Maybe Brad Paisley is a prophet?

"When you're a celebrity, it's adios reality" - Brad Paisley

I love country music. It is part of my hillbilly roots I guess, but I never thought that the day would come when a country song spoke so much truth into the world.

All sarcasm aside, recently there has a been a firestorm of media attention surrounding the commercial released by Mike Huckabee, Republican presidential candidate, wishing those in the states of Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina a Merry Christmas.



It seems that those in the media and those in Hollywood cannot understand that a man can believe in the true meaning of Christmas and wish those around him a Merry Christmas and still be in politics.

Fox News writes, "At this time of year, sometimes it's nice to pull aside from all of that and remember that what really matters is the celebration of the birth of Christ," says the ordained Baptist minister, who has been riding a wave of evangelical support with his open religious appeals."

Access Hollywood accuses Huckabee of sending subliminal messages to the evangelical voters by blurring a cross in the background while playing Silent Night and wishing voters a Merry "Christ"mas.

Meredith Vierra on the Today show, quoting critics comments and pointing out the apparent floating cross in the background, said that it was "an overt religious appeal to Christian voters." To which Huckabee responded, "It was a bookshelf."

The "elite" of America who are behind Hollywood and in the media are quite out of touch with the American people and out of touch with something as simple as Christmas. For centuries Christmas has been celebrated, yet in America today there are some who desire to have all of Christianity out of the public square. Be careful this holiday season and each day in life to not take the attitude that the modern world is far superior than those who have gone before.

Christians should not be surprised at the fuss that is being made in the media and the fear that the evangelical vote may push Huckabee to the front. He stands for something simple, Christ as the meaning of Christmas. This simple stance is the very thing the anti-Christian rhetoric does not want.
A sign of the times, surely.
Adios reality, completely.

Great Commission Resurgence

There are many in the Christian Community that are concerned and vocal about a host of issues. From one's opinion on Joel Olstein and his "Best Life Now" to whether one should shop at Old Navy since they have happy "holidays" instead of Merry "Christmas." And one cannot forget that the "Golden Compass" is to be avoided. All of these issues are well and good, but as was written in an earlier post, the greatest adversary to the best is what is good.

Culture can be changed through advocacy, but a man's heart is evil and a fallen world can only be restrained. True reformation only comes with a new creation. It is in the fulfillment of the Great Commission that the new creation reforms one soul at a time. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17.

The message that is being promoted by Dr. Akin and Southeastern Seminary is calling the SBC and its churches to a renewed focus on the best. The following article from the Baptist Press reports a message from Dr. Akin.

SBC needs 'Great Commission Resurgence'
By Jason Hall
Nov 29, 2007

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (BP)--Daniel Akin called on Southern Baptists to rally around a "Great Commission Resurgence" to reach the lost that he hopes will define the denomination's direction for years and decades to come.

"Building on the 'Conservative Resurgence' that was initiated in 1979, we believe the time has come for us to focus on the great task the Lord Jesus left us as He ascended back into heaven," said Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C. "Fulfilling the task will in no way leave behind or neglect an equal commitment to a faithful biblical theology."

Akin delivered the closing address at the Nov. 26-28 "Building Bridges: Southern Baptists and Calvinism" conference co-sponsored by Founders Ministries and Southeastern Seminary at LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina. Founders Ministries formed in 1982 to advance Reformed theology in SBC churches.

As Akin presented his vision for a Great Commission Resurgence, he invoked the memory of key conservative leaders like W.A. Criswell and Adrian Rogers. In praising those men for their devotion to turning Southern Baptists back toward the inerrancy of Scripture, Akin noted that the convention is now faced with a "generational transition that is exciting, but also uncertain."

"We need godly men who can move us forward in concert for the glory of God, the building of the church and the evangelization of the nations," Akin said. "We need men of character and substance, vision and wisdom, humility and conviction. We desperately need leaders who can guide us and challenge us."

In pursuing this vision, Akin noted several reasons why such a resurgence can happen. Like many other speakers during the three-day conference, Akin emphasized that the common confession of the Baptist Faith and Message and its stance on the inerrancy, infallibility and sufficiency of the Bible leaves room in Southern Baptist life for Calvinists and non-Calvinists, but does not allow for petty infighting and arguments that detract from a Great Commission focus.

"Some would say the battle for the Bible has been won and it is time to move on," Akin said. "I would sound a word of warning. The battle over the Word of God did not begin in 1979, it started in the Garden of Eden. The battle for biblical authority will never be completely and finally won until Christ returns in power and glory."

Akin noted the agreement among Southern Baptists on such key doctrinal distinctives such as regenerate church membership, the exclusivity of the Gospel, the sinfulness of man and salvation by faith alone in Christ alone. And Southern Baptist are in agreement that the Great Commission is a divine mandate, Akin said, and that Christians are to give themselves to this task until Christ returns. To affirm anything less, he said, puts one "outside the camp" of Southern Baptists.

" is to deny our heritage and misunderstand our identity," Akin said. "It is to neglect Christ's command, disobey His last words and miss the promised blessing that attends all who take up this holy assignment."

Akin then offered several ways Southern Baptists, who differ on a number of theological issues, can still work together for a Great Commission Resurgence.

First, he said, Southern Baptists need a sound theology based on Scripture alone that is neither too soft nor too restrictive. He noted that such a theology would rule out aberrant doctrines like open theism, universalism or works salvation and would not be wishy-washy on key issues like gender roles and homosexuality.

On the other hand, a sound theology allows for various views on several points, Akin said.

"The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 is well-constructed canopy under which varying perspectives on the issue of Calvinism can peacefully and helpfully co-exist," he said. "Is there a place for differing positions on the issue of election, the extent of the atonement and calling, as well as the details of how we do missions, evangelism and give the invitation? I am convinced the answer is yes."

Akin also cited the need for a revival of genuine biblical exposition in preaching. Despite the success of the Conservative Resurgence, Akin lamented that many Southern Baptist pastors still do not understand how to use the pulpit as anything other than a "self-help seminar."

"In the days ahead we must pursue what I call 'engaging theological exposition,'" Akin said. "We must wed substance and style, content and delivery. We must teach the whole counsel of Scripture book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse and word by word.

"Authentic exposition will bring biblical balance to our theology and force us to engage the tough doctrines of Scripture. It will also cultivate a pastoral perspective that results in a love for the Savior's sheep and the lost."

And Akin encouraged the pursuit of a Great Commission theology that shows love and respect for Southern Baptists who are not in complete agreement on every point of theology.

