Daryl's Trip

My Challenge

2010-06-03T09:37:00.002-05:00

"The greatest challenge I have as a leader is....leading myself" John Maxwell

Is that statement true of you? Sure is for me....without a doubt. I must strive to be more disciplined in my life...in all areas. It will honor God and inspire others...those are the reasons why. Will you join me? :)

What's Your Tick?

2010-05-17T09:25:00.002-05:00

Spring turkey season ended a couple of weeks ago and the Lord blessed me with the opportunity and completion of taking my second gobbler in my life. What a great experience and time that day was.....that is a post for another day though.

One of the "liabilities" of spring turkey hunting is the possibility of getting a tick latched onto to your clothes/body. I know some of you ladies probably just got grossed out. That is ok.

All of you know how ticks work.....

So I must ask you this....

What’s stuck to you… sucking the life out of you and it has become so normal that it doesn’t even gross you out anymore?

What’s your “tick”?

Monday Morning Reflections

2010-04-05T09:08:00.002-05:00

Some Monday Morning Reflections about Sunday.....

*Hands-down...the greatest Easter in the history of Day3 Church happened yesterday.

*Could not believe my eyes as more and more people kept coming in the door @ the 8:30 service....actually had more in that service than the late service :0

*It never gets old to see people take the step of obedience of baptism.

*There were so many faces of people that I had never seen before....thanks God.

*So proud of you if you are a member/regular attender of Day3 and you invited someone...the icing on the cake is that they came. It is an incredible thing to be used of God. Keep it up!

*Did the Praise Team nail it yesterday or what....again....setting the stage for the presentation of the Gospel....God uses you folks to rock my face off.

*As I was baptizing yesterday and the Praise Team was singing Happy Day....cold chills were running down my back. Would love for that to happen more often.

*Speaking of inviting....seen on someone's Connection Card where they said they came because a member invited them to the worship service. Proof that people will say yes....if we only ask. :)

*Thanks to Cindy, Jill, Emily, Matt, and Sandra for making the kidos feel welcomed with the face painting, balloons, and plastic eggs.... and yes they contained chocolate. Those things created lots of smiles.

*The energy right now @ Day3 is not able to be registered on a meter. FANTASTIC!!

*Had many tell some of our folks that they would be back next week....praying so.

*Hats off to some folks this week....our greeters and ushers....both groups served yesterday so unselfishly....that is the model....just like the Savior.

*Missed not having Adam in the house yesterday....pray for the ministry of the mission team he is on in Macedonia.

*We have made the switch to bagels....I missed my doughnut fix :(

*HE IS RISEN....RISEN INDEED!!!!

*Have an awesome week and let us all keep inviting....there are so many who do not attend anywhere.

The Easiest Day!

2010-04-01T10:55:00.002-05:00

This coming Sunday is Easter…the easiest day of the year to get someone to come to church. At Day3 Church this Sunday there will be a very straight forward and clear presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Who have you invested in recently for the sake of God’s Kingdom? Who have you invited this week to come to God’s house on Sunday? Who is the person in your life that God is counting solely on you to reach out to? The spiritual rewards could be great if you’d only invest and invite!

Let's join God....He is @ work...He desires for us to actually live out our faith. Invest and invite.....they will say yes to you and then....hopefully....say yes to Christ!

A Holy Confidence?

2010-03-31T11:03:00.002-05:00

Self-confidence is two inches deep in most people. Mine is probably much more shallow to be honest. I don't care about it and I do at times. The last few weeks God has brought me to the point that I have concluded that I don't want it. You see...it typically undermines my raw dependence upon God anyway. It's unhealthy. It's unholy. There is a higher, deeper and truer confidence that comes from God. Think of it as God-confidence. And I think that it's the byproduct of two things actually.

First, God-confidence is a byproduct of humility. The more you humble yourself before God the more favor you expect. It sanctifies your expectations and it builds a holy confidence that God is in control. Is there anyone better? Humility is the way we stay out of the way of what God is doing. Holy Confidence is a confidence that finds it's focus in Christ alone. The confidence for salvation. The confidence of favor. The confidence for miracles. The confidence for grace. The confidence for mercy received and to be given. The confidence of being forgiven.

Second, God confidence is the byproduct of authority. I think that we as Christ-followers grossly underestimate the authority that is ours by virtue of the fact that we are "in Christ." He has given us "all authority." As long as we are functioning in the will of God, all things are possible. If that doesn't give you confidence nothing will.

In other words you could say it like this: Humility + Authority = Holy Confidence.

Monday Morning Reflections

2010-03-29T07:50:00.002-05:00

Ramblings on Monday about Sunday :)

*I live for Sundays @ Day3 Church....I hope you do as well.

*I am praying and believing God for a God-sized movement in the lives of those who call Day3 Church home.

*In case you need reminding....our God is risen and reigning.

*And this coming Sunday we are going to elevate His name for that great truth.

*Who have you been investing in to invite to the Easter service this coming Sunday? Now is the the time to be inviting....don't wait til Friday. Make that contact today/tomorrow.

*Thanks to our parking lot guys for standing out in the falling liquid yesterday morning...you guys are SERVANTS!!

*Great worship yesterday morning....music does set the stage for the message...it happened yesterday @ both services.

*Had a piece of equipment bite the dust yesterday morning...you may not have noticed. The bass drum head busted....it got repaired/replaced during the message so that it could be used for the Response Time. THANKS ZACH!!!!

*Attendance was a little low....would prefer God to bless us with rain Monday-Saturday...not on Sunday. He knows best....more so than me.

*Did I mention that there will be a celebration in 6 days @ Day3....something about a victory. Will you be here to join in....and who are you inviting.

*Thanks God ....we are alive....cause you died!! That truth never gets old. Told anyone lately what that means to you.

*Yes the redemption of Jesus on our behalf blows my mind....that simple act transforms everyone who will accept.

*Jacked up about what we have planned for the kidos that attend this coming Sunday....they will know that they matter to God.... that they matter to Day3 Church.

*On Friday I will once again put my son on a plane to leave the country to go serve a people that are considered outcasts by the world....so proud of him....but it is hard....I will never get "used to it"....no matter how many times it happens. Desire your prayers for him..... and his mother and I.

*Lastly....someone is waiting for you to invite them to attend church with you this coming Sunday. Don't delay....just ask....God will do His part....do yours.

Monday Morning Reflections

2010-03-22T07:14:00.002-05:00

Some thoughts on Monday about Sunday....

*Yesterday was an awesome day....lots of new faces @ the 10:30 service. That never gets old.

*It never gets old as well when people respond to being challenged with the Gospel...and whether you admit it or not...it does demand a response.

*Missed many "regular" folks who were sick....or out of town.

*Yes I do notice when you are not present....it makes a difference to me and Pastor Lynn...but more so...God notices when you are not in attendance.

*Had some folks in our Children's Ministry step up and fill a need as we had a couple of leaders who were ill and could not be here....THANK YOU...you are the definition of a servant.

*Don't know about you...but the momentum is building at out church to an unbelievable Easter service @ Day3 in 13 days.

*Who are you going to invite? Each one can bring one...not so we can say we had a large # on Easter...but so many can hear the hope and peace of the Good News...which is... Jesus is alive...He conquered death, Hell, and the grave for you and me!! That is Good News that never gets old. I will give myself an AMEN on that one.

*I think there is a great likelihood that there will not be an empty seat at the late service on Easter morning.

*If you really believe that God wants to and will change lives...2 Corinthians 5:17... do what you have to to get people here on Easter. I am expecting miraclous things from the miraclous God I serve. What about you?

*Thanks to all of our greeters....your smiles...handshakes...you are making a difference.

*Do we reject God by our failure to step-up and serve Him where we attend church....just asking.

*That is about it....have an incredible week....keep inviting!

Have a Heart?

2010-03-09T10:51:00.002-05:00

When someone speaks of "having a heart", his/her definition of that phrase may be quite different than mine...especially in regard to the church.

A wise pastor once said that he believed that "the church is the hope of the world and the change agent of God to bring transformation."

When I hear that phrase and what the pastor said I combine the two thoughts and get this: It speaks of the loyalty, honor and single-mindedness that is felt for the local church.

That could, should , must be our passion as Day3 Chruch. For if that is in place, it can not help but spread in all areas of our lives. A loyalty, honor and single-mindedness of purpose and cause will bring laser type focus on what we are to be about: MAKING JESUS FAMOUS, MAKING HIM KNOWN, SHARING AND LOVING THE LEAST OF THESE, SERVING GOD BY SERVING OTHERS!

Do you have a heart for Day3 Church?

Monday Morning Reflections

2010-03-08T10:10:00.002-05:00

Some thoughts and reflections from yesterday's services @ Day3 Church.....

*Thanks God for the beautiful sunrise that I witnessed yesterday morning before You brought people to church...You take my breath away!!!
*The telling and the witnessing of God's great power in the lives of His children JACKS ME UP....it never gets old.
*Once again some of our kid's rooms were wall to wall kidos...that makes me hopeful for the next generation and so thankful for their parent(s)!
*The last two weeks have been tiring physically when I leave on Sunday nights but invirgorating...renewing...energizing.
*Had some folks away yesterday out of town with family...school trips...playing ball...prayed for their safe return.
*The series we started yesterday could possibly be the most important one ever @ Day3 as I know God will transform lives.
*As usual the Praise Team was used of God to bring me into His presence....you folks are unbelieveable.
*God's timing is...well...always right on time. Always!
*I believe that Day3's best days are ahead....there are so many to reach...God will do His part....will we?
*WHO are you gonna ask to come to church with you on Easter? If you don't know...are you praying...asking God to put someone in your path..to give the opportunity?
*Would appreciate your prayers as God has blasted my mind with things I learned from attending two different conferences in four days last week. So much to do.
*With our continued growth will come changes ...changes that must be made for growth to continue down the road.
*Which may mean getting out of our comfort zone.
*Thanks to Wanda and Tina for the fantastic job they do each week in checking-in the kids.
*Fuse...for our Students... got started last night as we refreshed our efforts, teaching, and intensity as we begin a series dealing with living a life of purity before God...all areas...not just sexually...but in mind, heart, our relationship with Him.
*If you serve - volunteer @ Day3, I THANK GOD FOR YOU!!!!
*Who is Jesus to you today?

Have a great week!

Monday Morning Reflections

2010-02-22T11:11:00.002-05:00

Here are some thoughts and highlights from our service @ Day3 Church yesterday:

*Thanks God for the beautiful weather....like it or not it does improve attendance.
*Lots and lot of new faces the last few weeks....same was true yesterday.
*Yesterday was the second week in the row we had over 70 kidos in our Day3 Kids Ministry. WOW!
*With these many kids coming we are in need for more folks to step-up and serve in our children's ministry....most notably right now the need is greatest in our nursery room. You can impact a life!
*I think that yesterday was probably the most intense message I have ever delivered.
*If you are a man and you were present....it was as hard delivering the message as it was hearing it....believe me.
*Once again, our second service had over 200 in attendance. Would you consider moving to the 8:30 service to free up a seat for someone else?
*I was exhausted last night after being with the Students for Fusion.
*So many men are content to just lean up against the trash can when it comes to their wives and family. That means they are "Lazy Boys" and not MEN! SAD! :(
*Fellas we are called to be THE MAN!
*I am not an expert in anything.
*Too many men expect their families to treat them like a priest and bow down to them. :(
*Too many men do not know truth, do not speak truth, do not live truth. :(
*Too many men have given up the responsibility to protect their families from all sorts of attacks. :(
*Men if you don't lead your family....Satan will. :(
*But thanks to GOD, we have a second chance to get it right....to score a victory in leading our families and be a biblical man. :) :) :)
*Thanks to all of our volunteers who show up early every week to make Day3 happen. YOU PEOPLE ROCK!!!! YOU ARE THE SPINE THAT ALLOWS OUR CHURCH TO MOVE!!!!!
*God is pressing this thought on me right now.....today's generation wants to join and be a part of a cause and not an organization.
*People are more and more likely to follow a vision that brings value rather than noise to their life.
*Don't think Day3 has ever had this much momentumn....
*Since that is true....with growth must come changes. :)
*A huge SHOUT-OUT to my son Adam for his time and energy in setting up the new and up-to-date day3church.com.......have you seen it yet?
*That is it for now ....have a wonderful week!
*

ENDURANCE

2010-02-19T08:42:00.002-05:00

Watching the Winter Olympics this week I’m reminded that competition is hard and endurance is not guaranteed. Even the greatest athletes in the best physical condition get tired and need a rest. Some athletes only compete in one Olympics…they do well…make their mark…but flame out after one trip to the Games because they just don’t have the endurance. Other athletes compete in multiple Olympics…spanning many years…because they have trained for endurance…not a flash-in-the-pan splash. They have fallen…and gotten back up. They have been hurt…and suffered through recovery. They have lost…only to get back in the game to go for the gold again. They don’t always get their picture on the front of a Wheaties box…but they are the stuff of legend within their sport.

As a church, Day3 wasn’t created by God to be a flash-in-the-pan…we were created to run for His kingdom with endurance. To fall and get back up. To hit walls and try again. To take the blows from spiritual battle and still go for the gold. We were made for the marathon…not the sprint. It is okay to feel weary some days. It is okay to experience rough patches from time to time. It is okay to stop on occasion to catch your breath. What is not okay…it to simply give up and quit. We are called for the long haul…to constantly go for the gold…to compete year after year…with endurance.

And what we are competing for is the souls of boys and girls, teens, men and women....I do not know of any greater competition. We are on God's team...we cannot lose. But God expects us to do our part.

Are you doing your part to help Day3 endure and reach those far from God? Are you inviting....are you volunteering and serving for the purpose of reaching those who do not know the love of Christ?

If not....I would love to share with you how you can be involved in this endurance competition. Why should you? Because.....Day3's best days are ahead.....hold on to your fork....and God wants to use you to help with the competition and the endurance....and because He wants you to be a part of something greater than yourself.

Will you help us endure? Can you be counted upon?

Monday Morning Reflections

2010-02-15T11:21:00.002-05:00

Great services yesterday @ Day3 Church. God showed-up! Actually that is not true, cause He was already there, waiting on us. Some Monday morning reflections:

*The services were indeed awesome. Fantastic praise and worship, awesome sharing of the Word, and wonderful, wonderful response.
*It never gets old seeing people respond when challenged. I know God is pleased!
*A little slippery in the parking lot but everyone stayed safe and no fender benders. That is always a good thing.
*Our greeters are hitting it out of the park, week in and week out.
*Our teachers had kids coming out of the walls yesterday, you folks are my heroes.
*Working on some BIG BIG changes to our kids ministry which could potentially impact many, many families. Desire your prayers as God leads in this. Those changes would shift Day3 into another gear in reaching people far from God.
*During the announcement time yesterday I mentioned about taking your next step.....for some of you that means attending membership class.....for others it means joining a volunteer team and serve @ Day3.
*HomeTeams kicked off last night......thanks to Lynn & Angie, David, and Al for leading these. You are being used of God!!!
*Again great crowds yesterday....energy was electric in the second service. Love it.
*Would appreciate your prayers as I prepare for Sunday's message. I believe it will be very intense for some folks. :)

That is it for now.....have a super week.

DO SOMETHING!!!

2010-01-13T10:30:00.002-05:00

If there is something wrong, those who have the ability to do something have a responsibility to do something.

I heard this quote a few weeks ago and immediately scribbled it down. I can’t remember who said it, where they said it or what context it was in, but WHAT they said hit a nerve for me.

Isn’t it true that we have a tendency to always point out what’s wrong? I’m such a critic! I suppose that I get some satisfaction from noting imperfections because it makes me feel better about my ill attempts at being perfect.

And isn’t it so much more our nature to talk about what’s wrong rather than do something about what’s wrong? As a culture, we have talk shows, media, water-cooler discussions, blogs, etc that give us an avenue to complain about the injustices we see, but what if we quit talking and just did something?

“If you have the ability to do something, you have the responsibility to do something.” Stop being so critical and start creating solutions!!!!

What do you see that’s “wrong”?

Maybe it’s poverty, clean water, politics, poor leadership, education, homelessness, an unruly child, you-fill-in-the-blank.

Each of us is drawn to seeing the “wrong” more strongly in one area or another. That’s usually a good hint of what your God-given passion is. Bill Hybels calls this your “Holy Discontent”.

What is it for you?

What is wrong that you have the ability to make right? Take responsibility and do something!

What's Up?/ Sunday Reflections

2010-01-11T08:57:00.002-05:00

Howdy all,

Trust things have been going well. I know, I know, "Daryl where have you been and why have you not been blogging." Well to be straight up honest, blogging was something I needed to step away from for a period of time as other areas needed my attention. That being said, not even sure if my posting today will start a new regular routine in blogging. We'll see.

One thing I am shooting for is to every Sunday evening or Monday morning blog some reflections on our services @ Day3 Church. So here goes:

*It is always mind blowing to me to see my kids on stage. Whether that is Emily doing a creative movement or Adam playing the guitar or preaching as he did yesterday...I am proud of my children.
*I am so overwhelmed by the sacrifice of our volunteers each week....the men who stood out side yesterday helping with parking had to keep moving to keep from freezing to death, man it was cold.
*After two weeks now you should have noticed a new "presence" in the building.....USHERS! Thanks to Doug Baswell to getting this ministry up and running.
*Nichole and her team did a fantastic job yesterday......the "Response Time" song she sang was exactly the song that needed to be shared.
*As a minister, let me tell you, it never gets old seeing people recognize, respond, and take steps toward life change! Thank you Jesus.
*The message that Adam brought yesterday is just what we need to hear in starting off a new year......we must be "doers" now that we have heard.
*"Lord give me a PASSION & HUNGER" for Your Word!
*The 10:30 service was slammed with people, over 200 in the room. WOW!!!
*The energy, excitement, and anticipation is always sensed with that many people.
*Keep inviting people to our services as there are many who know nothing of the peace that God gives and offers.
*I feel our services have been so life-giving recently.....focused on God and His glory.
*People tend to come to church thinking: what is God going to do for me? But people ought to leave thinking: what can I do for God? There ought to be a focus shift from us to God.
*For what it's worth, the reason why many of us don't worship unhindered is because we're focused on what's wrong with us instead of what's right with God. If you focus on how unworthy you are you can't worship. You need to focus on the fact that no matter how unworthy you are, He is worthy to be praised.
Highlight of the Week - watching my son share his passion for HIS WORD!!!! PRICELESS!!

23,000 Thank Yous!

2009-09-24T06:53:00.002-05:00

Read something this morning that made me pause and say a prayer of thanks to God. For those of you who do not know, I have asthma. If you do not have asthma or know of anyone who does, it may be hard for you to understand the anxiety of not being able to get your next breath, not fun! So I appreciate each breath I take.

Here is what I read. Did you know that we take about 23,000 breaths per day? Seems like we owe God 23,000 thank yous!

"If God were to withdraw His breath all life would cease." Job 34

Prayer Request

2009-08-26T08:20:00.002-05:00

I want to ask for all of you to be praying for a family @ Day3. Catherine Peake is going this morning for a biospy. She was told yesterday that they are 99% sure that she has breast cancer. Surgery is likely next week, but not yet set, depending on the biospy. So pray for her and Mike that God will wrap them in His blanket of peace and strength during this time. Pray for them physically, emotionally, and spiritually right now. Satan likes nothing more than to attack when we are at our weakest. But thanks be to God, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who defeated death, Hell, and the grave, that HE IS ABLE TO DO MORE IMMEASUREABLY MORE THAN WE CAN ASK OR IMAGINE. So pray for them.

Thanks!

WHAT MAKES A CHURCH COME ALIVE?

2009-08-18T09:44:00.002-05:00

I got the following from a minister friend of mine and wanted to share them with you. Great stuff right below!!!!

CHANGED LIVES…when dead people are being brought to life a church cannot remain on life support. Changed lives change a community!

THE GOSPEL…when the Gospel is THE agenda instead of some ridiculous issue that happens to be the “fad of the year.”

HIS PRESENCE…when He becomes UNDENIABLE!

WORSHIP…when the goal isn’t to see how little of the song we can sing but rather to sing with everything we’ve got.

GIVING…when God is honored because Christians don’t just trust Him with what they can’t see…but are willing to trust Him with what they can see.

SERVICE…when believers are unleashed to serve Christ by using their spiritual gifts rather than depending on the “paid professionals” to do it all.

DEDICATION…when people in the church are way more passionate about pursuing Christ daily rather than showing up on Sunday and getting their attendance star on their chart.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY…when people in the church begin to accept responsibility for where they are in their spiritual journey…and then are willing to do something about it.

LEADERS WHO FEAR GOD, NOT MAN…leaders who know that God called them and will take care of them…and refuse to let the threat of not getting a paycheck stop them from doing what God has called them to do.

UNITY…when a church can truly celebrate when a church…ANY CHURCH…sees something great happen for the Kingdom.

BAPTISM…it’s NEVER a bad thing to see numbers of people go public with their faith.

SINCERITY…when people show up with hearts ready to hear, repent and be brough near rather that people checking out the fashions of others.

DESPERATION…for Jesus to show up and make Himself known.

EXCELLENCE…for people to be willing to give their very best effort to honor the God who saved them.

TECHNOLOGY…embracing it and using it rather than fighting it. (Find it funny and sad that there are churches who say that using lights and video is “not in the Bible,” yet those same churches use air conditioner and heaters…which are not in the Bible either!)

Normal? Part 2

2009-08-06T08:51:00.002-05:00

The other day I blogged about the fact I don't want to be "normal" Some of you were kind, sorta, and told me I'm not. :)

I hope that I or Day3 will never be considered “normal!” Hell is more crowded because of the churche's desire for “normal, average and safe!” 2 Corinthians 5:13

I Don't Want to be Normal!

2009-08-04T06:52:00.003-05:00

Wow, July was crazy. It has been exactly a month since I last posted to my blog. I know some of you may be thankful. Just don't tell me. :)

I was reading something yesterday that caused me to pause and do some reflection. I begin to ask myself, "Are you normal?"

Now there are some areas of life that I would say I am "normal". But there are probably more areas that I am not "normal" like most. For example, many of you know I am what some would call a "picky eater". You would not guess that by looking at my gut though. In terms of eating and being "normal", I do not eat anything pasta: no spaghetti, no lazagna, no mac & cheese, etc. Some would say that is not normal. To me it is just the whole slimy noodle thing, ugghhh! Can't handle that!

I started to think about my life and how generous I am. Would I be considered "normal"? A few years ago I had an experience in Washington, DC that illustrates what I am trying to say. Sandra and I went with Emily on her 8th grade trip to DC and we rode the subway. Now that was an experience in and of itself. I loved it, the girls, not so much. When we got on I was unable to sit beside my wife and daughter, but had to sit across from them. When we came to the next stop the person sitting next to me got off and then a woman got on and took the spot. Being the kind Southern gentleman now up North, I gave the woman a polite, "Hello, how are you?" greeting. Now that was "normal" for me to do that. I could tell from her reaction that it was probably not normal for her to hear that on her daily subway ride. Either that or it may have been the first time she actually heard a Southern drawl and it caused her a moment of pause before replying.

What I am saying is this. I want to be the kind of generous person who others look at and say, "Hey, that is not normal." I want to strive to be intentionally generous in things big and small. I think there really is something about that "you will find your life by giving it away" deal.

I can't get that out of my head. I think God has it stuck inside my head to convict me to become a more and more generous person. I would love for others to see my generous life and say, "Hey, that is not normal."

What do you think?

The Founding Fathers

2009-07-04T08:40:00.002-05:00

I love history. If I believed in reincarnation, I DON'T, I was either a U.S. History teacher or drove in NASCAR. :) And I love America! Thought I'd share a little of both as we celebrate Independence Day.

Before I do, let me say a few things. First of all, this isn't meant to be a dissertation. It's a blog. Secondly, I'm not nominating all of our founding fathers for sainthood. Having said that let me say this: there is a lot of revisionist history that totally ignores or distorts the faith of our Founding Fathers. A lot of them were motivated by their faith in Christ.

Here's some back story on some of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence. Most Americans know next to nothing about these fifty-six heroes who pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to the cause of freedom. Many of them died poor and desitute because of their stand for freedom.

John Witherspoon was an ordained minister and authored several books of sermons, as well as editing America's first family Bible in 1791.

Charles Thomson served as Secretary of Congress and was a Biblical scholar. He helped edit the first American translation of the Greek Septuagint into English.

Charles Carroll, the last of the fifty-six signers to pass away at the age of 95 in 1832, wrote out his declaration of faith at the age of eighty-nine.

"On the mercy of my Redeemer I rely for my salvation, and on His merits; not on the works I have done in obedience to His precepts."

Another Founding Father, Benjamin Rush, is considered the "Father of American Medicine." He personally trained three thousand medical students. Dr. Rush also founded "The First Day Society" which was the precursor to the Sunday School movement, as well as founding America's first Bible society. It was Benjamin Rush who said the Constitution was "as much the work of Divine Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament were the effects of divine power."

Francis Hopkinson was a church music director and edited one of the first hymnals printed in America in 1767. He also set 150 psalms to music.

Roger Sherman is the only Founding Father to sign all four of America's Founding documents: the Articles of Association in 1774, the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Articles of Confederation in 1778, and the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Roger Sherman was also a theologian. He wrote a personal creed that was adopted by his church:

I believe that there is one only living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are a revelation from God, and a complete rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him.

I could share story after story, but the bottom line is this: many of our Founding Fathers were motivated by their Faith in Christ. They wrote sermons and creeds and hymns. They founded Bible Societies and Sunday Schools. They served God's purposes in their generation. And I, for one, am grateful.

Hope that adds a spiritual dimension to your 4th of July celebration!

Altars to God or Monuments to Self?

2009-07-03T21:09:00.001-05:00

Altars to God or Monuments to Self?

In I Samuel 14:35 it says: "Saul built an altar to the Lord, the first one he had ever built." But just one chapter later, I Samuel 15:12, says: "Saul went to Carmel to set up a monument to himself."

Are you building altars to God or monuments to yourself?

That is THE QUESTION when it comes to motivation for ministry, and in all honesty, life. There is a fine line between "Thy Kingdom come" and "My kingdom come." And if you cross that line, it's the beginning of the end. Samuel tells Saul that God is taking the kingdom away.

Can I offer a simple reminder? We are who we are by the grace of God. We do what we do for the glory of God. We should live for the glory of God, not self.

Keep building altars to God.

Post-Father's Day Post

2009-06-22T08:18:00.002-05:00

All I Wanted For Father's Day(Every Day)

What did I want for Father's Day? What do I want each as a father? It's so simple and so important. I want my kids to grow and mature to love God with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength. When they were younger there were some things that I could control, a love for God was not one of those things. I know I cannot control it, but I can pray for it.

I pray that they would personalize and internalize their faith. I pray that they would own their faith and that their faith would own them. I pray for an intense spiritual hunger. A hunger to know God. A hunger to serve God. I pray for a double portion just like Elisha. I don't care what they do or who they become as long as their love for God grows deeper and stronger. That love will define them. That love will give them a sense of destiny. That love will sustain them through the ups and downs of life because they will happen.

That is what I wanted for Father's Day, and every day as well.

That's what I want for Father's Day.

Passing It On.....

2009-06-12T07:19:00.002-05:00

A blogging friend of mine passed this on to me and I wanted to do the same to all of you. It is a quote from Frank Viola's new book entitled, "From Eternity to Here". Enjoy.

“Indeed, Mary of Magdala is a study in undying love. I ask you: What provoked such unending devotion? It was simply this: Mary believed the Lord’s opinion of her. She took His opinion of herself rather than her own. In doing so, love was awakened within her own heart for Christ…

Therefore, the next time you feel condemnation over your past, please remember this one thing: The first person to lay eyes upon the resurrected Lord was a former prostitute.

God chose Mary Magdalene from the foundation of the world, knowing the kind of life she would live. And He chose you and me from the foundation of the world, knowing full well all the mistakes we would make this side of the veil.

You have a Lord who wishes to cherish you. Neither your fallen nature nor your sins are an obstacle for Him. He has dealt with them thoroughly, completely, and willingly by His death and resurrection.

Never forget: This God of yours allowed a prostitute to love Him extravagantly in the house of a Pharisee. Such is the wonder of the sacred romance into which every believer has been swept up. So go in peace, and love your Lord like Mary did.”

Dang ya'll, is that good stuff or what?

Consider the Source

2009-06-10T10:24:00.002-05:00

Consider the source.

That isn't just a sacred principle in academic integrity that was hammered home into my skull by one of my college professors. I think it is also one of the keys to healthy leadership. An insult from a fool might actually be a compliment and a compliment from a fool might actually be an insult. Consider the source!

Whenever I may get feedback on a message that I preach, I try and need to consider the source. If someone shares something they shouldn't know or shouldn't share, consider the source. If someone has a complaint or a compliment, consider the source.

Let me give you a few examples.

If someone has a complaint about our weekend services, the first thing I am usually thinking and wondering is whether or not they are inviting their unchurched friends. If they aren't, there is a much greater likelihood that the complaint is selfish in nature.

How vested is that person in Day3? If they haven't invested blood, sweat and tears into Day3 then it doesn't carry as much weight. If they are a serious shareholder, I'm all ears. Is the person generally positive or negative? If they are generally negative, the complaint might just be a personal projection of their own issues. And finally, what is the spirit behind the compliment or criticism?

What I'm getting at is this: consider the source. It'll save you a ton of headaches and heartaches.

Most of Us

2009-06-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Most of us live as if the whole world is dependent on us, rather than God.

Do you?

A Crazy Fan & The Power of Focus

2009-06-08T10:58:00.001-05:00

If you watched the French Open Men’s Final yesterday, or saw some highlights of the match, you likely saw the crazy fan that leaped over the stands and onto the courts to taunt Roger Federer. As a spectator it’s easy to watch that, kind of chuckle and then cheer as security tackled him and hauled him off the court. But I couldn’t help but put myself in Roger’s shoes. Here I am playing the match of my life and some lunatic springs out on the court after me. I don’t know about you, but I’m not so sure I would have acted so cool, and collected myself so quickly.

The Power of Focus – it’s what separates the winners from the losers, the good from the great. Focus can make or break you.

This little episode from yesterday’s match reminded me of how easily I get distracted by the taunts, the criticism, the temptations and the distractions in my life. There are so many things that are vying to pull me away from the calling and mission God has given me. How am I reacting to these distractions? Can I shake it off and refocus on “my game” or do I throw in the towel and give up the match?

How about you? What’s distracting you from your calling or purpose?

Half of What He Has to Say

2009-06-01T09:19:00.003-05:00

Something God has been pressing on me lately.....
"-the Spirit of Truth.......for He lives with you and will be in you." John 14:17

I think most of us wish the Holy Spirit led us into all comfort. We might even settle for partial truth. But all truth? Most of us would rather surround ourselves with people who will simply validate what we falsely believe about ourselves. That isn't the Holy Spirit. Like a good counselor, He'll take you places you don't want to go so you can get where He wants you to go. He'll reveal things you don't want to know so you can become who He wants you to be.

I think many of us get frustrated at times because it seems like God is silent. Here's a thought: if you cannot hear the voice of God maybe it's because you aren't willing to hear everything He has to say?

You can't tune out His convicting voice and still hear His guiding voice or wise voice or comforting voice. You cannot listen to half of what the Holy Spirit has to say. It's a package deal. If you tune out His convicting voice you won't hear anything He has to say.

Therefore, we hear only half of what He has to say. Ever said, "Huh?" to God?

Old Country or New Country

2009-05-25T09:46:00.002-05:00

I wanted to pass on to you these words from Nouwen’s Inner Voice of Love. Words from a meditation in his journal. Nouwen's writings are unbelieveable.

I pray they challenge you in the way they have challenged me. Wherever your old country, or your new country, may be. Enjoy.

=====

You have an idea of what the new country looks like. Still, you are very much at home, although not truly at peace, in the old country. You know the ways of the old country, its joys and pains, its happy and sad moments. You have spent most of your days there. Even though you know that you have not found there what your heart most desires, you remain quite attached to it. It has become part of your very bones.

Now you have come to realize that you must leave it and enter the new country, where your Beloved dwells. You know that what helped and guided you in the old country no longer works, but what else do you have to go by? You are being asked to trust that you will find what you need in the new country. That requires death of what has become so precious to you: influence, success, yes, even affection and praise.

Trust is so hard, since you have nothing to fall back on . Still, trust is what is essential. The new country is where you are called to go, and the only way to go there is naked and vulnerable.

It seems that you keep crossing and recrossing the border. For a while, you experience a real joy in the new country. But then you feel afraid and start longing again for all you left behind, so you go back to the old country. To your dismay, you discover that the old country has lost its charm. Risk a few more steps into the new country, trusting that each time you enter it, you will feel more comfortable and be able to stay longer.

–Henri Nouwen

Made Me Scratch My Head

2009-05-12T09:45:00.002-05:00

On the way to the office this morning I seen the following on a church sign, it made me scratch my head. "We thank God for our Christian mothers"!

I wonder if that means....

for everbody that goes to that church, their mom is/was a Christian.

only Christian moms go to that church.

only Christian moms are allowed in that church.

you should only be thankful for your mom if she was a Christian.

Jesus was all about exclusion wasn't He?????

Words mean things.

Great Quote

2009-05-04T12:28:00.002-05:00

I read a quote this morning by a man of the name of Stanley Tam. Stanley is 93 years old so it is safe to say he has been around the sun a few times. Stanley started his own business with just $37. To date Stanley has given away over 1 million dollars in his lifetime. Check out this quote:

"God cannot reward Abraham yet because is seed is still multiplying."

Wow. Never thought about it that way, but the truth is that everything we do for Christ multiplies for eternity! Sometimes we get stuck in addition when we should have already moved on to multiplication. Are you in multiplication mode?

