Love for His Glory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave