DAILY BOOM! - God's Question

“He answered one of them, ‘Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?’ “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.” (Matthew 20:13-16 NLT)

I have always loved this parable. Not only does it show The Father's heart, but it shows how patient he is, wanting to give the gift of salvation to whoever accepts it by accepting his Son, Jesus Christ as Lord.

I don't know who all reads this and I don't know where you all are in life. However, I do know that Jesus wants to have a relationship with you and God, himself, wants you to know him. It doesn't matter if your young, old, rich, poor or anywhere in between, Jesus is waiting for you to say yes to the question he's been asking. "I have loved you, will you love me?"

Haven't heard the question? You have. That nagging sense that something is missing. The lack of contentment and fulfillment. The absence of joy during your day to day activities. These are all the voice of God' Holy Spirit asking you.

Just as the workers who worked one hour received the same pay as those who worked all day in this story Jesus told, anyone who accepts Christ, even late in life, will receive the same reward as those who have loved and served God their whole life.

Answer Christ's question today! And if you have questions, message me!

DAILY BOOM! - Mysterious Ways

But I have spared you for a purpose—to show you my power and to spread my fame throughout the earth. (Exodus 9:16 NLT)

I'll be honest, sometimes, OK, often, God and what he is doing is hard to understand. Looking with our physical eyes, individuals who live apart from God seem to thrive, seem perfectly content with their lives or are spared, even while those serving God suffer great losses. Why is that?

In this verse, God is explaining that he had purposes for sparing Egypt and through this we see his purpose in doing what he so often does today. God desires to show himself strong and to cause people to look to him. 

God, in his great love for all of mankind, is drawing attention to himself so that all of earth will know that he is God. The next time you see a person who doesn't know Christ be spared or, even, be blessed, smile and know that God is displaying his power and fame in that person's life to draw him or her to himself.

DAILY BOOM! - Different Views

Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” (Matthew 16:23 NLT)

Past, present and imminent circumstances often tempt us to doubt and default back to our human understanding. And our human understanding will get us off of Mission.

Peter's mind must have been racing and he couldn't bear the thought of Christ's death because, from his perspective, Christ's death would mean the end.

How different was Peter's point of view from God's. Christ's Death and Resurrection was only the end of the grip of sin, death, hell and the grave in our lives. His death brought LIFE!

When our circumstances leave us scrambling to make sense of it all, we would be wise to remember Christ's words and trust in God's will, power and faithfulness.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." (Proverbs 3:5, 6 NLT)

DAILY BOOM! - Oh the Thoughts We Think

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalms 19:14 NLT)

There was a time, when I was a younger man, that I developed a bit of a foul mouth. It was during some rebellious years and even then, as the words would leave my lips, I would feel the twinge of the Holy Spirit's conviction.

All Glory to Jesus, it's probably been a decade since I uttered a foul word and it's been a long time since I even thought about one.

But I think this verse goes far deeper than the language we use or don't use. I believe our attitude, our mood and our countenance can be pleasing or displeasing to God.

What do we find our minds dwelling on during the day? Are we worried and fretting over some situation or are we continually meditating on the goodness of God and turning our circumstances over to him?

In times of trouble, it's easy to find ourselves going through the day feeling, thinking and acting defeated.

But, the truth is, our enemy is defeated, I am NOT. We do have victory in Jesus Christ, so we should think like it, speak like it and act like it.

I asked God to help me guard my thoughts and be careful of the thoughts I think, because I want my thoughts to please him.

DAILY BOOM! Compassion When It's Inconvenient

Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. (Matthew 14:14 NLT)

His cousin, a close family member, the one about whom Jesus spoke when he said, "Of all who have ever lived, there is none greater" had just been killed. I imagine that Jesus' heart was broken, he was mourning; however, even though he wanted to get away by himself, his compassion for people kept him on the mission of his earthly life. 