11 Days

2009-04-30T07:23:00.003-05:00

Have you ever been reading the Bible and wondered what God had for you to learn in a particular passage. I think some books of the Bible get a "bum rap" for not having anything that can be taken away for one to apply to their life. Deuteronomy is one of those books I think. Earlier this week I was reading from Deut. and there it was, whammo. After reading just a few lines I read something that I can’t ever recall reading before: “Normally, it takes only eleven days to travel from Mount Sinai to Kadesh-barnea…” (Deut. 1:2, NLT) I stopped right there. I couldn’t believe what I just read: Eleven days? Really? ELEVEN DAYS!?! So, what’s the big deal? Well, what should have taken the Israelites about ELEVEN DAYS took them FORTY YEARS…or, by simple calculation: 14,600 DAYS! You see, God wanted to give the Promised Land to the Israelites and they were a short eleven-day journey away from receiving this amazing gift but instead they bickered, doubted and rebelled their way to a journey that would last 14,600 days. That absolutely blows my mind.

There’s so much more to this story (no doubt, the battle for the promised land would have still been there) but the questions for now are these: What is taking us years that God could do in days? What issue has handcuffed you for years that you could be on the way to defeating in a few weeks if you listened to God, faced it head on and seriously dealt with it? Eleven days or forty years? It is up to us.

If I Were the Devil

2009-04-28T12:05:00.002-05:00

If I Were The Devil…

here are some things I would do…

*I would tell church leaders that “it’s not about the numbers!” That they should be more concerned with quality than quantity. I would make them take pride in the fact that they were reaching no one, and actually get them to criticize the people that are.
*I would convince church leaders that the quality of their worship services do not matter.
*I would tell Christians to not allow themselves to be polluted by the world, but rather to attack it consistently so that those who are in it would be driven further from the church.
*I would persuade everyone in the South that if they attend church at Easter & Christmas they are ok with God.
*I would convince church leaders to DREAM SMALL! The last thing I would want would be people realizing that God is honored by people who really do believe that He can do the impossible!
*I would get the church to focus on politics, getting them to believe that they are doomed unless a particular political party holds office.
*I would tell bloggers that they are “just” and “right” by setting up websites that do nothing but attack other ministries and tear them down.
*I would tell pastors that it is perfectly acceptable to substitute ministry work for their personal walk with God; after all, He should understand.
*I would convince pastors and church leaders to focus on what other churches are doing “wrong,” thus taking the focus off of their church.
*I would tell churches that boycotting “secular” organizations is the most practical and effective way to reach the world.
*I would tell young church planters that they cannot teach Scripture, call for repentance or take an offering, for that would be offensive. (What I would not tell them is that the only people that ever offends are “Christians!”)
*I would get denominations to focus way more on inwards preferences and religious politics, allowing those who give the most money to call all the shots.
*I would tempt the church to focus on issues and not Jesus.
*I would tempt pastors to buy into the lie that things “will be better at the next church,” thus causing them to never dig roots in a community and build a great work for God.
*I would tell pastors to disguise their jealousy over other pastors with statements like, “I am really concerned with such and such church down the road,” OR, “what you don’t know about THAT church is…”
*I would make churches feel prideful in their particular Bible translation.

Those are just a few things… Do you have any?

THIS WEEKEND

2009-04-09T12:51:00.002-05:00

This Weekend

So, DAY3ers…who are YOU bringing to church with you this weekend?

People need Jesus! We are NOT called to be silent but rather active.

We promise that we are going to do all we can as a church to make sure the Gospel is presented in a very clear and unforgettable way… and in different shapes and forms.
But the rest is up to you!

What do you need to do in order to get people here?

Maybe you’ve asked them 100 times in the past…ask them again!

Personally…I am glad there was a person who invested in me to the point I was ready to hit him to come to church…I went, heard the Gospel…met Jesus…and my life hasn’t been the same–EVER!

This person didn’t give up on me…don’t give up on the person (or people) God has burdened your heart with!

At Day3 this weekend we will have two services. It is my hope and prayer that next year we will be having either 3 or 4 services to accomdate the people who are coming.

2 services…with ONE purpose…to present the Gospel!

Let’s BE the Gospel the rest of this week…do what it takes to get people here…BEG Jesus to change lives…and watch hell become less crowded because we were willing to abandon ourselves and go for it!

Be part of the solution.

23,000 Thank Yous

2009-04-08T12:19:00.002-05:00

"Celebrate in the presence of the Lord."

That is a phrase that caught my eye today as it comes up many times in Deuteronomy.

And I think it's one of our greatest shortcomings as Christ Followers. Most of us are wallowing in guilt when we should be swimming in gratitude. Don't get me wrong. We need to repent. And one dimension of that is emotional repentance. We feel bad about what we've done. But God wants to sanctify our emotions so we're able to wholeheartedly celebrate who He is and what He has done. How? There are lots of ways, but one way may be having a gratitude journal that you can keep and it could be one of the most spiritual things you can do. It keeps you focused on things that are praiseworthy.

Don't know where to start? Well, how about the fact that you're still breathing. In fact, you'll take approximately 23,000 breaths today. Seems to me like we owe God 23,000 thank yous, huh?

I for one am so thankful for my family. I have an unbelieveable wife and two kids who are off the chart. Emily turned 17 Monday. Boy, I'm getting old. Adam is getting ready to graduate from college in a little over a month. YIKES!! Just another reminder of my age.

Thanks God for all you have given me!

Showing Some Blog Love

2009-04-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

Wanted to show some blog love.

He writes about his trip to Poland. Check it out!

An Open Door.....

2009-04-02T07:33:00.003-05:00

This post is about an open door. This open door brings opportunity. When God rolled the stone away that was covering the entrance of Jesus'tomb on that first Easter morning, He opend an unequaled door of opportunity for all people. HE OPENED THE DOOR TO A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. HE OPENED THE DOOR TO ETERNAL LIFE. He opened the door of hope, peace, and joy. And a great thing, He invites the whole world to step through.

Each Easter Sunday gives you and me, as Christ-followers, a unique door of opportunity to influence people for God. How? The celebration of Jesus' resurrection will bring new people to Day3 this Easter, even if they aren't sure why they are there or what they are celebrating.

Here is the BIG QUESTION: Will you and I take advantage of the open door of opportunity that Easter provides, or will my lack/your lack of preparation block the way?

The point? I want us to invite our friends and family to church on Easter. Hands down, person-to-person outreach is the most effective form of outreach that we have.

The fact is that your mother-in-law, your cranky co-worker, your hellion friend from college/high school, the neighbor you wave at every day are all more likely to say yes to an invitation to church on Easter than at any other time.

I said all that to say this: I want to challenge you to invite at least three unchurched friends and/or family members to join you on Easter. I believe I can say with assurance that you know folks who need to hear a word about hope, peace, or joy spoken into their lives.

Will you join me and take advantage of the this open door?

Don't Wait...

2009-04-01T09:33:00.002-05:00

One week from Sunday is Easter. Who do you plan on inviting to church that day? Begin now praying that God would place someone on your heart and mind and then ask them. Many in this world would attend church with a friend, neighbor, family member, co-worker if someone would only ask. Why not allow God use you to be that person?

Don't wait til next Saturday afternoon while you are boiling the eggs to dye to ask someone. Do it soon. God wants to use you and me to impact someone's life for their benefit and HIS glory.

We could easily have over 400 on Easter @ Day3. The Gospel will be presented in a clear and understandable way. Do your part to get those who are far from God here so God can speak to them.

Don't wait, someone's eternity could be changed because of your invite!!!!!!

Dangerous Church?

2009-03-31T12:27:00.002-05:00

Dangerous Church?

I heard a story one time of a minister who was talking to a guy on a plane about God. When the minister asked him if he went to church, he explained politely that he wasn’t interested. He asked him why he wasn’t and he said matter of factly, “Because I’ve already been and nothing happened.”

I thought about that story this morning and thought about what a safe church vs dangerous church looks like.

Maybe this guy went to a “safe” church. In a safe church:

The message makes you feel better.
You’re never confronted about your sin.
No one rocks the boat.
You don’t have to change.
You may never truly encounter our Holy and Life-giving God.

On the other hand.....
when I read about the New Testament Church, it was filled with people with a dangerous faith. While we certainly should make our environments welcoming, our message should remain dangerous.

We’re called to leave everything to follow Christ.
We’re invited to believe God for the impossible.
We’re told to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
We’re told that to find our life we have to lose it first.

There is nothing safe about that message. It is my prayer that Day3 Church will always be a safe place to encounter a dangerous message.

What Do You See?

2009-03-26T11:27:00.001-05:00

What do you see?

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered” Matthew 9:36

This verse really struck me today. How often am I in crowds of people and I just pass by without a care, without a concern, without seeing the needs, hurts, hopes, and fears of people?

When Jesus saw the multitudes he was moved with compassion for them.

Am I moved with compassion for the people around me?

As a church leader, am I moved with compassion for the multitudes of people just outside our church doors who are distressed and scattered?

The Valley of.....

2009-03-25T08:05:00.002-05:00

The Valley of Eshcol
The other day I came across this passage in Numbers 32: "They went as far as the valley of Eshcol." I think that is where many of our dreams die. It is the place where we lose heart or lose sight or lose focus. That is as far as the spies got. The promise was about to be fulfilled. It was at their fingertips, but instead they let it slip through their hands.

The valley of Eshcol is the place where we stop trying or stop believing. It is the place where we turn back. But here is what God put in my heart: turning your back on a God-given dream is turning your back on God himself. Obviously, the operative phrase is "God-given." You need to keep going after that dream. Why? Not so you can accomplishment something. PLEASE! You need to go after that God-sized dream because it is the thing that will keep you on your knees living in raw dependence upon God. I have discovered that the quickest way for me to forget what God has planted in my heart, what He says about me, what He has planned for me, is to become obsessed with what the enemy tells me. That can be in the form of Satan or a person.

For those in the valley of Eshcol, here's one verse and one story.

Psalm 37 says, "Wait passionately for God." Most of us wait passively. The Psalmist says wait passionately. How do we wait passionately? One word: prayer.

I read a story recently of a guy in SC and how God answered his dreams.

He started doing prayer walks around an empty 70,000 sf Wal-Mart building. He prayed around it every day for three-and-a-half years until one day the Lord said today is the day to call them. They had 47 cents in their bank account. Today that building is home to an incredibly creative student center that is impacting its community!

I hope that encourages those who are in the valley of Eshcol. You may only have 47 cents in your account. You may have been praying for something for three-and-a-half years.

Don't lose heart. Don't lose sight. Don't lose focus. For that is how we grow and that is how God is glorified.

Do You Ever Ask....

2009-03-18T10:25:00.002-05:00

Do you ever ask, "Is this something God laid on my heart, or is this something I laid on God's heart?"

Thinking outloud and doing some reflecting on where I am right now in my life and what that looks like. His plans or mine? Which will I go with? A question we must all answer countless times everyday, huh?

Prayer Request

2009-03-06T12:49:00.003-05:00

Well here in about 45 minutes we are off to Charlotte to put Adam on a plane bound for Poland for 9 days. I ask for your prayers for him, his mama, his sister, and the big dummy typing these words. Pray also for the rest of the team that will be going with him. They will be working with the Roma people group.

To those of you who contributed financially to make this trip possible, please know that God has used you to bless Adam, his family, but more importantly the people he will encounter in Poland as he ministers there.

I am so proud of him. Proud that he is being obedient to HIM!

Enough said while I can still see the keys. :)

I am NOT...

2009-03-05T09:52:00.000-05:00

I am NOT the source of one single blessing in my life–HE IS!!!

THANKS GOD!!!!

Trusting His Timing

2009-02-18T13:37:00.001-05:00

Time is relative.

What I mean by that is this: the way we experience it is subjective. It depends on what you're doing. Ever been on a date with someone you love? Time flies. Ever been on a date with someone you didn't like? Speed dating isn't fast enough.

The way we experience time also depends on how old we are. If you're six years-old, summer break is 4% of you life. If you're twenty-five, it's 1%. If you're fifty, it's .5%. The older you get, the faster time seems to fly because relatively speaking it becomes a smaller and smaller fraction of your life! By the way, that is why when you were a kid, a two-hour trip in the car seemed like an eternity because relatively speaking, it was much longer for you than the adult who was driving!

So what?

Well, I think most of us have a hard time handling a bad day. We have a very low threshold for circumstantial uncertainty or spiritual discontinuity. We need answers. And we need them now. I would suggest that we need some biblical perspective. When we look at our lives through the lens of Scripture, our perspective on time changes.

We have a hard time waiting for God to fulfill His promise. But what about Abraham and Sarah? They had to wait 15 years before Isaac was born. We have a hard time suffering for a season. But what about the invalid in John 5 who was in that condition for 38 years. And that's when the average lifespan was 20-30. We have a hard time waiting for God to make sense of our circumstances. But what about Joseph? He was a slave and a prisoner for 17 years before becoming Prime Minister of Egypt. Or Moses? He was a fugitive for 40 years! And we have a hard time waiting to fulfill our calling. But even Jesus didn't transition from carpentry to ministry til he was 30.

We need to zoom out and get some biblical perspective. We think in days. But we might need to think in years. Here's what I know for sure: those that God wants to use the most have to go through the longest season of preparation. You might have to struggle a little bit longer so you can learn some more lessons or develop some more character. You might need to suffer a little bit longer so God can reveal a little bit more of His glory in your life!

What I'm getting at is this: trust His timing. He is never early. He is never late. As we grow spiritually, I think we take a different perspective on time. It's less about chronos--time. It's more about kairos--timing. And for the record, He is far more concerned about who you're becoming in the process than when you arrive at your destination. Maybe you need to quit praying for deliverance and start praying for revelation.

One last thought from Acts 1: "You don't get to the know the time. Timing is the Father's business."

Not much has changed has it?

"We Live In an Amazing, Amazing......."

2009-02-17T11:16:00.002-05:00

This video is spot on. Copy and past the url in your browser and watch.

http://barefootmeg.multiply.com/video/item/56/Louis_CK_Everythings_amazing_nobodys_happy

What do you think?

Don't be Ahithophel

2009-02-16T14:14:00.001-05:00

Ahithophel is a little known Bible figure who had a very tragic story (2 Sam 15-17). He was the chief counselor to the great kings--the one they turned to for advice. His counsel was legendary--almost always spot on.

However, in a tragic turn of events, Absalom did not listen to Ahithophel's advice and Ahithophel went out and killed himself. Evidently, Ahithophel had based his identity on being a heeded counselor. It is why he thought he was valuable. So when that was challenged, his depression led him to suicide. (We know that Ahithophel was not in right relation to God, as he was serving Absalom, who was in rebellion against God.)

Any time we base our identity on something beside being a servant of God, we are doomed for bouts of depression. I want to reflect for just a minute, however, on those people who feel a real sense of identity in being someone you turn to for advice. I have been on all sides of this issue: I have been the trusted subordinate whom my "boss" always came for insight; I have been the subordinate whom my boss thought didn't know what he was talking about and so ignored. I have been a friend that some friends listened to and others ignored. I have been the boss who sought counsel from others.

Sometimes when someone has given me advice, I know that if I ignore it, (which I have to sometimes do) it is going to be devastating to them. They put me in awkward situations, where I almost feel compelled to accept their advice because they give it so forcefully and their own ego is so tied up in me heeding it. It really annoys me and makes me resistant to, and even resentful of, that person.

Make sure you give your "counsel" in such a way that it allows the person having to make the decision the "freedom" to not take your advice. Respect the fact that God ultimately gave them that choice, not you.

So, if you are a good counselor, like Ahithophel, stop to make sure that your own ego is not tied up in your advice and your affirmation comes from God, not others. Make sure your identity is in being His servant, not the valuable counselor of others, and then you will be valuable indeed.

You Deserve to Go to Hell

2009-02-10T11:25:00.002-05:00

You Deserve to Go to Hell - Helpful Crude Words (1/4)

Sometimes blunt, crude words are the only things that can shock a person out of a rut and motivate him to improve to the next level. This four-part blog series is for the church worker who needs such forthright words.

So as you do your best to live life, don't forget......

You deserve to go to hell.

SAY WHAT?

Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (Romans 3:23)
Sin pays off with death. But God’s gift is eternal life given by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

In other words, because mankind’s nature is sinful, we all deserve to go to hell. It is only by Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection that you have the opportunity to be redeemed from hell if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. (Romans 10:9-10)

This is the only way. (John 14:6) It is an undeserved gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

THE PROBLEM

If you are a Christian, you are already familiar with this. And that is the beginning of the problem.

If not careful, familiarity will desensitize you to the power of the gospel. It makes the gospel old-hat.
Desensitization will prevent you from truly grasping what it means to be saved from hell.
And when this happens, it becomes far too easy to become drunk on the message of grace and feel entitled to your redemption from hell.
The next thing you know, you are telling God what to do and treating Him like He is your servant rather than acting like a servant of God.
I am guilty of doing this. And unfortunately, many other “seasoned” Christians are, too.

WHY THESE CRUDE WORDS HELP!

You deserve to go to hell, so ever-presently live like it is true.

Understanding the magnitude of hell and what it means to be redeemed from it will change your priorities, give you passion, and give your clarity.

1:56

2009-02-01T16:47:00.001-05:00

I'm home. It's 4:50 Sunday afternoon, waiting for the Super Bowl. Decided to check my email.

I made it to 1:56 before I started bawling. I dare you to watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v7ZQUzr0yo

God forgive us!

One Share of Coca-Cola

2009-01-28T08:16:00.003-05:00

If you purchased one share of Coca-Cola when it went public in 1919, how much do you think it would be worth today? Hold that question.

This coming weekend Day3 will start having two services. What does that mean to you and me? It means we have an opportunity to give. Not necessarily money but yourself. To give of yourself so that God can reach others through and because of you.

We need a paradigm shift when it comes to giving. We don't have to. We get to. We naturally think that the more we give the less we'll have. Not true. God can do more with 90% than we can do with 100%. It comes down to the law of measures: "With the measure you use it will be measured unto you." I believe that. I've experienced that.

I like to think of giving as buying stock in the kingdom. And the truth is that those kingdom shares will earn compound interest for eternity. Talk about a Return on Investment (ROI). Eternal dividends!

I did a little research to put it in perspective. If you purchased one share of Coca-Cola stock in 1919, and simply held that one share, by the year 2000 it would have split into 4608 shares. And that original $40 investment, if you kept reinvesting the dividends, would have been worth $7 million. Dang! To further your pain, if your great-great grandparents had purchased one of Asa Candler's original shares in 1892, that $100 investment would be worth $7.34 billion. Dang! Dang!

Here's the bottom line: we'll never regret one ounce of energy, one second of time, or one penny of money invested in the kingdom of God.

I am reminded of the band of sisters in Luke 8 who supported Jesus. They got in on the Initial Public Offering (IPO). They were the original shareholders. What a return on investment! But nothing has changed. Sure, we're talking about Caldwell County, NC not Jerusalem, Israel. But it's all about advancing His kingdom and doing it in a place appropriately named Day3.

Are you investing? You don't have to, you get to!!!!

I Love Day3 Church

2009-01-26T12:11:00.003-05:00

I Love Day3 Church

I know a pastor ought to love the church he pastors. I also, from experience, that not every pastor does. So I'm grateful that I get to help pastor a church I would actually attend. For the record it has always been that way. But on this I love what Day3 Church is becoming.

I can honestly say that I wouldn't want to be anyplace else, doing anything else, with anyone else! I love serving Day3. And Lord willing, I pray for the privilege of staying @ one church for the rest of my life. Love to put thirty years into it when everything is said and done!

Great services this weekend. Loved this series on cranking up our lives. I am really pumped up to start our new series this coming Sunday, "Beautiful".
Whoa, we are not only starting a new series but also, beginning Sunday, we will have two services, 8:30 & 10:30. I believe the things that are going to be shared and talked about in this series are so needed for all to hear. I would encourage you not to miss a single service.

The Smallest Thing....

2009-01-20T09:11:00.001-05:00

The smallest thing in the world is..........self.

Secure in Christ?

2009-01-13T11:07:00.002-05:00

People are always watching. Many are full of grace. Many are full of judgment.

As a pastor, I always try to be wise to prayerfully develop a deep sense of “security in Christ.” Not only for myself, but also for my family. It has been said that a minister lives in a "fishbowl". Everything you do or say is open to affirmation, criticism, or judgment. And this goes for the family members as well.

I know when my kids are secure in Christ—peer pressure weakens. When your kids are not secure in Christ—peer pressure increases.
When you are secure in Christ, your need for human acceptance decreases. When you aren’t secure in Christ, rejection kills you.
When you are secure in Christ, you easily obey the voice of God. When you are not secure in Christ, you constantly fear the opinions of people.

The more God blesses Day3, the more negative voices we’ll attract. Years ago I was stinging from some painfully false rumors that were circulating about Day3. God used Sandra to build my security in Christ.

She asked me (already knowing the answer), “Are the rumors true?”

“No.”

Then she said with deep faith and assurance. “People’s opinion of us doesn’t change Gods’ opinion. We should live for the opinion that matters.”

Well said.

What insecurities do you need to overcome? You may not be living in a "fishbowl", but others are watching and listening. Where is security?

Reminder

2009-01-12T09:14:00.002-05:00

Hey, a reminder for you. Tonight @ 7 we will be having our Ministry Planning Meeting in the Fellowship Hall as we gear-up for two services. If you were present yesterday, you saw the need. Attendance was 264. God is sending people, we must be ready.
If you are currently serving in some capacity, worship leadership, parking lot, greeter, teaching kids, or if you want to check out some of the areas of service, or if you are ready to take your next step and serve, this meeting is for you. I would love to have all the chairs full that I have set out. Hope you can make it. God and Day3 needs you so others may know Him. Help be a part of the solution.

See you tonight.

Monday Night

2009-01-09T08:53:00.002-05:00

This post is for those of you who call Day3 Church home. On Monday night, the 12th, we will be having a meeting for those who are currently serving, who want to investigate serving, who want to take their next step and serve as we continue to move to adding an additional service. We will be talking about schedules and such.

Please make plans to be in attendance. I had someone ask me the other day how we were going to recruit more volunteers for a second service and I responded that to me the best way was what I call the "tapping method". Tap someone on the shoulder and ask them to serve. You can play a part between now and Monday night in that area. Tap someone between now and Monday, tap them on Sunday, whenever, just tap and ask.

The rest of the church will hear of this meeting on Sunday. Wanted to give you a "heads-up".

Expecting great things from God on Sunday. Are you?

In 2009....

2009-01-06T11:01:00.002-05:00

In 2009 Day3 will be....

challenging all of us to be radically devoted to Christ.

challenging alll of us to be unwaveringly committed to one another.

challenging all of us to be relentlessly dedicated to reaching the lost.

Because of such a time as this, it is time to stop playing church and to start being the church.

How do you think we do this? What differentiates being the church versus just playing or going through the motions?

I think God has some big things in store for Day3 if we will listen to His heartbeat and become most passionate about that.

Here’s to 2009 Day3! Are you ready for the ride? Hold on to your fork!!!!!

Back

2009-01-05T13:27:00.002-05:00

The calendar has turned to '09(I know I'm a little late to notice the obvious some times).

Took some time away from the blog world over the holidays. The Triplett clan bugged out the day after Christmas for a mini family vacation, the first in 1 1/2 yrs. We had a tremendous time. Laughed a lot, shopped too much, ate really well.

It was off the hook yesterday @ Day3. Great crowd to kick off a new year, 260. Two services are on the horizon.

If you are a Day3 attender we need you to step up and serve in some strategetic areas so we can make two services happen. We need more greeters, parking lot folks, more teachers for the kidos. We are going to two services so more people can hear that they matter to God. Will you help them hear that message by serving? God changed/transformed your life to serve. Be obedient.

Contact me by email - datrip@charter.net
office - 313-233
cell - 381-0977

Question For You

2008-12-22T11:51:00.000-05:00

What would you do if you were brave?

Dear God....

2008-12-21T06:18:00.002-05:00

Dear God....

today is finally here, Christmas Sunday. Folks will start arriving around 2 hours from now for the 1st of 2 services. I did not sleep well last night as my mind raced with thoughts of today. There will be people here today Lord who are far from You. You know who they are. You know their hearts, their hurts, their pain, their guilt, their addictions. Children will be here today with eager thoughts of Thursday in their heads. Help us to make this the greatest hour of their week.

And they will come today. Because today, maybe, just maybe, they will consider what this time of the year is really all about and because of that reflection You can draw them to Day3.

The Praise Team has practiced hard this week. The creative movement girls are prepared. The greeters will be here with wide smiles. Our parking lot guys may be standing in the rain this morning. They all do it for the simple reason of wanting others to know You.

So God, I ask, we ask that You bless our serving and bring others to Yourself today. Let them know that they matter to You. That Your Son is Plan A, there is no other plan. We ask you to help us serve with excellence and to point others to You. I know You will honor that.

Thanks God!!!!

Making a List & Checking It Twice

2008-12-15T11:36:00.002-05:00

I thank God every year that my wonderful wife handles the Christmas shopping for our family. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy shopping. It is just that I "enjoy" shopping at either Bass Pro Shops, Dicks, or Foothills Hunting & Fishing. (That list of stores should tip you off to my redneckness. :0) Not crazy about malls or the masses @ Walmart either.

So I was thinking this morning about shopping lists and wondered about what would be included on the "Worst Christmas Gift Lists". Here is what I found.

10) Chia Pet (does anyone still give these?)

9) Socks (truthfully I don’t mind a good pair of socks in my stocking)

8 ) The Clapper (CLASSIC!)

7) Scratched Lottery Tickets (I don't play)

6) Donny & Marie Christmas CD (I’ve got nothing in response to this one)

5) Fruit Cake (who eats this stuff anyway?)

4) Dental Floss (really? only a dentist would do this, right?)

3) Dryer Lint Toys (what is this?)

2) Mood Ring (ok 1980’s)

1) Underwear (of course!)

What’s the worst Christmas gift you’ve ever received? Add your .02

Christmas Videos to Check Out

2008-12-10T11:44:00.002-05:00

Here is a list of some awesome Christmas Videos for you to check out. I love all these songs. Just some recommendations.

I am leaving one off the list on purpose as it will be sung at our Christmas Services on Dec. 21. Bring the tissue on that day! I'll post it on the 22nd.

dt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGrhzCgy_bg&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hczfv01y6Ss&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkAhmH40kiM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icilgwdHiZg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLUm0sGDRr4&feature=related

What Does It All Mean?

2008-12-02T10:32:00.002-05:00

What Does It All Mean?

This video was sent to me by a friend. It is amazing.

This video triggered a chain reaction of ideas, thoughts, and questions in my mind that I'll be thinking and praying about today. The video ends with a very powerful question. Please take 5 minutes and watch it.

I would love to hear your thoughts in response to that question. Drop a comment and let's see what we can learn from each other.

Shift happens.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?fs=1&v=jpEnFwiqdx8

This Messes Me Up

2008-11-20T12:34:00.002-05:00

The chapter in the Bible that is known as the "love" chapter is 1 Corinthians 13. As I was reading it this morning I decided to look at it in something other than the NIV translation. I looked it up in The Message.

I Corinthians 13:3-7 (The Message)

If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut.

Doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others.

Isn’t always “me first,” doesn’t fly off the handle.

Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel.

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything.

Trusts God always, always looks for the best.

Never looks back, but keeps going to the end.

This passage messes me up because there is so much I need to hear, comprehend, learn, apply, do from this passage, but I think the phrase that stands out to me the most right now is “Love never gives up”.

Which portion of this scripture speaks to you today?

That Word.....Whatever

2008-11-19T12:36:00.002-05:00

“Whatever”.

That is a word that I hear alot when working with teens.

But I am not talking about the put your hand on your hip, toss your chin up, sarcastic “what-e-ver”. I'm talking about instead the Colossians 3:17 “whatever”

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

and the Ecclesiastes 9:10 “whatever”

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”

and the I Corinthians 10:31 “whatever”

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”You see in addition to our individual purpose, each of us has a Global Purpose: To bring glory to God in every single thing we do.

God challenges us that in order to live out His purpose we need to focus on 2 things:

Stand out at Loving
Stand out at Serving

Love radically - I challenge you to go read The Message version of 1 Corithians 13

Serve beyond what is expected of you.

Be honest and dependable all the time.

When you and I love and serve, we are most accurately reflecting the nature and character of God.

So, which of these (loving or serving) do you need to work on the most? Which one is more natural for you?

It is not about "what-e-ver" but Him.

Dear Lord I Pray....

2008-11-15T15:34:00.002-05:00

Dear Lord I Pray…

…for the people who will be going to sleep in a few hours.
The ones who are still hours away from deciding whether or not they will go to Day3 Church in the morning.
For the guy who LOVES Korn & Manson.
For the mom whose son is high as a kite right now.
For the husband who HATES his wife right now. For the wife who DESPISES her husband.
For the family who is weeks away from hearing the news of cancer that will rock their world.
I pray that in 17 hours, that whatever is keeping them from coming, it would go away.
That in the midst of the decision to stay or go, they get in the car.
That in the chaos that is life, you make it a symphony of peace that passes all understanding.
That is my prayer as I prepare to teach Membership 101 to those who are investigating what it means to be a member of Day3.
Yet You continue to bless because I know you love me in spite of who I am.
There may be someone here tomorrow that doesn't even comprehend what that means.
Change the world tomorrow. Use Your church to be an agent of change.
Amen.

Need A Prayer Request?

2008-11-13T10:11:00.002-05:00

“Please pray for our team in South Asia as they execute an operation on a large brothel today. Pray for continued good cooperation with the police and safety for our staff as they enter an especially dangerous situation. Pray that the girls would be rescued quickly as they are currently suffering very violent treatment.”

The above prayer request comes from the International Justice Mission which is
a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local governments to ensure victim rescue, to prosecute perpetrators and to strengthen the community and civic factors that promote functioning public justice systems.

Pray for these folks and their ministry.

It Will Be All You Need

2008-11-11T09:54:00.002-05:00

I'm not preaching this coming Sunday(and a cheer went up from the readers), but I do know what the topic is about, excuses. All of us place excuses in our mind to keep us from serving and "doing unto others." Now I will be the first to say that I am good at making excuses for a lot of things in my life and my failures. But do those excuses impress God or sway His opinion. I think not cause He knows our heart anyway.

So basically our excuses are things we create in order for us not to feel so bad about ourselves, our failures and shortcomings, lack of discipline, lack of focus, you fill in the blank.

The thought that God is impressing upon my heart and mind these days is for me to "see the desperation" in others and for me to use that as the fuel to start and maintain His desire for me to give all of myself for others.

Other's desperation. It will be all I need, you need.

No excuses!

One More and Last Post-Election Thought

2008-11-06T10:33:00.003-05:00

I awoke yesterday morning to the promise of a new President…Barrack Obama. With his election to the highest office in the United States of America comes new opportunities, new ideas and new directions for the country. Even with the hope and promise of change in the near future…much is still the same this morning.

* Because the media leads off their coverage this morning with the words, “The first black President”…there is still racism in America.

*Because the Secret Service broke up a plot against President-elect Obama’s life last week…there is still hatred in America.

*Because the food lines at local homeless shelters are longer than the election lines were yesterday…there is still poverty in America.

*Because therapists and counselors have a full schedule today…there are still hurting and hopeless people in America.

*Because the men and women of our military are still in harm’s way this morning…there is still evil in the world.

*Because the churches of America were not packed out this past Sunday…there are still people far from God that will not be going to Heaven when they leave this Earth.

*Because the Holy Spirit has not moved with the sound of a rushing wind across this nation…there is still much work for the Church to be doing.

Even though someday changes are coming to America…there is still much work to do today. A new President does not make my goals or the goals of Day3 Church any different. Our eyes are not to be focused on what we can see…and the frailty of politics…it is to be focused on the Kingdom of God. Politics have done many wonderful things for this country…but it has never caused one person to come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Our missioin is still the same today as it was yesterday…reach people far from God with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and lead them into a growing relationship with Him. My post election thought is this…if we as the Church do what God has called us to do…then it will help to make President Obama’s job a little easier in the days to come!

Pray daily for all of the leaders of this great nation…look with renewed hope to a future under the leadership of a new President…but never lose sight that as Christians…our mission is still the same as it’s been for thousands of years! There is still much work to do for the Kingdom today…let’s get to it!!! Will you join me?

Time to Move On

2008-11-05T13:13:00.000-05:00

Today is a new day. It’s a new era. Regardless of who you voted for or why, it’s time to switch gears. It’s time to pray for Obama as he transitions to become the President of the United States.

And furthermore, you need to know this is not a surprise to God. Before the billions of dollars were spent on this campaign, God already knew the outcome. He wasn’t sitting around the television last night ringing his hands like you were.

He doesn’t need a Republican or a Democrat, an electoral vote, or a state. He’s not red or blue. He’s God.

He’s God and I’m not. You’re not. Obama is not. McCain is not.

So if your candidate lost, I’m sorry. If you’re worried your issues aren’t going to be addressed, I’m sorry. But God is still God and He’s still sitting on His throne.

Let’s move on.

I Was Wondering....

2008-11-03T11:33:00.002-05:00

I just received my first ever (at the church no less) "robo call". If you do not know what that is you are among the many. A "robo call" is a call by a political canidate to your phone which is done by a machine, hence "robo call". I assume they just choose ramdon numbers to call. This call was on behalf of Elizabeth Dole who is running for re-election to US Senate.

That was my first ever and it got me to wondering. I have seen on tv where there are over 250 polls that have been monitoring the campaigns. But I do not know of a single person who has ever been "polled" by one of them.

So my question on this "election-eve", have you ever been polled?

