Church folks

I had a slow start to this morning. My computer was slow to turn on in my office which led to an impatient walk downstairs to get more coffee in the church office. I think it's funny how the Lord places us and works in us for His sovereign glory at times that is the most unexpected. I think it's glorious how a slow computer, slow morning, and slow youth minister can experience the joy of lessons taught without a book being opened.

Church folks are interesting. I've met many types of people in my years of attending and working on staff at the church. Some folks come to get an emotional fill for the week. This fill can serve like a "pick me up" to get them through the next difficult work week. Some folks come to receive joy in serving or teaching. Some folks come to hurt and gossip because of unrepentant sin that holds their souls in prison. Some folks come to love and encourage one another. Some folks come because they are absolutely amazed by Jesus. Church folks come in various types and forms. This morning, I want to submit to you two church folks that I met in my short time of coffee refilling and impatient walking.

The first church folk example came with a guy that attends faithfully each week. In the short 5 minutes of talking, he continued to reveal to me his sin. This man struggles with absolute authority of Scripture, submission to leadership, and the joy of everlasting grace in Christ alone. This man is very political, bitter, and stubborn in areas that discourage others. In just a few minutes of talking, he reminded me that he doesn't' agree with me in some areas of my leading and preaching...which connects his reasoning to why he wasn't a leader in the military. I see pride and unrepentant sin in his life. I hurt for this man. There are church folks like this man. If you see them, love them. Speak the words of Christ to them. Don't give up on them.

The second church folk example came from one of my heroes. His name is Gene. This saint is now in his upper 80's. He has walked faithfully in the joy of the Lord for several decades. His body is breaking down. Each day, he carries pain and sickness that I can't even imagine. However, his joy in Christ is contagious. A few years ago, in my selfishness, I had a stressful day with juggling ministry and seminary. In my office, I sat; a 25 year old man that allowed carnality to interfere with the joy of the morning. Gene walked in, said a few words of encouragement to me, and gave me the reminder of Christ's everlasting joy that no class could ever teach. Today, directly after the prideful talk of the first church folk man, Gene looked me in the eyes and told me he loved me. HE HAS UNSPEAKABLE JOY IN CHRIST. He suffers, He walks, and He lives for the glory of His Savior. He's been faithful to one woman his whole marriage. He will have 25 family members gathered around him on Thursday to celebrate Thanksgiving. He is my hero. Every church needs folks like Gene.

I'm not impressed with men that know politics, guns, football stats, fishing stories, etc. I'm not impressed with men that can climb the corporate ladder. I'm not impressed with men that can tell me how to do my job better. I'm not impressed with men that womanize. I'm not impressed with men that can accomplish more earthly gain than me. I'm impressed with men like Gene Curtis who daily strips himself of himself and rejoices in the overflow of Christ's eternal joy.

I love church folks. They all are different. However, we must continue to find common ground and common joy in the everlasting joy of our Risen Savior.

I'm sure glad my computer was slow today and I walked downstairs.

Soli Deo Gloria!

How firm a foundation

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people
both now and forevermore.
The scepter of the wicked will not remain
over the land allotted to the righteous,
for then the righteous might use
their hands to do evil.
Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,
to those who are upright in heart.
But those who turn to crooked ways
the Lord will banish with the evildoers.
Peace be upon Israel

I find it glorious that our Lord promises us a firm foundation as a result of our trust in Him. He gives us that great assurance in Psalm 125. Take a few minutes and read Psalm 125 a few times. Since it is only 5 verses long, it shouldn't take too much time. My desire today is for His Word to be immersed in your soul. After you've read this text a few times, I invite you continue with me as we examine it in our lives.

Mt. Zion in verse 1 is described as a foundation that, "cannot be shaken." The writer even goes to the great length to tell us that this foundation endures forever. If we are given that promise, why would we place our trust in the things of this world or in fallen man? I've placed my trust over the years in friendships that betrayed me. I've placed my trust in situations and seasons that changed. I've placed my trust in goals that failed. However, looking at this verse, I'm drawn to the beauty of trusting in the Lord. The result of that trust is a firm foundation that cannot be shaken...and endures forever! Isn't that glorious?! The writer goes on to explain that the Lord surrounds us with His glory like the mountains surround Jerusalem (V.2). The attacks from the adversary are only temporary (V.3), and will experience the wrath from the Mighty One (V.5). We are to simply trust in His provision and care. Our God is glorious. He sent His Son to give us a REASON to trust in Him...for the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus has established in us all the eternal, enduring, perfect, and invincible foundation of God.

