.) These two men are heroes of faith. May God continue to bless that sweet ministry and give them the joy each time they have with their students. Their faith amazes me.

Last night, I spoke with a dear friend. David, a friend of mine, is currently being trained in the special forces for the army. He comes home on the weekends to see his pregnant wife and 2 year old son. He is sacrificing to meet their needs. On the field, he is shining the light of Christ to other soldiers that need salvation. David, in the midst of trials, is giving glory to the King. Last night, he told me how grateful he was to how God was growing him in his faith. WOW! Here is a guy that was just 30 miles away from Fort Campbell, yet he called me and told me how much he loved God, wanted more of God...with being seperated from his family and working hard each day! He was grateful to how much his faith was growing. I think of passages such as James 1:2-4, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Amen.

In a weekend, by God's amazing grace, I was blessed by 2 random guys and a dear friend. I re-learned (is that a word?) the simplicity and love for ministry, and the driving focus to keep running the race with great faith for the King's glory.

Blessings,

Dave

An Unexpected Answer

This is my Aunt Roberta (on the right, my Uncle Butch is on the left. sweet people).

On Wednesday morning this week, I got into my car and drove over to Starbucks. It was 6:30am and I was on my way to meet with one of my students for a time of discipleship. During these mornings, I tend to wake up about 5:15am in order to have some time with the Lord before the busy day begins. I'm a youth minister, so my Wednesdays tend to be my hardest days of the week. On my way over to Starbucks, I decided to call Brooke (my lovely bride). Since I'm not great with cell phones, (this one is number 6 I've had in the past 12 months), the screen was blank and I was not able to see who I was calling. Well, I just pushed "send," thinking that the last person I talked to was my wife. Little did I know who I was calling....

The phone rang twice and a voice I wasn't expecting answered. It was my Aunt Roberta. Of course, my first reaction was out of embarassment, because it would've been 5:30am her time! I quickly apologized to her. Her sweet voice blessed my soul. My Aunt was up already! In fact, she was up since before 5am, in order to pray with a friend of hers. My Aunt is one of my heroes of the faith. Every morning, she wakes up and makes time with the Lord her first priority of the day. She drinks coffee, reads the Bible, and spends long time in prayer. I LOVE THIS WOMAN. When we talked, she encouraged me. She told me how often she prays for me and prays for my wife, and prays for the ministry I'm blessed to lead. She prays that the Gospel will be proclaimed through my obedience. She prays that the glory of God will shine. She prays. She partakes.

This verse that Paul wrote many years ago reminds me much of my Aunt Roberta. Look at it with me, "For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me." (Philippians 1:7). Paul was believed to be in house arrest when he wrote this powerful letter to the Philippians. His opening to the letter addressed his deep love and appreciation to those that supported him. After reading this verse, I paused and thanked God for my Aunt Roberta. I love the last part of the verse, "in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me." This is my Aunt!

I love this word, "partaker." In the original language, it means a co-participant -- companion. Through her prayers, my aunt is a co-participant with me for declaring the glory of God to the nations. Although we are seperated by a few states, we are partakers together. I'm grateful for her. I'm blessed by her. Do you have any Aunt Robertas' in your life? Do you have any partakers of grace with you? Praise God for His bride; the church. When churches are full of partakers of the Gospel, then neither imprisonments, legislations, change of governments, company policies, religious politics, people pleasing temptations, or any other distraction can rob us of making His excellencies known to all peoples.

I love you Aunt Roberta. Keep running the race for the glory of the King.

Dave

A Refreshing start of the day...

This morning, I had the privilege of teaching the Scriptures to the senior adults from my church. It was such an honor to stand before those heroes of the faith and enjoy the refreshing waters of God's Word. It brought me to the realization that one day, if God allows me to live their age, I want to wake up joyfully on Monday mornings and enjoy times of study and fellowship with other believers. My students at my church have spiritual giants here to follow. I love my church family.

I'd like to share with you a brief overlook at the lesson I gave this morning. It was entitled, True Satisfaction, and it came out of Isaiah 55. I love the book of Isaiah. 66 chapters long, focusing on the glory and steadfast love of God, the power of His Word, and the need for repentance. What a powerful text. I encourage you to read it! It contains 2,186 unique Hebrew words (compared to 2,170 in Psalms, 1,653 in Jeremiah, and 1,535 in Ezekiel). Beauty! Honor! all Praise to the Almighty!

Here were my points that I gathered from the text (I preach this as a born again believer in Jesus Christ, read John 3! repent.):

1. God, through His Son, satisfies.
-v.1-2, 4.
-Ephesians 2:8-10

2. God, through His Promise, satisfies.
-v.3
-Hebrews 13:20 - refering to the eternal covenant.
-2 Sam 7:12-16, the covenant made with David.
-was it fulfilled? YES! Acts 13:34, Matthew 1:1-18

3. God, through His People, satisfies
-v.5
-the nation of Israel, the people of God...attracted nations to the Lord.
-I love the church!

4. God, through His salvation, satisfies.
-v.6-7
-repentance, grace, the freedom found in Him!

5. God, through His love, satisfies.
-v.8-9
-Psalm 103:11-12, praise Him!
-His grace, His love is truly "indescribable" (to steal the word from Chris Tomlin)

6. God, through His Word, satisfies.
-v.10-13
-I love His Word...Hebrews 4:12, 2 Tim 3:16, etc.

So, here was my point, "where is your satisfaction?" I want to follow Paul's example in Romans 12:1-2, when he challenges us to not be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. I find too much garbage this side of glory that is trying to steal our satisfaction. Friend, we find it in God. I love the quote from Piper, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him" (Piper, Desiring God).

Find your satisfaction in Him alone. Praise Him for His amazing grace, demonstrated on the cross of His Son (Romans 5:1-8). May His Spirit lead you daily to glorify the resurrected One.