"One of our problems has been semi-Arminians with an attitude and Calvinists with a chip on their shoulder," he said. "The shrill rhetoric, sloppy history and theology, and unchristian words and actions on both sides of this issue have resulted in a number of unnecessary misfortunes. Misrepresentations of positions on this issue have prevented healthy and honest conversations. Hidden agendas have divided churches and fractured fellowships. False caricatures have made for cute sound bites, but they lack Christian charity and integrity. All in all, the cause of Christ and the well-being of His body has been damaged.

"We may not agree on everything, but we agree on more than enough to work together for our Lord Jesus in fulfilling the Great Commission," Akin said. "So, will we live or will we die? Will we come together for life or fracture apart in death? I make my choice for life."

Tom Ascol, Founders Ministries executive director, in comments preceding Akin, noted, "This has been a historic gathering.

"I pray, as I know you do, that good will continue to ripple out from this over the months and years ahead. One of the things I am so encouraged about ... is the way we have been able to come together and talk about these kind of substantive issues, even where we disagree strongly, and to do it in a kind way that doesn't water down convictions ... and isn't acrimonious."

Ascol said Southern Baptists face numerous challenges to their cooperative unity in working together to make Jesus Christ known to an unbelieving world.

"Mere denominational affiliation can no longer sustain such cooperation, if indeed it ever could," he said. "If Southern Baptists are going to work together in any kind of meaningful way, we must find common ground on which we can stand so we can link arms legitimately, and with integrity, for the sake of making Jesus Christ known."
--30--
Jason Hall is director of communications for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mark Kelly, a freelance writer based in Gallatin, Tenn., contributed to this article.


Copyright (c) 2007 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press
901 Commerce Street
Nashville, TN 37203
Tel: 615.244.2355
Fax: 615.782.8736
email: bpress@sbc.net

May we too link arms for the sake of making Jesus Christ known!

All the more reason to struggle with all His energy

Lifeway Research Revealed that Many Teens Stop Attending Church at Age Eighteen

Lifeway Research, Christian Post,

Thirty-four percent have not returned to church by age 30.

Only 20 percent of the church dropouts said that while attending church in high school, they planned on taking a break from church once they finished high school.
Most young adults reason for leaving was "I simply wanted a break from church" (27 percent).

Transitioning into college was also a major reason for quitting church (25 percent);

Twenty-three percent said "work responsibilities prevented me from attending;"

Twenty-two percent said they "moved too far away from the church to continue attending."

Although some still wanted to attend church, 22 percent said they "became too busy" and 17 percent "chose to spend more time with friends outside the church."

More than half (52 percent) said "religious, ethical or political beliefs" contributed to their departure from church.

More specifically, 18 percent said "I disagreed with the church's stance on political or social issues;"

Seventeen percent said "I was only going to church to please others;"

Sixteen percent no longer wanted to identify with a church or organized religion;

Fourteen percent disagreed with the church's teachings about God.

On church or pastor-related reasons for leaving, 26 percent said they left because "church members seemed judgmental or hypocritical" and 20 percent said they "didn't feel connected to the people in my church."

The primary reason church dropouts eventually return to church is because of encouragement from family or friends.

Thirty-nine percent returned as a result of their parents' or family members' encouragement and 21 percent attribute their return to their friends or acquaintances.

To see the article and research click HERE.

It is interesting to note that they come back because someone invited them who was relating to them in some way. The Power of the personal invitation still works!

Million Dollar Bill?

I thought this story may interest some, considering that a 31 year old actually tried to deposit the million dollar bill (which does not exist). People never cease to amaze me.

Man Charged With Disorderly Conduct, Forgery After Trying to Deposit $1M Bill

A note on struggling with all His energy

I have recently had a number of people ask about and question my salutation and title of the blog "struggling with all His energy." Everything from why are you so depressed, to shouldn't you be conquering, to how can a pastor always be struggling, to your move to North Carolina must be hard if you want everyone to know you are struggling all the time... I could go on. But I won't.

I pray that the following response will help all to understand my heart and the meaning of the verse from which it is taken, Colossians 1:29, which is also the web address to this blog.

Colossians 1:24-29 (ESV) 24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

The word that is translated as struggling, in Colossians 1:29, conveys the idea of laboring to the point of exhaustion to see that those under my care are mature in Christ. That is a struggle and can only be done by His energy. It is not to be interpreted as one who is in the pit trying to get out, but as one who is out of the pit, by His grace, struggling with others to help get them out. There is a constant burden upon my heart, a calling that has arrested my soul since I was 17 requiring me to fight with everything in Christ’s power to see those bound in the prison of sin and held captive as slaves, to be set free by the truth of the gospel. I know that the battle can be won even when we have not seen the King of kings fully in charge yet, though one day He will be. For that I will struggle with all His energy. For in my struggles I know that my King has already conquered. This is why I don’t stop!

I do not know about your heart, but I find that mine so often reflects the laments of Paul in Romans 7 where he says that those things he wants to do he does not do, but the things he does are the things he does not want to do because the sin in his flesh is constantly waging war against the desires of his spirit to follow Christ. After writing on these things he declares, wretched man I am! Who will deliver me?

I have such a desire to be holy as He is holy, yet the more I understand Christ the more I understand my desperate sin condition and oh how that makes my heart long for and love the forgiveness and sacrifice of my Savior more. That he chose me despite my condition and called me despite my failings to be used in His power to share his message of joy and sacrifice.

Who will rescue me? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!!!!!!!

I will celebrate the Lord’s victories in my life and we will conquer so that with all His energy we may struggle against the next sin and the next and the next…. This is not a weak struggle with hopes of making it, as though I can’t, while I pout about how hard life is, to the contrary; this is an intentional struggle aimed at sin and the prince of the air who has held this world captive far to long! Honestly, if it is a constant battle in my own life then I know that it is in others who I have been called to help present complete, sanctified, mature in Christ. May we all struggle for one another that we are mature on that Day!

TheTheological Dictionary of the New Testament captures my thoughts well,

"He (Paul) thinks of the conflicts and sufferings of the Christian life itself as a life which in its totality stands under the sign of the cross and in this sign carries the cause of Christ to victory."

Let us struggle intentionally to advance the cross of Christ, for it is through our struggles that this world will hear and know Christ!

I hope this helps you understand why "struggling with all His energy" is my blog, salutation,ministry philosophy, favorite verse, and encouraging motivation.