There have been times when I wanted to be alone. I didn't want to care, be concerned or have compassion toward others. And there have been times when I have followed through on those desires, in rebellion against God's mission for my life. But the love and compassion of Christ is relentless. 

No matter what we are going through, if we choose to be compassionate, even when it's not convenient, God's power will be manifested in us and through us all the more. In our weakness, HE is strong.

Some of the greatest moments of God's ministry through me have occurred when I was at my worst, when it was inconvenient, when I wanted to be alone and when I felt that I had nothing to offer. This past year, there were ministry moments that I don't even remember or remember fully, where God's power was manifested greatly.

No matter your lot today, choose to show Christ's compassion and watch what he can do through you and, subsequently, in you.

DAILY BOOM! - Familiarity Breeds Contempt

And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” (Matthew 13:57 NLT)

The closer we get to someone or something, the more we see the small details in people or things. I often cringe when I look at the projection wall in our Church sanctuary. A particular image that looked good from the tech booth in the back can look very grainy and rough up close.

The same is true for those around us and ourself. Casual, initial and distant interactions will have us feeling comfortable and even pleased. However, over time and with closer interaction, we begin to see faults and blemishes in each other.

There was Jesus, the Son of God in the presence of the people of Nazareth, but the proximity of life they had shared with him skewed their perspective.

Jesus - The Christ and Messiah was Jesus, the carpenter's Son, Mary's son and his sibling's brother.  In their minds Jesus was blue collar - average, ordinary.  "How could he know all this stuff, he's just like us."

But, Jesus was different than the Jesus they had known. Remember his baptism account, where the Holy Spirit descended on him, empowered him and equipped him? The greatness of God was in him because he was God.

For Christians, we have a part of God's greatness in us, his presence, his power. But that greatness is contained within  "jars of clay" (2 Cor. 4:7) We have imperfections, weaknesses, faults, habits, hang-ups and personality. These things comprise our jars of clay.

What often happens is, we get so focused on the jar, that we don't see what's inside -the greatness of God. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said that he dreamed that man would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

As A Christian, I need to do better at seeing the greatness of God inside of people more than the appearance of their clay jar.

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Breaking a Facebook Fast - Listening To The Minority

Why would someone purposely break a fast before it's end? Isn't fasting all about aligning ourselves with God - drawing close to him and hearing from his Holy Spirit? Why would one pull away from that?

One reason would be acting in obedience and, subsequently, repentance for listening to the minority rather than listening to God. It never ends well. King Saul tried sacrifice over obedience in 1 Samuel 15, when he kept the best of the Amalekite flocks for sacrifice.

But Samuel replied,
“What is more pleasing to the Lord:
your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.

Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft,
and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.
So because you have rejected the command of the Lord,
he has rejected you as king.”

There is no question that God called me and the church he has entrusted to me to a 21-day fast. He did not specify what kind of fast the church was to engage in. That, I trusted, he would communicate with each individual.

I sought God's will and was prompted to abstain from certain foods for the 21 days. Foods that I find quite choice and pleasant. However, someone (one person) made the comment that I spend too much time on Facebook and I (me-myself and I) had a grand idea. I would fast Facebook as well. I mean, what could it hurt?

I can tell you that my prayer life and the time spent seeking the Lord, time that I would normally spent consuming some of my favorite snacks, has been nothing short of amazing. However, I have had this check in my heart for the past week and it wasn't until this morning that I realized what it was. 

I was trying to please God, giving up something additional, something I do enjoy in order to "prove" to him my faithfulness. But, there was one problem and the Holy Spirit spoke it to my heart. As soon as I said, "Lord, I've quit checking my Facebook feeds to draw closer to you. I've seen many men of God who I respect and admire do this and I want to show you how much you mean to me." The Holy Spirit impressed on my heart, "I didn't tell you to do that. I've called you to minister, to be a witness, an encourager, a teacher and a pastor to many.

