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!

Worlds Apart

Have you ever thought about the idea that you are living on this side of glory? One day, as our hearts stop their rhythm, we will join our Father on His side of glory...that is; if we are in Christ. I'm amazed by this thought. Every day, I'm walking not just on the earth, but on the other side of glory from my Father. It's almost like I'm away from my future home. I'm a traveler, a foreigner, so to speak, in a land that is not mine. It reminds me of the feeling I have when I travel overseas. The sights, the people, the days are such a treasure to me. I don't really spend time complaining...because I'm drawn to a privilege of seeing a place that I know I'll only spend a small amount of time on. When I board the plane to travel home, I know I will have a welcome awaiting me. My favorite part of returning home is when the customs officer looks at me and says, "Welcome home."

Look at this amazing verse with me. "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 3:20. What an incredible truth! When I'm away from the States, I tend to have an attitude of joy and peace because I know that soon I will be returning to my home...the place I'm FAMILIAR with. This theological truth has challenged much of my thought process in the past few weeks. Please permit me to share with you in points to what's on my mind. I ask in advance for your patience in my rambling.

1. Paul writes to the church at Philippi with a challenge to remain true in the faith, to avoid false teachings, to count all things as loss in comparison to Christ, to be like minded, and to deny the desires of the flesh. When we get to this verse, the command leaps off the page at us...to see our citizenship, our place, our position, and our future home is in glory with our Lord.

2. Why do we live without this excitement? Why do people put all of their drama on their facebook statues to get attention...or live without joy? Why do we pour out selfish appeals for attention instead of pointing to the One that daily appeals for the souls of the lost? Why do we treat this place as our permanent misery instead of our temporary joy before our departure? In such a "me-centered" culture...and church, it doesn't surprise me that many hold onto their current position without any thought to the future joy that awaits.

3. Why do we act without hope? Why do we take any obstacle and allow that to point attention t ourselves instead of the hope that our Lord is in control? I wish I could go back in my life and take the struggles...and point them more to the Savior. Since I am truly waiting for His return or His final rescue in my life...it would make sense that I would point my obstacles to His Home...

4. Why do we step without purpose? Just like our vacation times...I've wanted to take every step toward making the most of the days. For example, I wanted to speak to new folks, visit new sights, and soak in more air. Since our home is in glory, we should take our steps with purpose...not in vanity, but in full obedience to the Great Commission.

5. Why do we speak without happiness? If we have a home waiting for us, then it would seem that our words each day should be centered on the anticipation of returning home. It should mean that our words should invite others to join us. Our words should be centered on returning home...to the point that our faith is indeed REAL to others.

6. Why do we neglect the Savior? It is only in Christ that we have a future home. He is our treasure. He is our sole delight. He welcomes us to His Father's glory. He gives us the greeting of, "welcome home." We should live in such a way that we look forward to His glorious appearing.

I want to close with a song by Jars of Clay that has really blessed my soul this week. This is an old song, but a treasured song of mine. Enjoy.


I look beyond the empty cross
forgetting what my life has cost
and wipe away the crimson stains
"dull the nails that still remain"
More and more I need you now,
I owe you more each passing hour
the battle between grace and pride
I gave up not so long ago
So steal my heart and take the pain
and wash the feet and cleanse my pride
take the selfish, take the weak,
and all the things I cannot hide
take the beauty, take my tears
the sin-soaked heart and make it yours
take my world all apart
take it now, take it now
and serve the ones that I despise
speak the words I can't deny
watch the world I used to love
fall to dust and thrown away

Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave

Led by the Lord...

On Monday evening this week, I began the process of my normal iPod shuffle uploading. It's been such a joy to listen to sermons while exercising at the gym. I successfully loaded two sermons onto the shuffle...along with 11 songs from the new Leeland album. After the loading was complete, I walked downstairs and taught the evening basement Bible Study. So far, all went according to my expectations.

The study was glorious and after praying with Brooke, I headed to the gym. As I walked inside the gym, I quickly put the headphones into my ears to listen to Francis Chan...Only to find that that the shuffle only had the Leeland songs! I probably skipped the tracks about 40 times until I gave up. Frustrated, I sat down on the bike and began the boring process of riding for 30 minutes while staring at TV shows that had nothing but teenage girl appeal. (I can't stand shows that have anything to do with the drama that I see for free on facebook.) I was mad. No sermons...and 30 minutes of nothing but riding and watching.

Doug walked over to me as his friends left the gym. Doug is a guy about my age that works out about the same time that I do each evening. He and his wife have a son that is about two years old. Doug carries with him a strong Jersey accent with Brazilian roots. A great guy. As Doug walked over to my area of workout (well, it was me and a bunch of older ladies...), he began to talk with me about...life. After a few minutes of casual talking, the door was opened for me to share with him of the Gospel. What a joy it was to talk for about 25 minutes (and what a tiring time as well) with Doug of the glories of my Savior. Doug and his family are really seeking the Lord right now and want to get plugged into a church. I pray I will see him again when I work out...and at church as I worship with my family. Please pray for Doug.