Pastor Dave

Click HERE to read a short story I wrote about a year ago to illustrate the meaning of this passage.

For futher clarification please read some other uses of the Greek word, agonizomai, translated struggling in Colossians 1:29, in the NT and how it is translated below. Bold designates its translations:

Colossians 2:1-2 where Paul says "I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and untied in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ."

Also read Ephesians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God."

In Luke 13:24 Jesus uses the word when he says, "Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many I tell you will seek to enter and will not be able."

In John 18:36, "Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting , that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from this world."

In 1 Timothy 4:9-10, " Godliness is profitable...For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially those who believe."

The word is used in 1 Timothy 6:12, "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

And finally Paul used it to describe his life as he was about to be killed for the faith in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament defines this word by saying, "It is an insight into the law of life that the better is the enemy of the best, so that even what is right and good may have to be renounced." or "the thought of the goal that can only be reached through the full expenditure of our energies."

In the case of Paul that would be the energies provided by and in Christ Jesus.

The Golden Compass Controversy

I have received more emails than I care to admit concerning the film coming out in just a few weeks with Nicole Kidman entitled "The Golden Compass." After seeing the preview for the movie and its Narnia like feel, in conjunction with all the rumors, I think it wise to give access to the full story written by the Baptist Press for your information. Happy reading and I hope this helps!

'Golden Compass' movie opening to controversy
By Michael Foust
Nov 16, 2007

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--It's a fantasy universe where witches are good, the church is bad, and at the end of it all, God dies.

It's the world of author Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy, and on Dec. 7 a movie based on the first book in that series, "The Golden Compass," hits theaters. For weeks now, the movie has been the focus of e-mails from concerned Christians, curious if what they heard about it is true. In this instance -- as even the truth-or-fiction website Snopes.com affirms -- the rumors mostly are fact.

Pullman himself is not sure whether he's an atheist or an agnostic, but his own words leave little doubt that he has a strong distaste for Christianity -- at least Christianity as he sees it.

The entire series has been dubbed the "anti-Narnia," with Pullman regularly expressing disdain for C.S. Lewis' fictional world and even once calling it "propaganda in the service of a life-hating ideology." He has sought to write a completely different fictional tale, and he has succeeded. He said in a 2001 interview, "I'm trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief," and two years later told another newspaper, "My books are about killing God."

Pullman has been more toned down in recent interviews, perhaps because New Line Cinema has invested more than $150 million in the first installment and because it needs to be successful if the final two books are to make it to the big screen.

Launched in 1995, the book series has been wildly popular across the Atlantic and won several awards in the United Kingdom. In the U.S., Al Roker of NBC's "Today Show" recently even made The Golden Compass part of his children's book club. And, children are reading it: During an interview with Roker, Pullman took videotaped questions from children about the The Golden Compass. He also took questions on the show's website, where one boy, an 8 year old in Virginia, said he was reading the book with his class. It is being sold nationwide in schools through Scholastic, which also is selling the other two books and claims the The Golden Compass is appropriate for grades four and up.

The movie itself focuses on a 12-year-old girl named Lyra and her daemon (pronounced "demon") -- her soul in the form of a talking animal. Everyone in her world, in fact, has a daemon, which could range from a monkey to a lion. Early in the movie her friend Roger is kidnapped, and she sets out to find him.

The movie -- rated PG-13 -- reportedly avoids using the word "church" and instead calls it the "Magisterium," a Roman Catholic term. Additionally, in the second and third books "God" is regularly called the "Authority." The book and movie gets it name from a golden device that can, according to the books, determine truth itself.


In fact, the most anti-religious elements are found not in the first book but in the latter two. Movie director Chris Weitz has said some of the more controversial ideas have been removed from The Golden Compass to make it more palatable for the public. Weitz said his goal is to make sure controversial scenes and dialogue -- critical to the plot -- are included in any future movies.

"The whole point, to me, of ensuring that 'The Golden Compass' is a financial success is so that we have a solid foundation on which to deliver a faithful, more literal adaptation of the second and third books," he said Nov. 14 on an MTV movie blog.

If that's the case, then the next two movies could be even more controversial. For instance:

-- In the second book in the trilogy, "The Subtle Knife," one of the main characters, Will, is told he possesses "the one weapon in all the universes" -- a magical knife -- that can "defeat the tyrant." That tyrant, he is told, is "The Authority. God."

-- In "The Amber Spyglass," the third and final book of the series, Will is told -- by two fallen, homosexual angels, no less -- that "The Authority" has many names, "God, the Creator, the Lord, Yahweh, El, Adonai, the King, the Father, the Almighty." These were names God "gave himself" even though "he was never the creator." Instead, Will is told, the Authority simply was the first angel formed out of "Dust" and thereafter God proceeded to tell "those who came after him that he had created them."

-- In another scene in The Amber Spyglass, one of the homosexual angels tells Will that churches "tell their believers that they'll live in Heaven, but that's a lie." Instead, believers go to a "prison camp."

-- In one of the final chapters of The Amber Spyglass, an ex-nun named Mary tells Will and Lyra, "The Christian religion is a very powerful and convincing mistake, that's all." Mary also tells them that after she learned there was no God, she soon discovered that "physics was more interesting anyway."

One of Pullman's apparent themes is that science and reason trump faith.

"I don't think it's a reach to say that faith and enjoyment are antithetical in Pullman's worldview," Adam Holz, associate editor of Focus on the Family's Plugged In, told Baptist Press. "He seems to say that it's impossible to have a life of joy, of pleasure, and be a member of the church."

Pullman himself has said his books have Christian themes because that was his world as a child -- his father was an Anglican clergyman. If he had grown up as a Jew, he has said, his books likely would have had Jewish themes. His biggest contentions with Christianity specifically and religion in general are the atrocities committed over the centuries in God's name. That theme seems to have made it into the movie; the narrator in the trailer says the world of The Golden Compass "is dominated by the Magisterium, which seeks to control all humanity."

"f there is a God and he is as the Christians describe him, then he deserves to be put down and rebelled against," Pullman told the Telegraph newspaper in 2002. "As you look back over the history of the Christian church, it's a record of terrible infamy and cruelty and persecution and tyranny. How they have the bloody nerve to go on 'Thought for the Day' and tell us all to be good when, given the slightest chance, they'd be hanging the rest of us and flogging the homosexuals and persecuting the witches."

In that same interview he talked about his desire to write books for all age groups.

"I wanted to reach everyone, and the best way I could do that was to write for children and hope that they'd tell their parents ... which is what happened," he said.