My mind immediately went to childhood classmates, many who I have not seen for years. I thought about the fact that they read, share and are impacted by the inspiration and revelation God gives me daily from His Word. How, it is my privilege to counsel, to pray for (even in Facebook messages) and support so many individuals, couples, families. I am humbled at the extent of ministry that happens from my pages.

One of the points from this next Sunday's message at TNC really hit me as I studied. It states that there will always be well-meaning, good-hearted people who will get us off the mission of our life. And, when we get off mission, people who need us and, more importantly, need the power of God to meet them in their need, can be missed. I know, I missed some needs of those entrusted to my care and that grieves me.

My mission is to pray, exhort, encourage, listen and respond as a representative of Almighty God. I listened to the minority, when I should have listed to the ONE who always is the majority.

#learning #lessonsfromthefast

DAILY BOOM! Be Patient - I'm Learning - Part 2

Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’” (Matthew 13:30 NLT)

Keep sowing the seed, watering and tending to the growth and let The Lord bring the increase, sorting what grows for him and dealing with what doesn't. #that'saloadoffofmyheart

DAILY BOOM! Be Patient - I'm Learning

“Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: (Matthew 13:18 NLT)

Wow! Here is a revelation. Not a new one, but one that has never sank through my thick skull enough to change my behavior. I care too much!  I don't want to see anyone miss out on all that God has for them so I encourage, I challenge, I raise the bar and I agonize over people who don't appear to be "getting it"

I'm slowly learning that not every seed planted grows ripe for the harvest. Some may not want to. Be faithful to what God has called you to. Keep planting seeds in the lives you encounter and let God direct you according to his will.

If I've offended you, it is only out of deep, deep love, care and concern that comes across very different than it is.

Hi, I'm Dave and I care too much. Be patient, I'm learning. #thisboomwasforme

DAILY BOOM! Favor Is Recognizable

When Joseph’s brothers saw him coming, they recognized him in the distance. As he approached, they made plans to kill him. (Genesis 37:18 NLT)

Joseph's brothers despised Joseph because of his Father's favoritism. Joseph was born late in Jacob's life to Rachel - Jacob's clear favorite wife. Jacob's gift of the colorful robe to Joseph added insult to injury to the sons of Jacob.

Jacob favored Joseph, yes, but God favored Joseph - with dreams, with his Father's favor and with his plan for his life.

People will recognize God's favor on your life and many will be attracted to you because of it. However, there will be those that despise you because of God's favor as well. While God's favor is not favoritism, it is not assigning greater value to one over another, it is; however,  a blessing for those who love, serve and are faithful to God. 

"For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death.” (Proverbs 8:35, 36 NLT)

May you have the favor of God in your life today and everyday. May people recognize it and be drawn to Christ through you.

DAILY BOOM! Blessed Assurance

You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. (Proverbs 3:24-26 NLT)

Yesterday, I watched the video of our son, Justin's memorial service for the first time. I was touched by the sentiments that were shared by numerous individuals, the wisdom and hope shared by my friend, Pastor Matthew Wright and the triumphant joy expressed by the Praise Band in worship.

I don't remember a lot about that day, but the video reminded me of how the presence and power of God is with us as we seek, praise, honor and serve Him daily. 

No matter what we go through, when we keep our eyes on Jesus and our hearts tuned to The Holy Spirit, we can have the blessed assurance that NOTHING, not even death, can destroy us.

Jesus is the BOOM that I want YOU to know.

DAILY BOOM! - Give Up

He put the servant wives and their children at the front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last. (Genesis 33:2 NLT)

It's easier to give up that which means very little or "doesn't mean as much as _________" than it is to give up that which we cherish.

Esau didn't even want the gifts of animals that Jacob sent ahead of his families, let alone his wives and children.

Often, individuals fear that starting to serve God will force them to give up some things, so they try to put the lessors in front of the cherished, hoping God will take those. However, Esau only wanted the relationship with his brother Jacob, just as God wants a relationship with us. God doesn't want anything other than our heart. And, when we give it, he transforms our hearts so much that we willingly lay down everything we once cherished as he abundantly gives us the desires of that new heart according to his will.