PS.....
Don't forget to exercise the freedom that you have that men and women have sacrificed their life so you and I may vote tomorrow

My Prayer for You & Me This Weekend

2008-10-31T09:29:00.002-05:00

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred,
let me sow love;
Where there is injury,
pardon;
Where there is error,
the truth;
Where there is doubt,
the faith;
Where there is despair,
hope;
Where there is darkness,
light;
And where there is sadness,
joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled,
as to console;
To be understood,
as to understand;
To be loved
as to love.

For it
is in giving
that we receive;
It is in pardoning
that we are pardoned;
And it
is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

St. Francis

A Real Legacy

2008-10-30T08:40:00.000-05:00

Read this article, the story of a real legacy.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3669154&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos1

Decisions?

2008-10-29T07:37:00.003-05:00

The decisions I am making today are actually making the bed I will lie in while I wait to die.

What did my life add up to?

Did I really matter?

What did I live for?

Who will remember me?

What will they say about me when I'm gone?

Why was it important that I existed?

The answers to those questions must influence my decisions because I am making my death bed daily.

How are your decision-making skills going?

My Heart

2008-10-23T08:09:00.002-05:00

Psalm 51:10
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Why do we do what we do? What moves us to act or speak or even think in a certain way? Only two people really know the answer to that question… ourselves and God. Right actions do not necessarily mean a right heart. We can manipulate our actions so that others see what we want them to see, but God sees our heart… our true motivations… and that is who we really are.

Proverbs 27:19
"As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man."

As I wrestle with my own heart I have been asking myself these questions.

Do I…

pray with confidence or wishful thinking?

read the Bible with expectation or so I can tell someone what I read?

seek to learn or want to teach?

serve those I lead or expect them to serve me?

live like one who’s been forgiven or like one who is entitled?

exhibit humility or pride?

long to be broken or pretend to be whole?

love others or just want their attention?

say God is in control but act and react as if He isn’t?

long for true wisdom or just want to have more knowledge?

live in excited anticipation of Jesus’ return or hope he waits a little longer?

seek recognition or God’s glory?

Somewhere in the mystery of God’s providence our effort to have a right heart must be met by His granting us that ability.

Psalm 86:10-12
"For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever."

If our heart could be opened up and inside we could actually see a physical representation of all that is in it… what would we find at the center? What would occupy the most space? Would we find Jesus there or would we have to move a lot of other stuff or people out of the way to then find Him shoved into a small corner?

Only we… and God… know the answer to that question.

Keeping Your Mouth Shut

2008-10-22T09:08:00.002-05:00

Just wondering, what are some things you would never feel comfortable saying in church or around other Christians?

Some of you may respond with humorous things while others may be more serious.

So what’s something you feel like you can’t say in church or around other believers?

What say you?

I Am a Blessed Man

2008-10-16T13:25:00.002-05:00

Today is 25 years + 1 day for me to be married to my high school sweetheart. I can't believe that she still loves this big dummy. If feels just like yesterday that I was standing outside down in Oak Hill, waiting for her to arrive in a horse-drawn buggy. I was a nervous wreck, even though I tried to act "Fonzy cool".

It was a whirlwind day. It has been a whirlwind life together.

I love you Sandra more and more each day. Thank you for making me whole!!

Fear God?/ Prayer Requests?

2008-10-16T13:19:00.002-05:00

If you have slipped into people pleasing tendencies, people have become too big in your life and God has become too small. :(

The best antidote for the fear of people is the fear of God.

I want my life to reflect 1 Thessalonians 2:4, 6, “…We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts…We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.”

What do you need to do to allow God to become bigger in your life?

PRAYER REQUESTS

How can I pray for you?

daryl

This Rocked Me

2008-10-08T09:31:00.002-05:00

I read this yesterday and it has stuck in my mind and rocked me and continues to do so.

"The difference between where you are and where God wants you to be is the pain you are unwilling to go through."

Whewwww! WOW!

What do you think?

Perhaps.....

2008-10-02T08:08:00.002-05:00

Here's one of my favorite phrases in Scripture. I Samuel 14:6 says, "Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf." I love that modus operandi. But I honestly think many, if not most, Christians take the opposite approach. Perhaps the Lord WON'T act in our behalf. We let fear dictate our decisions. We have a better-safe-than-sorry mentality. We live as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Don't think that is God's plan for us.

Maybe it's time for a shift in our thinking. When did we start believing that God wants to take us to safe places to do easy things? Here's a thought: the will of God is not an insurance plan. It's a daring plan.

I think we've made a false assumption that the will of God gets easier as we grow spiritually and older. Some dimensions of life do get easier with the consistent practice of spiritual disciplines. But I also think God will give us more difficult, dangerous, and daring things to do!

I love this phrase. It's so hopeful. It's so optimistic. And it's the key to living with holy anticipation. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. May God give us the spirit of Jonathan!

Do you live with that anticipation?

JOE BIDEN TICKS ME OFF!

2008-09-26T06:13:00.002-05:00

Last year, Joe Biden made $320,000 in income. And yet, how much did he give to charity? He gave a whopping $995...about 1/4 of 1%.

Maybe he had a bad year? Nope, it turns out that last year he gave more to charity than any of the past ten years. Joe Biden's total giving to charity over the past ten years adds up to $3,690. That is how much a tithing family making 1/3 his salary gives every four months.

Why does this matter? Can't you run the country without giving to charity?

Maybe, but for me, this is huge. Charitable giving speaks to your belief in people. It reflects your heart and whether you truly want to help people who are less fortunate. Lack of giving reveals a selfishness and self-sufficiency. It says, "Screw the world, they are on their own." As a politician, it speaks loudly that your confidence is in big government and not in the American people. And, for someone running for political office who knows his tax returns will be made public, it shows a lack of political sharpness at best (and sheer stupidity at worst) to not think this will make a difference.

I'm not saying Biden needs to be a Christian and give money to a Baptist church to be vice president. But couldn't he find any cause to believe in? Perhaps finding a cure for cancer, helping people with the AIDS epidemic or giving money to help unwed mothers. Surely there is some cause in the world worthy of his support? Nope.

Biden's spokesman, David Wade, says that he simply "doesn't have piles of money to give." WHAT????? Yeah, I feel bad for him. Only $320,000 last year. Imagine if that was the attitude of every American family. Hospitals would close. Churches would cease to exist. The Red Cross wouldn't be around to help during the next disaster.

How are the other candidates doing? Barack Obama wasn't doing much better until 2005 when he began running for president. Prior to that time, his charitable giving averaged 0.9%. Since he's been running for president, it increased to 4.7% in 2005 and 6.1% in 2006. Whatever his motive, I'm glad to see it increasing.

Governor Sarah Palin has not yet released her tax returns, but I'll be watching closely. John McCain gave more than 25% of his income in 2007 to charity. He and his wife believe so much in the concept of helping others that they set up the John and Cindy McCain Foundation to help manage their charitable giving. He didn't just start doing this recently. He has given ALL of his book royalties to charity since the first book deal in 1998 (more than $1.8 million given to charity in ten years). In 1991 (yes, 17 years ago), he opposed a pay raise that the Senate voted for themselves, so he gave that pay raise to charity that year, and every year since, adding up to more than $450,000.

This stuff matters. It's not the only issue on which I'll base my vote, but it is a very big issue. And right now, I'm pretty ticked off at Joe Biden and his lack of leadership and terrible modeling.

Without being partisan, do you agree or disagree with me?

One Reason Why...

2008-09-24T09:29:00.002-05:00

Don't know about you, but for me I see many folks who are unwilling to do something. I think I know one reason why.

Now let me say right off the bat, the person punching these keys is not a "saint" by no means.

In saying that, I think one reason why many folks will not confess to wrong - actions, attitude, words(sin) - is, deep down they do not really want to change.

What say you?

Bring It!!!!

2008-09-16T10:57:00.001-05:00

My calendar is marked. BRING IT!!!!!

http://www.fox.com/24/trailer/

Doesn't Make Sense to Me!

2008-09-16T07:30:00.002-05:00

Now for a small town boy like myself some things just don't make sense. I could list many but one that really baffles me at this time is the price of gas.

I attended Sawmills Elementary School for 8 years, Hudson High School for 2, South Caldwell High School for 2. Early on I enjoyed math, in fact Algebra in high school was no problem. Today that is a different story though. :) When Adam was @ Hudson Middle & South Caldwell, and the same for Emily, I was of little or no help. So much for retention, huh? Not able to depend on daddy in that area.

But I seen something this morning that just does not add up. Maybe some of you can help in this. Here is the equation:

Since July 11 the price of crude oil is down around 35%. And just this morning the price of it is down to around $91 a barrel in trading overseas. I think the highest it ever got was $140-$147 per barrel.

However, since July 11, the price of gas has declined around 7%. Doesn't add up. Someone is getting really rich. Now I am one who believes in the free market system and capitalism. But "holy high test" Batman, give me a break.

Maybe this is an example of the new math that has been taught since I graduated way back in '79. Don't know, just doesn't make sense to me.

Can you help me understand?

Why Is It.....

2008-09-09T09:15:00.001-05:00

Why is it…

......that the wrong choices seem better than the right choices?

......that it’s really easy to be selfish even though you know it’s wrong?

......that you know you can choose to forgive and move on, but still hang on to past hurts? Even though you know you’ll be so much better off if you just let go?

Common sense eludes me often.

You?

Heritage or Hate & The Insanity of The Argument

2008-09-03T07:55:00.002-05:00

As a Southerner and self-proclaimed redneck(that is what I'm told because I hunt and love NASCAR) it has always bothered me when I heard the argument that it’s “heritage…not hate”. I think the real ironic part is that the heritage was born out of the hate. Most folks walking around in Dixie Outfitter shirts and cracking racist jokes these days don’t seem to realize that. I do. While I have never witnessed a gathering of grown men wearing sheets and pillowcases over their heads(that is real courage), seen water fountains labeled "colored" and "white", I have seen plenty of examples of racism. When Adam heard the word n****er for the first time Sandra and I had to explain to him what it meant and that word is not to be spoken in our home ever.

Yes, I was raised around racism. Even at such a young age it never struck me as heritage…it always wreaked of hate. Hatred for what I still do not understand? How could people be so angry…about a color…especially the color of a man’s skin?

Yet here we sit in the 21st Century and not much has changed. I’ve been watching a political candidate that has a sharp mind, moral fortitude and progressive ideas. However, people are choosing whether or not to vote for him by the color of his skin. The racism seems to run both ways…some will vote for him because he is black…and some will vote against him because his is not white. The sad part is…both are wrong in their reasons. Those that promote his African American roots are just as guilty of furthering racism as those that believe in “white power”. Both cannot see the man within because of their focus on the color outside. Both are damaging views!!!

If you don’t believe me…ask Tony Dungy or Lovie Smith. Both are incredible Christian coaches. Both worked hard to get to the position of head coach in the NFL and both lead their respective teams to the Super Bowl a couple of years ago. Yet, all anyone could talk about was how historic the event was because of their race. All Tony and Lovie wanted was respect from the world for their accomplishments…and leadership…as men…not black men…just men. Instead it was cheapened by the world and media playing the “race card”.