I left the gym and was thinking back to my iPod dilemma. If I had a sermon on that night...I probably would've given Doug just a minute of talk and then went back to the sermon listening. I truly believe the Lord took the sermon off my iPod so I could actually live out a sermon by talking about Jesus to my friend in the gym. I'm truly grateful that I had no sermon to listen to that evening. I'm truly grateful that I was led by the Lord to speak of the only good news that I know. The tomb is empty, the Savior is alive, and the atonement for my sins has been paid for. What a Savior.

The next day, I turned my iPod in the car as I was heading to teach at a high school. I wanted to listen to Leeland that morning. To my surprise, Francis Chan came on. Same iPod, no change, different day...glorious Savior.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Dave

There's just something about that Name

Last night was a deep joy in my soul. Worshipping my immortal Savior with my students is a treasure that I hold dearly. It amazes me how teenagers can gather together on a Wednesday night, to read an old book and sing songs of worship. What amazes me even more is the excitement many of them have in the process of worshipping their Savior. I don't see much of a "Mom forced me to be here" attitude in the room. I see passionate teenagers that love their Savior King. There's just something about the name of Jesus that draws attention.

Last night, I preached on the humanity and divinity of Jesus. We covered Luke 2:22-52. It was a large text to cover in just 40 minutes. With a weak voice and trembling knees, I felt the joy of the Mighty Spirit covering my lips to speak of the glory of my Lord. In true and genuine fashion, the students joined me with great concentration. Their joy and excitement draws me to WANT to preach...even with a suffering voice. There's just something about the name of Jesus that draws worshipful concentration.

After our service, Brooke and I joined the students at Taco Bell. I noticed a group of boys in the corner of the restaurant that were acting very antagonistic toward our group. I've seen these boys before in school as well as a few of them around my subdivision. I knew they were going to be bitter towards us in the restaurant from the time we were ordering our food in line. One of the guys was rude to Brooke...which caused me to say something to him. (I lose some of my preacher traits when it comes to protecting my sweet bride.) When the guys left the restaurant, they yelled to us, "We love Satan." It broke my heart. Brooke and I got into our car and talked about it on the way home. We both agreed that it was hard because they thought they were offending us. They didn't. They were pledging allegiance to the living adversary of the Most High. We weren't upset, we were hurt. If those boys don't repent and trust in the Living Savior, they will perish with the demon they jokingly claimed to love. Several thoughts came to my mind this morning about those guys as well as many I meet on a week to week basis. Please allow me to share some with you.

1. Making fun of Christians by claiming love for Satan contradicts the effort of opposition. For example, if one claims to love Satan, they must claim to have a belief in Jesus. Their idea of Satan comes from their understanding of Scripture (may be little, but still an understanding). If one believes in a figure known as Satan, they must believe in the figure of Jesus. So, to state a love for Him must mean they have rejected a Savior they know to exist. That is why the comment last night made me sad. Why be so foolish?

2. To love and embrace Christ is the purpose of worship. Students gathered last night in order to lavish their affections upon the Savior that shed His blood for their sins. When we pledge allegiance and faith in Christ, we receive the eternal riches of God's mercy and presence. We receive protection from His justice as well as adoption into His family (Ephesians 1:7, John 1:12).

3. Claiming love for God's adversary means you are willing to take the justice of God. This means you will join the demon you claim to love (or even in kidding...claim to love) in his punishment thru the justice of God (read Jude 1:6 and 2 Peter 2:4).

4. Claiming love for God's Son means you are willing to receive God's pardon for your sins. Instead of receiving His just wrath, you are receiving His love. (Romans 1-8, 1 John).

There's just something about the name of Jesus that draws me to worship. There's something about the name of Jesus that draws ridicule and bitterness. His Name is powerful and all together lovely (Psalm 8). One day, all the jokes and ridicules will be swept away with a blink of the eye according to Philippians 2:10-11. One day, we will see why His Name draws so much attention on this earth...It is the Name above all Names (Ephesians 1:21, Philippians 2:9).

There's just something about the Name of Jesus that strengthens my weak voice today. I love my Savior. I pray if you are reading this, you will join me in the chorus of worship. If you want more to chew on with His name, read Colossians 1.

An old song I used to sing with my family comes to mind with this post. I want to close out with offering them to you. Enjoy your Savior today.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
There's just something about that name
Master, Savior, Jesus
Like the fragrance after the rain
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Let all heaven and earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms shall all pass away
But there's something about that name.


Just some thoughts. Soli Deo Gloria!

Dave