The trilogy ends with Lyra, Will and their companions killing "God" and then resolving how their own relationship (they're in love) will continue.

Cedarville University President Bill Brown told BP he hopes the movie will present Christians the opportunity to discuss their faith publicly in the media -- in the same way "The Da Vinci Code" presented such an occasion.

"The God he has in his books -- particularly in the last book -- is not the Creator God," Brown said, emphasizing the evil nature of the trilogy's God. "It's just a weak being that is blown away at the very end.... I'm opposed to that view of God and to that view of the church, too."

Holz said he's concerned about the books' impact on children.

"Not only has the story got a deeply anti-Christian component to it, but aiming that story at children who may not have the discernment to notice or understand the message he's delivering," Holz said. "I think Christians need to be aware of where he is coming from. Even if they tone down the anti-church references in all the movies, we're concerned that it's still going to lead people back to the books, because it's going to make people curious."
--30--
Michael Foust is assistant editor of Baptist Press.


Copyright (c) 2007 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press
901 Commerce Street
Nashville, TN 37203
Tel: 615.244.2355
Fax: 615.782.8736
email: bpress@sbc.net

Solomon found nemos aquarium with all his friends

It was really cool to see all the characters in real life at a Mexican restaurant in Wake Forest.

More RCCC students "washing feet"

Solomon's first fishing trip

It was a solomon size fish, but he still caught it. Being a dad is great!

At God's Disposal

There was a cartoon when I was a kid that had a king and a goofy jester, I don't remember which cartoon or what episode, but I do remember what the jester would always say when the king called for him. He would arrive before the king and say, "At your disposal, king."

I had no idea what that was about when I was little but as grew older I figured out that the jester would do whatever the king would ask. He presented himself before the king to do his bidding, whatever that may be.

Today Romans 6 verse 13 brought new meaning to an old cartoon that I have almost forgotten.

Do not present our members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.

The literal meaning of the word "present" in this verse is to "put at someones disposal." In other words Paul is teaching that we should let our lives and bodies be at the disposal of the King. We are not jesters, we are heirs, sons, and daughters of the King. But we can still place our lives at God's disposal and stop allowing sin to reign. Present yourself before God and do the King's bidding.

Suffering, Endurance, Character, Hope

As I was reading again through the book Romans today, verses 2-5 of chapter 5 resounded with my heart in the time of transition that my family and I are in.

Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace on which we stand and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that , we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us

It is amazing how God speaks to His people through His Word in the power of the Holy Spirit in the right ways at the right time, when we are willing to listen. As much as we struggle and fight against the reading of His Word, the truth is, it is worth it to hear His voice, and for the Word to speak right into your life.

Remember that the Christian life is SIMPLE! Start by Studying the scriptures and let the God of the Universe speak intimate words just to you and for you in the Bible. Be encouraged and challenged, be diligent and focused.

Keep it SIMPLE!

Keep it SIMPLE!

I recently came across a confession of Bill Hybels concerning the last thirty years of ministry at Willow Creek, while reading Dr. Hershael York's blog. Watch the video and think of how simple church really is.

Bill Hybels Video - Reveal

The SIMPLE Christian life is the subject of the fist series of messages on Sunday nights. Students we are going to start right at the heart of the Christian walk, learning to feed yourself daily! Let's keep it SIMPLE!

S - Study the Word
I - Invest in Others
M - Make Disciples of Christ
P - Pray
L - Love One Another
E - Exalt God and Exult in God

Totally Persuaded

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

"For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is a promise of promises found in Romans 8:35-39. Paul is totally persuaded that he will never reach the limits of the love of God and then step over. In Jesus Christ there are no limits to His love, there are no circumstances in which God stops loving you. If you are in Christ, you are a child of God. God loves his Son infinitely and therefore you infinitely. To stop loving you would mean that he must stop loving His Son, and that is not going to happen.

Are you totally persuaded? I know as I read this passage again this morning it took on fresh meaning in the middle of all the transition. No matter what I am doing, no matter where I am, I am loved by God. I am in Jesus Christ! Amen!

Be totally persuaded of God's love in Christ Jesus! Rest in that truth!

Solomon's first day in AWANA

Solomon attended his first AWANA meeting at Richland Creek. I think he is a fan. Mostly because I listened to him sing "I've got the joy joy joy" for 30 minutes which I thoroughly enjoyed!

Welcome Richland Creek Family

Ann and I are excited to finally be on the field in Wake County here at Richland Creek Community Church! We have attended our first Sunday and were encouraged beyond measure by the demonstrations of love, not only to us, but the family of Richland Creek to one another. The time of communion was sweet fellowship in which to watch and participate.

To all who are from Richland Creek. I hope that you will be encouraged by my posts as I have already been encouraged by your hospitality and affections. Welcome to my blog!

Pastor Dave

Fully Convinced - Romans 4:20-21

January 6, 2001 has been etched in history as a milestone in my life. It was on that day that I made a vow to commit the rest of my life to my wife and say the "I do." It was on that day that my entire trust and devotion to one woman for all of life was publicly announced and demonstrated to a whole sanctuary of witnesses, but most importantly before my Lord. I was fully convinced that day that Ann was the one and I trusted in her promise to be with me for the rest of her life.

This morning as I was reading in Romans I was struck by 4:20-21. Talking about Abraham the Apostle Paul writes,

No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.

Abraham grew stronger in the simple trust and devotion to the promise the Lord had made him. He beleived that God would do exactly what he promised he would do. Abraham was fully convinced. Are we fully convinced?

I look back on that wedding day and remember how I was unwavering in my commitment and fully convinced that Ann was the one for me. How much more should I,and you,be fully convinced that God will keep his promise.

God is able. Be fully convinced of that!

For everything there is a season

The family and I will be moving to North Carolina in just a couple of days. It seems as though it has only been a short time since we moved to Louisville, Kentucky with an 11 month old to start the seminary journey. Now just three and a half years later and many friends later, we will be leaving with a nine month old and a four year old and many memories to cherish for a lifetime.

To all who have been a part of our family and we a part of yours during out time at Cedar Creek and at Southern Seminary, Thank you! We have enjoyed the time and have learned much. More than any other time my family has grown in the Lord and can walk away from a season of life knowing, without regret, that we have done all the Lord has placed in front of us.

To the students who I had the short opportunity to minister to as interim student pastor. Please fight apathy and boredom with a hunger for the Word that will show you the awesome Father we serve who is like no other. The TASK ahead of you is never as great as the POWER behind you!

It is now time for us to begin our journey at Richland Creek Community Church. May we be humble and attentive to God's voice. I trust that the Lord will do far more abundantly than I can ask or imagine, because I will struggle with all His energy.

Obedience for the sake of His name

Romans 1: 5 "...through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ."

The obedience to the faith is for the sake of His name, that is Jesus Christ. Paul says that he has received grace and the calling of his apostleship for the sake of this very purpose. To us today, though we are not apostles, we have the same call as ministers of the gospel, including all Christians, to take the gospel and the doctrines of the faith to the world that they may obey Him. This is not a new idea but one part struck my heart this morning in a way that it never has before.

Paul said that it included the Romans to whom he was writing. Our focus should always be on the nations, including those right next to us. We many times think of missions as somewhere else, but our somewhere else is home to them. Did you ever consider that we live in some body's "somewhere else." Where you live, where you work, where you shop is included in the nations.

May I have that focus for my neighbors and those who surround me. They are the nations that must come into obedience to the faith for the sake of His name.

God's Amazing Summer

Summertime is always lots of fun for me and the family. Having a three year old who is about to turn four makes the summer days fun with his excitement and love for the outdoors and his swingset. But this summer had a bit more in store for me than previous summers of my entire life.

Starting I knew that it would be busy. A trip to Brazil, youth camp, Kent Island, MD work (both jobs), family, somebooks that I wanted to read, and preperation for possible ministry postitions through resumes and interviews all vied for my time. Little did I know that God would have so much in store.

The short of the summer is, God allowed me to be a part of more than 85 people coming to know Christ this summer! I never expected to be a part of so many amazing outpourings of God's Spirit in and around my life. More than anything I have been encouraged as I look back. God is still at work and does amazing things through simple people who are willing to follow his lead. In the midst of it all it didn't seem like much but looking back God is amazing!

Thoughts from "Everlasting Dominion"

I am reading the book Everlasting Dominion by Eugene Merrill currently and the section on God's Holiness has really set strong in my heart.

His discussion of God's Holiness and how that compels worship has made me think of why people worship, or for that matter do not worship God. In a way Michael Jordan helps to resolve the issue. God is holy that means he is "separate from all else that exists and his holiness is translated into ethical and moral perfection" (56).

Now I know comparing Michael Jordan and God is like comparing an acorn to a mighty Oak Tree and saying, "See the resemblance" but just bare with me. Jordan has a small talent. He can play a little basketball and so those of us who are not as talented look at the things he did on the court and talk about how amazing they are. "Did you see the way he flew from the free throw line all the way to the goal!" Then after years of play you no longer mentioned his play just his name represented how awesome he was a basketball. "Jordon is amazing" Then people began to where his symbol, his jersey, his number, his shoes, his cologne, Hanes underwear, and drink Gatorade all because they wanted to "Be like Mike" In a word they worshipped him because of his ability in basketball.

The term loosely used as worship in describing people's reaction to Jordan can take on the true meaning in a description of why we should worship God. He is completely other, capable of what we can never do. His deeds are far superior to any on this earth and his name represents what we will never be. So we read his Book, talk with him, emulate and follow Him, and tell of how amazing he is. We speak His name which represents His holiness

Just a little food for thought

Just a few Photos from the Brazil Mission

Here is some of the pictures form the mission to Brazil. We had an amazing time and it was great to see that the Word of God through the power of the Spirit of God changes lives in big ways. There were over 60 salvations during our time there! I had the opportunity to preach at asmall church in town that was a part of the mission of Chapada Baptist Church.
The Banks of the Amazon in Manaus.
The third cutest child on the face of the earth. He was the son of the camp caretaker.
In the Amazon the tools for pulling tree stumps consists of picks, boards, chains, car jacks, and sweat.
On Saturday Night the Chapada Baptist Church held a bilingual Night for the Englsih students as an evangelistic outreach. Dr. York preached that evening.
This is a morning picture of the camp where we stayed and built a cabin.
This was the team who was with me at Brazil. They were a great group and I enjoyed the time with each of them.
I don't remember the name of these eateries, but when you said yes they gave you meat and lots of it!
I swam in the Amazon and was not eaten by one fish, even though some of them were bigger than me!

31 Girl: Submission the motivation for Fidelity

The Baptist Press today ran a number of articles on the overwhelming problem that pornography is having in our culture today. This is not only outside the church walls but is infecting the very ranks of the church from the pew to the pulpit. As a young man I fear for the effect that the easily accessible Internet porn is having and will have on an up and coming generation of young ministers, particularly as the Baptist Press pointed out, those who are under the age of 30.

The culture that I have been raised in and Internet technology has made the sin of pornography easily accessible without the stigma of buying the magazine at the store. The sin is quiet, but deadly. The struggles are enormous and the battle is currently being won by the enemy, the Devil. Sin is crouching at our door men, and it wants to destroy our lives.

In thinking about this epidemic that is ripping at the foundations of those called to lead the church I asked myself an honest question as to why I am motivated to fight any and all temptations. Why I desire to avoid the snare of deceitful pleasure? All thoughts point back to my wife.

In a conversation with an amazing woman of God, Tanya York, wife of my seminary professor Hershael York, she pointed out a truth that I had never seen. We were discussing my wife, as the entire mission team floated down the Amazon for a Tuesday afternoon swim off the boat. She pinpointed for me the reason that I am so concerned with fidelity to my wife. Ann Miller trusts me. That's it, she submits to me as the leader of the home and places her full confidence in me as her husband and as God's point man for our home. This is motivation!

I rethink every decision and pray over every change in our families situation. I ask her input and make every effort to make right decisions the first time because I know she is counting on me. She does not second guess me and that requires that I choose right. She has sacrificed her family, her home, her dream of teaching, her friends, the list goes on, for me and our family. That humbles me in a way that I cannot explain. It also pressures and reminds me constantly that I cannot make mistakes. It reminds me that I must lead our family well and I cannot do anything to jeopardize the most amazing wife this world has known.

Her submission motivates my fidelity. When I am tempted, I am quickly reminded that even the slightest failure can put into motion jeopardizing my family. I am committed to her because she is whole heartedly committed to me.

Ladies, I don't know you circumstance or your marriage but I know that Ann's submissiveness to me motivates my fidelity. I would venture to say that it will do the same for your husband. I would not ever want to exchange her for some cheap picture, some momentary pleasure, some uncommitted home wrecking bimbo on screen, across the street, or at my computer!!!!!