Friend, trust in Him today. Don't get sucked into the trap of placing your trust in the things of this world that will eventually fade away (Isaiah 55). I want to close this day by quoting one of my favorite hymns. I invite you to sing it with me if you know the melody. Enjoy the enduring foundation of God's surrounding.

How Firm a Foundation, written in 1787 by John Keith.

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said—
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee thy trouble to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not harm thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

“The soul that on Jesus doth lean for repose,
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

Over Chara....ed

I took great liberty in the past weekend's theme with this blog title. Our theme was, "chara" which in the Greek New Testament translates, "joy." I was overjoyed this weekend...so I guess that makes it over chara...ed. Make sense?

2009 Disciple Now weekend was absolutely wonderful. I'm so blessed and "overjoyed" by the leadership, support, and encouragement that countless adults gave. I'm refreshed by the hard work my student ministry staff put into all the preparation. You really need to check out Channing's blog (Solus Christus on blogger) for his take on it. I loved the fellowship. I loved the discipleship. My B.F.F. from Louisiana preached the Word, my friends in staff leadership positions taught the Word, and my students gave me sweet joy in their absorption of the Word. I saw unspeakable joy in their souls. I saw the name of Christ lifted up on stage by all that came. James Tealy, our musical worship leader brought joy to music, which joyfully led us to the throne room. Steve Fee truly inspired many to see the love of Christ made alive in song. I can go on....

Where is your joy? Where is your chara? This weekend, my joy was complete (Philippians 2), in seeing students and adults in great attention to the only One that is worthy of attention. Christ was glorified this weekend. Christ was made known. Thru suffering, sacrifice, serving, and study; students were taught the elements of joy in following Christ. Joy is made complete at the foot of the cross. Joy is made available thru the crown of the King. Joy is our diving board to a bottomless pool of endless worship of the Almighty.

I pray this weekend wasn't just a youth event. I pray this weekend wasn't just an opportunity for students to hang out with each other. I pray this past weekend wasn't just a time of emotional revival. I pray this weekend was a weekend of joy-filled, Word-applied, love-embraced, heart-intended time of contemplating the cross, rejoicing in the empty tomb, and seeing Christ for who He is...the joyful Savior of the World.

I'm over Chara...ed today. What a great weekend.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

Shaking behind the sacred wooden desk

This past Sunday, my gracious Lord gave me the privilege to preach His Word to my church for 2 of the 3 services. The text was 1 John 2:15-17. The focus was on having an unrivaled love for the Father. This love involves denying a love for the world. It was a tough sermon. I've preached about 10 times in the past 4 years at my church. In those times, I approached the pulpit with great joy and excitement to preach. I didn't have that same approach this past Sunday. I was shaking behind the sacred wooden desk.

Where did the shakes come from? The night before I preached, Brooke and I enjoyed a dinner date at Longhorn steakhouse (praise the Lord for meat...). While we were eating, the thought of my task for Sunday came to my mind. The Lord entrusted me to handle His Word, preach His Word, and lead His bride in His Word for that Sunday. This tremendous task belongs to the pastor. Our pastor was out of country that Sunday. The task for that day was mine. It was tough. Please permit me to explain why the task of preaching is harder every time I do it.

In preaching, the preacher represents God to the people. The way he represents is found in accurately handling and declaring the full council of God's Word. The souls of those that are gathered are trusting in the preacher for the message. James 3:1 teaches us that there will be a day of accountability for the messages we preach. If preachers were to think of that tremendous task and responsibility...how can they not be nervous?!! If you were at my church, you may have noticed my shaking. The more I thought about the task ahead, the more frightened I became. I know, God's Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11). However, this past Sunday was a beautiful point of my ministry that the sovereign and gracious Lord of this world reminded me of the important task that I was given. I would argue that the sermon is the most valuable set of time for the entire week.

I fear for pastors across this world that neglect His Word and preach their own ideas.

