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

I love my church

Tomorrow, I will be returning to my office. For the past 2 weeks, my church has graciously allowed me to spend intentional time with my family as we welcomed Eden into our lives on February 10th. Words can't do justice to the joy we have in our church family. This short post is my attempt to communicate to whomever...the love I have for Summit Baptist Church.

I've read Acts 2 several times. However, I've never experience the practical side of Acts 2:42-47 until Eden was born. For the past 10 evenings, we've had meals brought to our home by different families from our church. Each meal was incredible. However, what made the meal more delicious than its actual taste was the touch of love from each family that delivered it. The early church in Acts 2 put their possessions on the table for the purpose of lifting each other up for radiating a Biblical community...for the glory of the Father. That is exactly what we've experienced in our home. I've never been a part of a church that was so giving and so practical with the SHOWING of the Gospel than Summit Baptist. I've heard many preachers and people speak on the Gospel...but to actually show the Gospel makes the words into a much needed reality.

I've been on staff, in ministry, for 9 years now. In those 9 years, I've experienced victories as well as sorrows. I've had my heart broken as well as mended. I've seen the joy of unity as well as the brokenness of division. However, in my 9 years of serving, I've never felt such love until Summit ministered to my family in the past 2 weeks. Again, I love my church.

Tomorrow, I will be returning to my office. I will be returning with a greater joy and appreciation for the bride I serve. I will return with an excitement to reach the lost with the Gospel and to join hands with a body of believers to impact the community with more than just words...with the heart application of the text itself. I pray pastors and ministers will never take their churches for granted. We should praise our gracious Lord daily that He gives us the privilege of serving her.

Summit, I love you. I can't wait for my Eden to come soon on Sunday morning to experience the genuine worship that many of you bring to the Father. See you Sunday.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Pocked Call from a Saint

I just got off the phone with Boyd Smith, my student ministry mentor. Boyd didn't mean to call, he pocked-called. If you aren't familiar with that term, it basically means Boyd put his cell phone in his pocket and bumped it enough to call mine. I'm so glad he pocked-called, because I got to hear my mentor spend some time with his students in the last session of their D-Now weekend. I heard the beautiful song of fellowship within teenagers and their youth pastor.

I first met Boyd in the late fall of 2000 at Murray State University. Immediately, he took me under his wing and helped me learn ministry. Boyd made a few calls and helped me (with the Holy Spirit's direction), land my first student ministry position at West Fork Baptist Church. After two years of serving that sweet church, Boyd invited me to join him on staff at First Baptist Murray...a time of my life that I still treasure. For just 1 year, I got to work side by side with my mentor. Boyd showed me how to connect with students, reach the lost, and preach the Gospel with great faithfulness. Boyd was so patient with me in my time of development as a leader. He treated me with the up most respect and tenderness. After that year was completed in his ministry, I left for seminary in New Orleans. I still miss those days with my dear brother. Having him next to me in my wedding party was another treasure that I pray I'll always hold in my heart.

Boyd has been a student minister for quite a while now. I'm sure he will hit me for saying this, but he is in his mid-50's now. Most arrogant "ministry professionals" would look at his age and make the call that it's time for Boyd to move on. I fully disagree. Some pastors would probably suggest a position of working with senior adults or older families. I fully disagree. Some experts of student ministry would claim that he is too far removed from relating to students. I fully disagree. In the 20 minutes of listening to Boyd Smith talk with his students, I sat in my quiet time chair, praising the Lord for the faithfulness of my mentor. He connects better with students than I do...and I'm currently 27.

I would gladly forfeit my student ministry position to Boyd Smith in a heartbeat. His age means nothing to me when it comes to his ability and anointing to be an excellent youth minister. His knowledge of the Word, His compassion for hurting students, and his excellent way of mentoring young men is rare these days. It seems younger ministers want larger churches, more press, more esteem, more books written...and fewer time with people. I praise the Lord that Boyd Smith is paving the way today for many younger men...including me.

Today, I was pocked-called from a saint. I hope to one day enjoy fellowship with him as a few states separate us. I pray those students at FBC Murray will receive the grace from our Sovereign Lord in the form of a true youth PASTOR that will help lead them to graze in glorious pasture.

Boyd, even though you didn't mean to...thanks for calling me today. What a joy it was, my friend, to hear you love and lead your students.

Soli Deo Gloria!

God's work in a Name

My precious daughter was born at 9:13pm on Wednesday, February 10, 2010. The many hours of labor and emergency "C-Section" are just a blur to my bride now as she holds our girl in her arms. Words cannot fully express the emotions we have carried in us over the last week. In just a week of my daughter's life, I've learned so much about true Biblical fatherhood and leadership. John 3:30 is one of many verses that has drawn my steps to live selflessly, in order for my bride to recover and my daughter to develop. I love this. I can see why being a husband and father far exceeds my role as a minister. However, I don't see my roles separated. Being a husband and father has given me more passion and revival to serve in the capacity of ministry. I think separating the roles is more dangerous than healthy. Today, I'm captivated by the beauty of Brooke and Eden...which draws my joy to a healthy love for the church. I praise my gracious Father for the joy of my family. I truly believe the addition of Eden has increased my love for the family of faith that we belong to.

God works wonders in a name. Yesterday, as Eden was asleep in my arms, I read Psalm 8. If you haven't read it yet, take time today and glance over it. At the conclusion of this post, I'll include it at the bottom. God works wonders in a name. Here are some from the Bible to give you an idea of what I'm talking about:

Abraham - "Father of many"
Amittai - "My Truth"
Asher - "Blessed or Happy"
Boaz - "Swiftness"
David - "Beloved"
Ebenezer - "Stone of Health"
Eden - "Place of Pleasure"
Elisha - "My God is Salvation"
Eliud - "God is Grandeur"
Gabriel - "Strong Man of God"
Habakkuk - "Embrace"
Hannah -"Grace"
Israel - "God Contended"
Jeremiah - "YAHWEH is uplifted"
Jesus - "YAHWEH is salvation"

Ok, I'll stop at Jesus. I hope you get the idea. Take some time and research the names that appear in the Bible. I hope it will be a treasured time for you. There is power in a name. What does your name mean? After reading Psalm 8, I see worship centered on simply His Name alone. I love how the Psalmist cries out a majestic song of praise to the name of our Lord. We named our daughter; Eden Chara Snyder for multiple reasons. Below, I'd like to submit to you a few that have increased my joy in my Lord over the last week. At the conclusion of that, I will post Psalm 8. Thank you for reading!

Eden - Her first name ties the idea of pleasure into our family. In the past week, she has indeed been a pleasure to us. I love watching her open her gorgeous blue eyes and stare into mine. I love seeing her attempt to smile when she has a few minutes of awareness before her sleep takes her. Eden has brought such a pleasure to my soul that translates into a deeper pleasure for my Lord. She has been my living commentary on Psalm 139 over the past 7 days. The Lord gave her life to us to give me more of a pleasure for my family and my church. I've been reminded of the pleasure that surrounds me when a body of believers lift one another up for the purpose of edifying the kingdom and praising the Savior that ransomed us from the debt of sin! Hallelujah!

Chara - Her middle name comes from the Greek New Testament word for joy. Eden has indeed been a joy to us. In the mornings when I tend to have my time of devotional with my Lord, Eden often sleeps on my chest. When my joy is complete in being in the presence and fellowship of my Lord...my daughter adds increased joy to her presence with her daddy. As I have joy from my Father in Heaven, my sweet daughter gives me joy when she is with me. I pray one day she will be graciously led to salvation and will shed joy to others with the happiness she has with her Savior.

I've left Snyder off because that's my last name...and I 'm tired. I guess I could say she will one day love pretzels?

God works in a Name. Friend, 2,000 years ago, He sent the name of Jesus (YAHWEH IS SALVATION) to remove the penalty of our sins (Romans 6:23, John 3:36), to rise again on the third day (John 20), and to cover us with the eternal love of our glorious Father (Romans 5). Won't you repent (turn away from your selfish and sinful living) and turn to His glorious grace found at the expense of His only Son? I pray you will find both an Eden (place of pleasure) and Chara (abounding joy) in the fellowship of our Father in glory.

Psalm 8, ESV translation
1 O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?

5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
7 all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Soli Deo Gloria!
Dave

Anticipation like Christmas Eve

I feel like it's the night before Christmas and I'm still in elementary school. I remember the feelings of excitement, the joy of the unknown, and the anticipation of receiving in the day to come. That's how I feel these days in my home as Brooke and I wait for Eden to come. It's just a matter of days until that sweet girl will be in our home. I have the same feelings like I did on Christmas Eve,...but multiplied by an infinite amount. What a joyful privilege and gift the Lord has given us already in preparing to raise a child to taste and see that He alone is good. (Psalm 34) So many unknowns...so many questions...and so many hopes that my Eden will be born and saved by my merciful Lord (Ephesians 1:4, 2:1-5)

During this time of waiting, I've learned a sweet lesson in commentaries. In case you aren't familiar with this word, please permit me to give you my simple definition. A commentary on anything is some one's view or understanding of the text or scenario. In a Biblical sense, commentaries are written by pastors and theologians (should be the same...) in their attempt to teach what they see in the Scriptures. These days, I've put away commentaries and simply read the words from my Lord. He has provided me His perfect and brilliant commentary on Psalm 139 with my days of waiting for Eden. Oh how the words show the wonders of my Lord! He creates out of His Word. He reveals out of His glory. He saves out of His grace. The fact that you can read these words today should reveal to you His commentary 0f Psalm 139. Read it.

I can't wait to share with you the news of my Eden when she comes. Please continue to pray for Brooke as she delivers. Pray for me as I continue to follow the Holy Spirit in leading and serving my wonderful family.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Psalm 139 (from ESV translation)

Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,”
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.

13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.a
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.

19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
20 They speak against you with malicious intent;
your enemies take your name in vain!b
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
22 I hate them with complete hatred;
I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!c
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!