She is God's sanctifying grace! This 31 Girl (that is for Proverbs 31) holds my attention because she has staked her provision and family on me! What a responsibility! What a privilege! May God deal with me be it ever so severly if I ever set my path in a way that would destroy this blessing!

I love you Ann and I thank you that you are the wife God has called you to be!

I thank you Tanya York for being used of God to enlighten me even more of the gift
Ann is to me.

Thank you Dr. York for the example you and Tanya have been in our lives.

The first Day at Camp

WE are having a great time at Cedarmore and we appreciate all of your prayers!

--
David Miller

Some Lessons Learned from Brazil

1. God's Word is living and active.
2. The Word comes alive when the Spirit is working.
3. God still does God-sized things.
4. I love my wife and children more than they will ever know.

Mission to Manaus

I will be in Manuas, Brazil the following two weeks. I appreciate your prayers!

dave m

A Lesson in Humility

Have you ever noticed how the greatest apostle of the New Testament considered himself the least of them all. The Apostle Paul did not consider himself better as he matured in Christ but less and less. In fact, in his last years he wrote that he was the chief of sinners!

It seems reasonable to believe in this world that working hard and achieving goals is an honorable task. Yet this is not the ways of God. I am not saying that one should not strive to work hard, Paul says that he worked harder then all the rest of the apostles, but the difference is in whose glory you are working for. God's or your own.

Serving as a pastor creates somewhat of a fuzzy distinction. A growing church that is winning converts and discipling believers brings God glory, and the pastor involved is in the middle of all the praise. It is easy to forget that humans are a tool and that God is the glorious one. This goes back to satisfaction tension what are you working hard for?

The interesting part is that in struggling with His energy for the church and the glory of God one in turn receives more satisfaction than personal gain or success can ever bring. In the end, what one gains for himself is left behind, what one gives to the kingdom of God is eternal.

This quote from John MacArthur's commentary on Ephesians says it well,

Among the greatest dangers to the ministry, and to all faithful Christian living, are things that in the world's eyes are of supreme value - personal ambition, prestige, recognition, honor, reputation, and success. God not only chooses weak and foolish people to save, but weak and foolish preachers through whom to save them.

Those who know me well, know that I worked hard for personal ambition in FFA. But God was gracious to use those opportunities for intense and lifelong lessons that have benefited my life and ministry today and will into the future. The hard part is the Spirit teaching me to remember it is not about me, and that I am a slave of Jesus Christ, called and saved, for His purpose alone. I must trust his direction and be satisfied with his works that he has prepared me to do. But at the same time, struggle with all His energy to make those works the best they can be!

Satisfaction Tension

The day I brought my first child home with my wife was an amazing event. I remember holding him as he slept and just sitting and watching as my wife cared for him in his helpless estate. I can remember finding such satisfaction in knowing that he was my child and a gift of God. I had always longed for a child and now I had a firstborn son.

But before long he was not that little helpless babe anymore. He was a crazy little two year old and into everything. Once again the desire to have a little one crept in and we decided it was time for another child. I had not forgotten, nor loved less, my first born, yet the desire for a new little one was in tension with the satisfaction that we already had in our first son.

You know the Christian life presents us with a similar tension. We are to rest in our salvation and to be satisfied in knowing Christ and the grace that has saved us, yet with the constant yearning for something greater. Not to know someone greater but to know him better and be allowed to accomplish more through his power for the kingdom.

How this tension tears at my heart on occasions as I long to do mighty works for the kingdom and at the same time wrestle with the pride of self over the satisfaction of Christ. Do I want to be successful as a pastor so that others will see? Or, do I want to be a successful pastor because it is the desire of God to grow his church?

How I long for God to give me a driving passion for his kingdom that is centered upon his glory and not my own, that I will not confuse success with personal gain, but that success would be the increase of God's glory and the increase of his Renown. I pray that God will let me see great success and that the anointing of the Spirit will be upon my ministry! Oh how I long for his power to flow through me and minister in me.

So the tension remains! I desire to be satisfied completely in Christ and yet stay passionate for more and more. Though the truth remains, the only way to be satisfied in Christ is to know him more and more. I pray that God will give us wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him!

My works have been set out in advance for me to do, the way has already been prepared. Lord, give me the grace that I may faithfully walk in them with a total trust and dependence upon you, for you know the plans you have for me.

Mission to Manaus, Brazil

I will be leaving for the mission trip to Manaus on June 18-27. Please pray for me and the work of the team I will be traveling with from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas. We will be working with and doing construction for a youth camp just outside the city.

Building an Evangelistic Church

This summer I have the oppportunity to study under Ken Hemphill, the author of EKG: Empowering Kingdom Growth.

I am really excited about this class and have enjoyed reading the books in preperation. This class focuses on what my heartbeat is in growing the church with conversion rather than transfers from other churches. I thank God for the chance to sit under his instruction and pray that I will learn to keep the basics of expository preaching, prayer, small group bible study, etc. in mind for the rest of my ministry that God may grow his church by reaching the lost through my minsitry!

What mom is worth

This article by MSN Money gives the approximate salary of the best ladies in the world, Stay at Home Moms!

The Salary of a Stay-at-Home mom for 2007

That means I have a lot of back pay owed to Ann, plus the cost of putting up with me. It could take a while to pay that debt!

They grow up way too fast!

The baby elephant is here

Sol was stoked to see the baby elephant at the louisville zoo today

David Miller

Old Friends

I finally made it to 2007 and got a facebook page. My wife has been on me about it and you know it is pretty fun. I have had a chance to talk with friends I have not seen in a long time and see what is going on in thier lives.

Just a week ago I also went home with my wife to Oklahoma to attend two funerals in one day. It was a whirlwind trip driving 14 hours with a 3 year old and a 3 month old! But it turned out to be a great chance to run in to a great old friend. Josh Brecheen was speaking at my old high school. I hadn't talked to him in 4 years and he then got me in touch with my best friend from 2nd to 4th grade and later in college, Cyal Walden. They are letting him drive $100,000 buses loaded with kids. What is going on in the world these days?

The world turns quite fast and it is hard to keep up with everyone. But God has blessed my wife and I with so many great friends who are now literally all over the world. The Internet may have brought some junk with it but it is great to keep up with friends from California to Indonesia to Dallas to Maine!

Check out my Facebook page and then get started with your own! Especially you my sister Shellie!