I don't know why God wanted me to preach. If you were to ask me, I can't really preach all that well. All I know is the joy of trusting the Lord in proclaiming His Word. Fear and humility is not fun. Fear leads me to the bathroom wanting to throw up (T.M.I., I know). However, fear this past Sunday gave me a sweet heart of worship and joy for my Lord. He chose a sinner such as me to represent His Word to His church. Talk about amazing grace!

I pray all preachers will join me in fear and reverence of the sacred wooden desk. May pulpits across the world be saturated with the Spirit and handled by God-fearing men that desire for souls to be saved by the matchless grace of our Father in Heaven.

Don't worry...Pastor Aaron will be back to preach! Pray for him daily. Pray for his preaching ministry and his tremendous task that he has before him every Sunday. That is the best way you can support and love your pastor!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Humble Anyone?

Psalm 115

1Not to us, O Lord, not to us

but to your name be the glory,

because of your love and faithfulness.

2Why do the nations say,

“Where is their God?”

3Our God is in heaven;

he does whatever pleases him.

4But their idols are silver and gold,

made by the hands of men.

5They have mouths, but cannot speak,

eyes, but they cannot see;

6they have ears, but cannot hear,

noses, but they cannot smell;

7they have hands, but cannot feel,

feet, but they cannot walk;

nor can they utter a sound with their throats.

8Those who make them will be like them,

and so will all who trust in them.

9O house of Israel, trust in the Lord—

he is their help and shield.

10O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord—

he is their help and shield.

11You who fear him, trust in the Lord—

he is their help and shield.

12The Lord remembers us and will bless us:

He will bless the house of Israel,

he will bless the house of Aaron,

13he will bless those who fear the Lord—

small and great alike.

14May the Lord make you increase,

both you and your children.

15May you be blessed by the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

16The highest heavens belong to the Lord,

but the earth he has given to man.

17It is not the dead who praise the Lord,

those who go down to silence;

18it is we who extol the Lord,

both now and forevermore.

Praise the Lord.


I love this Psalm. When I read this text, I’m drawn to the reality of my sinfulness and God’s glory. I’m reminded that God is on His throne in perfect glory. I’m reminded that the depravity of man will lead to idolatry, and blinded pursuit of God. Friend, we must humble rejoice that God has pursued us with an everlasting love and joy. The Word tells us that the love and joy of God has been demonstrated on the cross of Jesus (Romans 5:8).

With a Biblical understanding of the Gospel, we can boast in Psalm 115:1. In our walk, our talk, our singing, our leading, our practicing, our serving, and our witnessing; we must submit to the reality that all we do is not for our glory. All we do is for His glory. He is the One that makes the dead come to life. He is the One that brings the lost to salvation. He is the One that has faithfully given us the divine command to preach and proclaim His heavenly kingdom on the earth.

We must strive for humility daily. My favorite definition of humility is simply our understanding of our sinful nature and our joy to His perfect nature. I believe that living daily with this understanding will draw us naturally to seek His fame (v.1), His honor (v.13), His blessing (v.15), and His eternal praise (v.18). Let us draw together with great humility to His Name, not our own.

From one who strives for the glory of His name and not my own.

Soli Deo Gloria!

All I did was a game

Last night at OIKOS (our High School Wednesday night worship service), I led a game. I've been in student ministry for 8 years now. I've accomplished a seminary degree, ordination, and tons of joyful ministry experience...but last night; I led a game. It was comical and joyful at the same time. Years of preparation and leadership led to...a 10 minute game. Would you like to know why? The sweet aroma of Christ in student leaders placed a service around His all satisfying glory.

For the past two months, I've allowed different high school students preach the Word at OIKOS. Last night, one of our seniors preached a fantastic message from Colossians 3:1-17; on going from the old self to new self. The sermon was a brilliant exposition and joyful application of the text. The preacher was a young man who has found all satisfaction in Christ alone. This same young man was one of our greatest challenges four years ago. It's amazing to see how the Spirit has moved in his life in the past 4 years. His old self on many nights, led me to want to put my hands around his neck! His new self leads me to put my arms around him in a brotherhood embrace. The month before, we had another senior in high school preach a message centered on the glory of our eternal citizenship in glory. Again, a fantastic sermon...by a guy who has never stepped into a seminary classroom. These two months...and several more to come (we'll see at least 4-5 more young preachers preach), have led me to such unspeakable joy. Last night, all I did was a game.