This is a new century…one with promise…hope…and chance for something new. It is time for reality…and time to stop playing games with the race card. It is not heritage…IT IS hate. It was born of it…passed on from generation to generation because of it…and still lingers today because it is hate. If it is indeed all about heritage, why not trace one's heritage all the way back to Europe and start flying the flags of the countries from where we are all decended? It is time to come to grips with the fact that the South lost the war, it was over a hundred years ago for pete's sake, the KKK were murderers, and jokes at other’s expense isn’t funny any longer. Fold up the “stars and bars” flag and put it away…it just looks stupid and is an embarassment in today’s society.

On the other hand O.J. most likely did it, Kobe shouldn’t have been with another woman and Jesse is nothing more than an opportunist…and it has nothing to do with the color of their skin! Put away the Malcolm X quotes and 2Pac lyrics…they just sound stupid in today’s society.

We can no longer blame such stupidity on the company we keep or the way we were raised. We cannot blame it on experiences in life or the cards we’ve been dealt. If we truly want to be Followers of Christ then we must truly follow the ways in which He saw people. He saw the heart…not the skin. He experienced racial attacks…and yet still displayed love. He looked past the sin…and saw the potential. Jesus Christ saw no color….that is what we must aim for in our own lives as well!!!

Until we can look at a man…or woman…and see them for who they are…what they are…and what they stand for…instead of the color they are…then we truly haven’t overcome the heritage…and the hate.

My BBQ Song

2008-08-28T12:52:00.002-05:00

You may not know, but I love BBQ. Not with the vineagar based sauce. When I smell that stuff I think it is Easter and I am dyeing eggs instead of eating meat. I love it all though. :) It doesn't matter if it is chopped, sliced, pulled off the shoulder or whatever, I love it. I could eat it once a day.

So, in tribute to one of my favorite dishes, check out this video. It speaks for itself. All I can say is, "Yeee hawwww!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ubTQfr_tyY

If Life......

2008-08-26T07:38:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday(16th) presidental hopefuls McCain & Obama were at Saddleback Church doing a civil forum. I thought Rick Warren's questions were ones that when answered by each man you were able to know where they stood on each issue.

To me all of the issues talked about are important - helping the poor, taxes, foreign policy, adoption.

But the one issue, to me, that you were able to see a clear distinction in the two men was on the topic of abortion. "When does a baby have human rights? When does life begin?" Basically Obama danced around the question with the answer, "..that is above my pay grade." McCain quickly and clearly communicated, "...at conception!"

For those of you who read this blog that tend to lean to be of a Democrat/Liberal persuasion may not want to keep reading.

Obama is out of touch with most Americans in their belief of when life begins. How is it possible to support someone who does not oppose the taking of innocent life.?

Rick Warren should of followed up the question to Obama with another one. "Barack, if life does not begin at conception, why do men wear condoms and women take birth control pills?" I would have liked to heard the answer to that one.

Maybe those of you who are planning on voting for Obama can answer that one for me.
If the condom/pill is not keeping life from happening, the answer must be they are stopping a 1954 Buick Olds from being formed. :)

God's Word is clear on the subject. If you are a parent, you know when life started. If you are not a parent, go ask your mom/dad. I know they got the answer. They usually do. If not them, ask your heavenly Father.

When does life begin?

Describe You?

2008-08-21T09:32:00.002-05:00

Even though this is a video promoting Apple, could the main point of the video, "crazy people", describe you? Someone who is "crazy" enough to think that God can use you to change the world, one person at a time, by pointing others to Christ and His love. Describe you? Or are you just "normal/typical".

As for me, I want to be known as "crazy".

Check this video out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE857DJWX2w

This is Why....

2008-08-20T08:36:00.001-05:00

This is why you should live every day to the fullest.

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3543534&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab5pos2

Truly inspiring!!!!

I'm BACK!!

2008-08-18T11:04:00.002-05:00

I'm back! Life for me the last month has been one turn after another, like a rollercoaster for the first time, you don't know what is coming next. I have had my finger in lots of things since I last posted. Mainly one would call it life.

It is my desire to get back into a more regular routine to blogging. So I will be talking to you soon.

I'm out!

dt

Good Morning from VA

2008-07-21T06:33:00.002-05:00

Good morning from VA!:) We got to Winchester around 9:00 last night, had a good night's rest, and yes oh yes, just finished off a hot bowl of oatmeal @ breakfast at 7:15 with two of my favorite peeps, Jared and Kody.

I'm ready for the week, our students are ready for the week. We are ready for God to use us to impact others and help them to take steps toward God. You can play a part also, way back in NC. How? Whenever God brings us to your memory this week, pray for us. Our safety, our health(emotionally, physically, and most importantly, spiritually). Pray for those that God has arranged for our paths to cross this week.

I am pumped to see some students "get it" this week. To give themselves away, to serve, to take steps toward God while at the same time helping someone else do the same. That is why He changed us isn't it? That is why we are still here, isn't it?

Gotta go make sure the other peeps are up and stirring. We are pulling out of here and continue on to Philadelphia @ 9am.

Peace to your mama!!!!!

WHEW!!!!!!!!

2008-07-17T13:40:00.002-05:00

WHEW!!! Not had much time to spare of late to blog. I've really missed it. First, back to back weeks of camp, partial week of vacation, prepping for vbs, doing vbs, prepping for M-Fuge next week. Had not had much time to catch my breath.

VBS has been awesome all week. Two nights left. It has exceeded my expectations. We have some truly fantastic teachers and volunteers here @ Day3. They are the "God in the flesh" that makes this machine go. They have all worked and served tirelessly. A special SHOUT OUT to all our students who have assisted this week in different ways. This was a "dress rehearsal" if you will for what they will be doing next week in Philadelphia, PA. I am so proud of them.

Please keeep us in your prayers as we will be leaving Sunday after church. I know that God goes before us and prepares the way. Pray that He prepares our hearts as well as those we will serve. I can't wait.

I will try and post some while I am gone. Computer access will be limited though I know.

Catching my breath........

Is It Me or.....

2008-06-12T09:18:00.002-05:00

I was wondering, is it me, or doesn't anybody else think that when you step outside these days it feels like you have just landed inside someone's armpit?

When is the first day of Fall/Winter?

What's One of Your Dreams?

2008-06-10T12:43:00.002-05:00

I have many dreams. Some involve myself and some involve others. One dream I have would be to one day own a house in the mountains. I would not have/need to live there. But one thing I would sure use it for is to allow fellow ministers to go there and spend a few days for rest/relaxation, vacation, etc. All of course at no charge to them. I would spend one day a week making some calls offering it to local ministers. That is one of my dreams.

What's one of your dreams?

I Almost Fell Out of My Chair...

2008-06-09T09:43:00.002-05:00

I almost fell out of my chair Saturday afternoon. Sandra and I were watching the Belmont Stakes. For those of you who do not know, that is a horse race, the third one in what is known as the Triple Crown. Well going into this race one horse, "Big Brown", had one the previous two races and was the odds on favorite to win the Belmont as well. This has not been accomplished too many times in the history of the sport, only 11. So evidently it is something really hard to pull off.

I almost fell out of my chair for different reasons. One, the announcer on tv said that on "Big Brown" alone, over $5 million dollars had been bet at the track. That would have fed and clothed many children around the world.

The next time I almost hit the floor was when they told how much the owners of "Big Brown" were going to get for the "stud" rights to "Big Brown". Can you believe this? $50,000,000. Yep, those are eight numbers you are looking at. Unbelievable!!!

Then, after the race, I lost it. "Big Brown" was a bust as the horse finished last.
I laughed my head off at what the announcer said on tv following the lost, "This is a devastating loss for "Big Brown". WHAT???

This horse is going to live the life of luxury until he ends up at the glue factory and this loss is "devastating". He will recieve daily rub downs, great feed and oats, room to roam and run, and, since somebody bought the "stud rights", will have all the ladies he wants. Devastating? Yea, right!

It took me a little while to get up off the floor. I'm devastated!

It Does/Doesn't Matter & A Special Prayer Request

2008-06-06T07:46:00.004-05:00

It does/doesn't matter who you vote for? If you enjoy what you are paying for energy(gas,diesel,natural gas, power) the article that the link below will take you to will be of no interest to you. But if you will take the time to read the article, you will see why it does matter who you vote for. Check it out.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/04/AR2008060403052.html

Prayer Request

Tonight is Graduation Night in Caldwell County. Please pray for all who will be going through this next transition of their lives. Specifically - Tanner Austin, Brooke Parker, Rachel Johnson, Brittany Swanson, David Alvarado, and Shannon Rowe.
Pray that this night will be the beginning a new era of their lives that will be marked with great devotion to God. Thanks!!

When God is Loud

2008-06-04T08:50:00.003-05:00

When God is loud...

Sometimes I think that "God is loud" in my life. Sometimes I feel Him speaking to me more than others. Given, it's probably NOT because God is speaking more. It's probably because sometimes I listen more than others. One of the times when God always seems to be the "loudest" in my life is actually while I'm AWAY from the church. Whether I'm on vacation, hunting, or attending one of the three camps I will be taking Day3 kidos/students to this summer, I really believe that through a change of pace and getting OUT of the daily schedule and grind, it opens up my sense more clearly to hear from God. It looks like this to me:

Change of pace and or change of place = more communication, more listening.

When is God the loudest in your life?

In a related sense, I ask that you pray for my son Adam. He is "jacked-up" serving @ M-Fuge in Mississippi. This is their first week to have students and he has 15 in his group and 4 adults. Not able to communicate with him during the day, I have to call after 12 midnight or he does one as they are an hour behind us in the east. Pray that God will strengthen him daily, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
Thanks!!

This is Sad

2008-06-03T12:13:00.002-05:00

Saw this pic and was speechless and sad. Sad that some think this is a good idea.
What do you think?

Why I Get Out of Bed

2008-06-02T10:57:00.000-05:00

Why do you get out of bed each day? Here is my reason.....

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ArrZ3AxdLfg&feature=related

My New Dance Teacher

2008-05-29T07:43:00.002-05:00

If you were in attendance at this past Feb. Day3 Valentine's Banquet you seen me dance some. I saw many of you laughing. I have good news to share today.

After seeing this, http://youtube.com/watch?v=4AGac4zYqus

I will be hiring me a new dance teacher. Sorry, this guy is amazing. If you have not seen this before watch it. Anyone else want to go in with me and contract him out, maybe we can get him at a deal. :0

Underestimating God?

2008-05-28T07:55:00.002-05:00

If you're like me, you are a professional when it comes to underestimating God. Sure, I believe God can and will do great things...greater than I could ever imagine. But on a day by day basis, I am a professional at underestimating God.

When something catches me off guard, I act as if God was caught off guard, too.
When I let circumstances tie me down, I act as if God is tied down.
When fear paralyzes me, I act as if God is paralyzed.
When I think a dream is too big, I assume it's too big for God, too.

In Isaiah 55:8-9, God says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways...For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

The farthest known galaxy is 13.2 billion light years away...that's a LONG way.

This means that my best thought on my best day is at least 13.2 billion light years smaller than God's thoughts on that day. That means every one of us get up each day underestimating God by about 13.2 billion light years.

There is no circumstance that ties Him down. There is no fear that paralyzes Him. There is nothing that catches Him off guard. There is no dream that He scoffs at as too big. If these things are true, then why do I sometimes live and lead as if they are?

What would it look like if you and I lived today believing that God's thoughts for us and the work He has called us all to are far bigger than our own? Would you dream bigger? Would we be more willing to take an irreversible step of obedience? Would you trust Him more?

Just thinking about this is freeing to me! Can't wait to see what happens when I act on it.