My Facebook Homepage

"Don't be surprised when the world hates you, because it first hated me"

The following story is a reminder of what the world thinks of Christianity. We rarely, in America, think of this happening. However, let us not forget that while we have comfortable and safe lives other Christians around the world are not as safe. Please pray for the Christians in Turkey and missionaries I know, who are there.

TURKEY--Muslims in Turkey murder three Christians.

All the Millers are good Baptists

One thing the Miller family,from the oldest to the youngest does well is eat. Not just any food, but the kind that gets you messy cause it is the best.

Hope you enjoyed the picture of my sister's little boy CT Howard.

Eat that corn boy!

Faith, Family and Farm Boys

This semester is about to close out and that means only one semester remains and I will be done with school. (at least until I start the Doctor of Ministry Program, but that is three years from now) The completion of school means that I can go anywhere I want. Literally, my wife and I are facing the possibility of going anywhere in the world.

I never anticipated the thrill, and weight, of knowing that I can live in any country in the world and still do ministry. Wwith that comes the pull of three priorities in my life, faith, family, and farm boy.

In faith I say in my heart, "Wherever He leads I'll go." So far in my marriage that has been the case and he has always led. When he said go, we went, when he said stay we have stayed. God has always been right on time and right on target. (As if we would expect anything else.) I have never had to look for a job in ministry, ever. All the positions I have had God brought to me without even a glimmer of expectancy in my mind. They were all out of the blue. I knew what I wanted to do but didn't have any idea where I would do it. Funny, I am in the same boat once again. And I can be assured that God will lead, once again. He has never failed in the past, so why will He fail now? He won't.

Then there is my family. When it was just Ann and me, the jungles of the Congo would have worked just fine, or New York, or Sweetwater Texas for that matter. It was just the two of us and anywhere would be perfect. But now there are four of us, and it is my responsibility as a father and husband to make sure, no matter what, they are taken care of. One, not so hard, four, a little more demanding. Where my family goes now entails the safety of my sons. The care for there well being and the provision for there rearing. The possibility of little time with Grandma and Grandpa, which I so enjoyed as a boy and became much of who I am today, is not a possible reality I am excited about. The sacrifice of self is one thing, the sacrifice of your children's possibilities that is totally another. I find myself, standing in the spiritual shoes of Abraham. How he ever had the faith to raise the knife, I must admit I do not know. Yet I long in my heart to trust my Lord with my sons the way Abraham trusted God with his. Faith now pushes its way back in the picture and strongly proclaims the Lord knows better than I the environment and place my children need in order to produce the men of God he desires.

Then comes farm boys. I must admit I turn to country music often to go back to the days riding the tractor in the summers singing as loud as I wanted, while pulling the disc, because no one else could hear me anyway. Or the rides with dad out in the pasture to count cows again. The past of the country life beckons my desires with every opportunity to venture into a ministry position. It is so much a part of who I am, I find it hard sometimes to think that that may not be a part of who my boys are. Maybe it is the father wanting to live his boyhood again through his sons, but I do not think that is the case. There is much to be learned from country life and the ways of the farm, a root that is embedded in the heart of every farm boy, a longing to return to the pond to fish one more time, or to squish your toes in the freshly plowed dirt, or the scent of diesel fuel, or to just go outside and smell the rain coming from an afternoon thunderstorm without having a neighbor looking at you through his window because he is 10 feet away. But such are days gone by. It is this pull from yester year that encroaches on decisions and choices. Can I have that again and still do the will of God or does He desire something different. Does the new creation for me include a foreign culture, or the opportunity to go back to what I have always known. Again faith beckons a response, a trust in the Father.

Who is my family and what is my past? It is clear they are who I am, but are they all I will ever be? Does God have something more? Does God not want to take who I am and pass it on to my boys and then build upon that to do far more through them than is possible through me? Again faith beckons and calls as God says, "Trust. Trust me. I have never failed you before."

God knows what is best. Engraved in my wife's wedding ring is Romans 8:28 to which we have committed, knowing that it is absolute truth. However, engravings in wedding bands mean nothing without action. So what are we to do?

Wait. Wait upon the Lord.

In the wilderness, I shall not grumble for what I had nor worry about what I have, I will believe the promise for a better home, a land flowing with milk and honey. Too much attachment to this life will render me helpless and useless in the kingdom of God. This life is fading, the real life is seated at the right hand of the Father. How can I, who 20 years ago, said yes Lord, now after growing say no. If my Savior can say "not my will but yours be done" in the face of the cross, I must say, "Lord this is what I desire, but not my will yours be done."

Awaiting marching orders, dave m.

Easter Sunday

I know that everyone knows that this Sunday is Easter and so you are making plans to be with families, to practice those songs for the choir, or remembering loved ones who are not with you during the holiday. But don't let those things get in the way. Remember why this holiday is the center of the Christian year.

Read and let your soul be anchored to the refreshing truth of his suffering and for your forgiveness. Let your sould be nourished by the truth of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ who took the very nature of a servant and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.

Jesus Delivered to Be Crucified
19:1 Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. 3 They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. 4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

12 From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” 13 So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic [1] Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. [2] He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

The Crucifixion
So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. [3] But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,

“They divided my garments among them,
and for my clothing they cast lots.”

So the soldiers did these things, 25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

The Death of Jesus
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Jesus' Side Is Pierced
31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

Jesus Is Buried
38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus [4] by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds [5] in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

The Resurrection
20:1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' [1] head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, [2] “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

Jesus Appears to the Disciples
19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

Jesus and Thomas
24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, [3] was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Purpose of This Book
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Do you believe? Do you really believe? Then live like it!

HE IS ALIVE!
HE IS ALIVE!
HE IS ALIVE!

Missionary Moments

Recently at Kriby Woods Baptist Church in Memphis 49 missionaries were commissioned to serve on the internationl field. A reminder to us all to remember our missionaries all over the world who are sharing the gospel to many for the very first time. Pray that we will continue to see God call out men, women, and families to serve and share the truth of Christ to unreached peoples of our world.


If you would like to keep up with stories from missionaries around the world this website is a great way to hear their stories. I will also leave this as a link on the right column for access.

SBC Missionary Moments

Upward Nights Once Again

Another season of Upward has come and gone and it concluded with a great Awards Night last night. We saw over 550 people at the celebration and our guest entertainers Spin 4 did a great job with the program and in sharing the gospel.

Please keep all the families of Upward in your prayers. The season may be over but the work never will be. Pray that we will have more opportunities with these families to bring them into the life of the church and that they will be saved.

Thanks so much to all the volunteers (all 100 something of you) for everything you have done to see this season through. It doesn't work without you and I pray that the Lord will bless your sacrifice and diligence this year.