The music...brilliant songs of theology, was led by high school students as well. Again, all I did was a game. 5 songs pointing worshippers to the cross, the crown, and the resurrection. 5 songs led by students who are right now in class as I type these words. It was rich worship. The music wasn't "me-centered," but, "God-centered." No seminary. No ordination. Just joyful worshippers in love with their Savior.

I love my students. There are countless more that desire to proclaim the Excellencies of the One that has rescued them from their depravity. I love my students. There are countless more that faithfully declare His infinite love to their lost classmates each day. I love my students. I cherish the moments in which I sit back and allow them to minister to me. I am responsible for leading future husbands, wives, dads, moms, and leaders in the church. What an honor and tremendous task the gracious Lord has given me. Last night, the service was led in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24), by students. All I did was a game...

Why am I still at my church? Last night, I saw a service that drew my heart to joy and my assurance that this generation can lead. What joy I've received in the last 4 years at Summit.

Last night, all I did was a game. All my students did was lead in a service of boasting in the Gospel.

This verse comes to mind as I close: Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. - 1 Timothy 4:12, ESV.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

Absent from the Bride

Do you wake up on Sunday mornings with an excitement to drive to a church campus and worship with other believers? Do you wake up with your heart racing, because you can't contain the anticipation to sing to Jesus? I'm afraid that many believers live without any excitement or anticipation to worship with the church body. As a youth minister, I hear several reasons for missing corporate worship. If I can be completely open with you, I'm tired of hearing them. Last week, I heard of some that stayed home just to get caught up with school work or rest. Some take a day off on Saturday to hang out with friends, only to rob God of His church worship gathering on Sunday. It's selfish living that needs to cease. Before you label me as a legalistic minister, please hear my heart on this.

Let me paint a picture for you today. Let's say that Brooke (my wife) and I set up a date for this upcoming Saturday. She is excited about meeting with me, and having my undivided attention. During the week, I spend time with friends, family, and even watch a few minutes of games on TV. The days fade quickly, and Saturday is almost near. On Friday night, I look at Brooke and unapologetically say, "We can’t' hang out tomorrow night, I'm sorry. I have to get caught up on sleeping and other tasks that I neglected, we'll try again maybe next week." First of all, she has every right to smack the selfishness out of me. Secondly, I hope you would! Smart husbands would not treat their brides in such a way. Why would we think this is different in the church? How could I clearly communicate love to my bride if I treat her in such a

Stop being selfish. Set your alarm to wake you up. Say no to friends if it means they will rob your time away from the Lord that created and saved your soul. Worship Him in the church body with greater excitement than any date you can go on or any movie that you will see. He is worthy to be praised (Psalm 19), and His eternal love endures forever (Psalm 136). I wonder, if we neglect worshipping Him with His bride...do we really love Him? If your god is college football, repent. If your god is your boyfriend or girlfriend, repent. If your god is your money, repent. If your god is your school accomplishments, repent. If your god is your friends, repent. Turn away from your excuses. Turn away from your pride. Turn away from the sins that nailed your Savior to the cross.

It doesn’t have to be on Sunday. I’m not so dogmatic to think that Sunday is the only day to worship. Friend, we can worship any day of the week. My point is simply to challenge you to see the joy and beauty of the church gathered to worship the bridegroom. If you are traveling and are away from your church body, join another body and continue the song that is eternal! I love worshiping with other churches when we are away on Sundays. My desire is to continue the devotion, continue the focus, and continue the everlasting joy of desiring God above the sins of this fallen world.

I'll say it again, I'm tired of hearing excuses. If we are the redeemed, we should wait everyday with great anticipation to sing of His eternal praise and glory. If we are the redeemed, we should protect our worship service gatherings from anything else. I'll stomp on one more foot if I need to today. I'm about to be a dad. Can I share something with you? I will not allow any organized sport or club take corporate worship time away from my daughter. I long for the day that I will gladly hold her hand as we approach the throne room, on our knees, in joyful celebration of our Savior. One day, all the things that distract us from worship will cease. When that day arrives, what will you be worshiping?