Bigger Boom! - Read Genesis 33

DAILY BOOM! - A Stifling Reality

Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. (Matthew 11:4, 5 NLT)

What would our communities look like if this was happening regularly in our churches? Can you imagine the scene? OK. So we have the Good News being preached, but, what about the other five things? All these things are proof that Jesus is, exactly who he claimed to be and, add people getting saved, discipled and sent, and we have the Mission of The Church.

Already convinced, yesterday, I was reminded that while Bible study, prayer and discipleship are important aspects in a Christ Follower's life, what we need in our churches is the powerful presence of God. 

What if God's praise was already on our lips when we wake up in the morning; imagine the fruit of that praise in our churches on Sunday morning. The happenings Christ mentioned to John's disciples were the direct result of the presence of God himself in Christ. 

I think, as The Church, we have lost some, no, most of the ability and availability to seek God, to praise God, thereby ushering in the presence of God. Dramatic life change has been stifled because people are not seeing the transforming power of his presence.

God, may your presence consume us and fill our churches, unleashing the power of God in people's lives and drawing them toward your Son.

DAILY BOOM!

You know how hard I have worked for your father, but he has cheated me, changing my wages ten times. But God has not allowed him to do me any harm. For if he said, ‘The speckled animals will be your wages,’ the whole flock began to produce speckled young. And when he changed his mind and said, ‘The striped animals will be your wages,’ then the whole flock produced striped young. In this way, God has taken your father’s animals and given them to me. (Genesis 31:6-9 NLT)

When we trust is in God, are faithful to our word and work faithfully at the tasks assigned to us, God will look out for us. It is not a guarantee that we will never have problems, but an assurance that things will work out.

Feeling cheated, betrayed a or set up? Resist the urge to get even, quit or get angry and trust God.

DAILY BOOM! 1-13-14

So Jacob worked seven years to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few days. (Genesis 29:20 NLT)

Imagine the depth of Jacob's love. For seven years, he worked for Laban to have Rachel as his wife. And, even then, after being tricked and given Leah, he waited an additional week and worked an additional seven years for Rachel.

Seven years seemed like a few days to Jacob but, as men, a 1/2 hour job on the honey-do list seems like an eternity at times. Or, for a woman, a quick act of service seems too much like an inconvenience. Perhaps, this is because our focus is on the task instead of the prize. The 14 years was easy for Jacob because he kept his eyes on Rachel.

The Bible teaches us,through Jacob, about focus. Serving our spouse, our family and others will not seem nearly as daunting when we keep those we are serving in mind. Ultimately, this life, with all it's work and problems, will seem so short when we keep our eyes on Jesus and the joy that awaits us.

How's your focus today?

DAILY BOOM! 1-12-2014

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. (Proverbs 3:9, 10 NLT)

People without a relationship with The Lord, who do not honor him, can have some success as the world views success. However, that success is fleeting and is circumstantial, based on what man can do. 

For the Christ Follower, when we are obedient, honoring God with the best and first of everything- our time, our talent and our treasure, God then goes above and beyond. Not only will he fill our lives to overflowing - the quantity, but he will not skimp on the quality either.

DAILY BOOM! 1-9-14

“Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.” (Genesis 22:12 NLT)

I can only come close to imagining the thoughts, feelings and pain that Abraham was experiencing. Watching Isaac carry the wood while still being the protective Father, carrying the knife and fire pot, himself.

Nevertheless, surpassing his love for his son, was his love, obedience and trust in God.

It was that love, that obedience and that trust that brought about the life and blessing of so many.

“This is what the Lord says: Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by my own name that I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.” (Genesis 22:16-18 NLT)

The God who blessed Abraham and all those after, would go on to give the greatest blessing of all, when he gave HIS only Son.

What would you willingly surrender to God out of your love, obedience and trust in Him?

I pray that I would be counted among those faithful and obedient, like Abraham.