New Web Address

The old address for this blog will continue to work, but to make it easier to remember and so that my web address will follow me once school is done, since that will be a in a short amount of time, I have registered my own domain which will get you to this blog and future web pages of mine.

www.colossians129.com

Hope this makes it easier to remember me and hard to forget me

dave m

Moments to live for

Today I was surprised by a visit from my family at the mall where I was working. After talking for a while they decided to go to the food court for lunch. Before leaving however, Solomon grabbed the last bite of dad's taco and poked all of it into his little mouth and then, with mouth still full, he took a sip of my Sprite leaving brown goo all over the end of my straw.

As they walked away it was a picturesque moment as my wife was pushing the strollor with our baby and behind her our ornery 3 year old was jumping every crack in the tile and then skipping only to run into mommy because he was not watching where he was going. Then suddenly he saw the Starbucks counter and went rushing toward it only to be distracted by the fountain and the want of a penny to toss into the water.

Then as fast as he forgot about Starbucks the call of the elevator button called his attention away once again as he left his spot behind mommy in a fit of three year old marathon trainng as he headed to hit the oh so important elevator button.

It is a great joy to be a dad and these are the moments we live for.

What do you think?

Have you ever thought?

In answering that question you just did. Did you ever think of that? Well if not, then what were you thinking about? Chances are it was a quick reminder to yourself of how absurd and confusing these questions are. Then they went back to whatever you forgot to do today, or what is bothering you, or how hungry you are, or....

Ideas rule our lives. They are the stuff that determines what we eat, where we go, how we live, and who we emulate. When someone asks a question that you do not understand you may respond by saying, "I have no idea." Meaning I don't know what to think or where to start. Try defining what an idea is. Just look in Webster's Dictionary and you will end after reading by saying, "I have no idea," even though you just had one while trying to define what that idea was.

Make no mistake about it, the allusive definition in no way changes the fact that how you think determines who you are. For example, I am from a southern state, I would not say the South, but Oklahoma is close enough. Most people in rural Oklahoma would say they like beef. I was raised on a cattle ranch and enjoy my share of a steak or roast. That is how I was raised and that is what I have grown to love. If given a choice between a good steak and a hunk of chicken, well, let's just say that the Chick-fil-A advertisements have no sway on this mind. My "idea" of a good meal is steak. So, when I have the option my "idea" helps me make the decision. Which I might add is a good one.

So, ideas are not only what we think but those thoughts that we wish were, the "ideal" as it were. I can think of the ideal situation and it governs my thoughts and actions. So why does this rambling matter. Simple, your ideas determine who you are and your ideas are usually wrong.

We are living in a fallen world and we have fallen minds. For the believer the Spirit of God is transforming that mind into Christ conformity. The apostle Paul says, "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2) Why does renewing your mind transform you? Because your ideas determine who you are and how you behave. Your ideas and thoughts must be brought into conformity with Christ in order to change your life.

This also relates to the scriptures. The authors wrote in sentences, using words, not so we can sit and analyze the words and phrases only, but to communicate thoughts. When you are studying a scripture, search for the thoughts and ideas that are being communicated by the author. What is the point of what he is saying. Take some time to see the "big picture" of the books you read. Why did Luke tell the story of the woman who was healed when she touched the hem of Jesus clothes. What idea was he communicating. When you find that idea you find the meaning. When you find Luke's meaning, you can then begin to think as he. When you begin to think as the authors of scripture, your life is transformed.

Let the Spirit of God change your thoughts and ideas about yourself, the world, God, and others in order to conform your mind to the mind of Christ. There is a mystery involved, I understand, and though some things are hard to define, the truth is, hard things to define are often simple to understand.

I hope this has made you think...

Mission to Brazil

I am excited about an opportunity to work in Brazil this coming June. I will be joining three different churches and some students from Criswell College on a trip to Manuas, Brazil the last week in June.

We will be assisting a Brazilian church in developing a campsite that will be used for retreats for youth and adults alike. It will provide a place for the future work of God through salvation and God's call for more ministers of the gospel. It is exciting to be a part of what God has in store for the people of this city.

Please say a prayer for me as I trust God to provide financially for the $2100 trip and that all the logistics will fall into place as far as tickets, emabassy, visa, langauge barriers, and many other issues that must be cared for.

I was privilaged to go to Tanzania, Africa in the summer of 2000 and learned much of God's work in other parts of the world. I hope this will only give me futher insight and passion for the world mission in which we are to be engaged. I hope that the experience gained will further my opportunities to lead a church towards a world mission passion and mindset in the near future.

For more info on the trip visit the Brazil Mission Homepage.

Oceans of Love

The warm moist air of the ocean breeze chilled the spray of foam from the little boy’s legs. Up to elbows in sand, he gleamed with excitement as he called for his father to see his masterful work of art. There standing before him, in all its two foot glory, was a pile of sand, when looked upon with a four year old imagination, made a castle fit for any king. Complete with a bridge, moat, and tower, even his Legos could not compare to this work of his very own hands.

Seeing the excitement of his son, the father rushed across the sand from his place on a beach towel to see the feat his son had accomplished. “What a great castle, son. If I were a king I would live in it.” A huge smile lifted the boy’s cheeks and culminated in a daddy size hug.

Just then however, the white foam was no longer spray and a rush of water covered the two foot masterpiece leaving nothing but a rounded pile of sand. Tears began to fill the little one’s eyes and the hugs turned to tender care as the father consoled his son.

Wanting to cheer him the father thought for a moment and then picked up his son running into the ocean water. He knelt down and cupped some water in his hands and asked his son, “What do you see?”

“I see what messed up my castle,” pouted the little boy. So the father did it again.

“What do you see?”

The little boy replied, “Water,” with a whimper.

“How much do you see,” asked the father?

“A whole bunch,” he replied.

Then the father said, “You scoop some up in your hands.” The little boy, with a puzzled look did as he was asked. Then the father said, “When you scooped up that water did you notice anything different about the ocean?”

“No daddy there is too much ocean," the little boy said.

“Exactly,” said the father, “It is like God’s love. No matter how much you get there is always more, and no matter how much you take, there is so much that you can’t even tell any is gone. The water may have knocked down your castle, but that is because God wants you to know that he loves you and so do I. So let’s go build another one together.”

“No daddy, I think I just want to stay in the water now,” the little boy replied.

This post was inspired by an illustration given by Dr. Ware at Southern Seminary.