Journal Challenge Day #26

Scripture: Acts 26:24
At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted."

Observation: When Paul stands before Agrippa and shares his testimony about what Christ had done in his life, King Agrippa declared, "Paul, you're crazy - you have lost your mind." King Agrippa could not come to terms with the radical change that occurred in Paul's life so he assumed that it was knowledge that drove him mad. In reality, it was love, not learning that was the catalyst for Paul's great change. Agrippa couldn't come to terms with how a one-time Pharisee and murderer of Christians was now the faith's most avid champion. Agrippa was left with only one logical conclusion: Paul had lost his mind.

Application: I wonder what would happen if all the Christ followers in the world today were so radically changed by a personal encounter with the God of the universe that we were accused of losing our mind. What would our communities, cities, and country be like. Just imagine if we truly loved God with our WHOLE heart and were completely committed to loving other believers and those far from God - what would our church look like. If we gave of ourselves - even to the point of death - sacrificing not only our time, talent and treasure - but willingly face death for the cause of Christ - how would that impact our world today.

Prayer: God, I pray that you would help me live my life everyday that others would literally say, "Dave, you have lost your mind." That I would love You, my wife and family, my church and my community with a reckless abandon ... sacrificing my time, money and energy to serve the poor and to heal the broken for your sake. Change me.

Journal Challenge Day #25

Scripture: Acts 25:22
"I would like to hear this man myself."

Observation:
Paul was standing trial before Festus. When Festus couldn't find anything wrong with Paul, he consulted King Agrippa for advice. After hearing the amazing story of Paul's spiritual transformation and teachings about a dead man walking, Agrippa declared, "I would like to hear this man myself."

Application:
Paul's preaching and his personal story of life change captured the hearts and imagination of even the biggest skeptics and cynics. They wanted to hear what he had to say and judge for themselves the contents and validity of his message. I want to be that kind of preacher that captures the heart and mind of my community - both ordinary men and influential leaders alike.

Prayer:
God thank you for giving me the opportunity to preach your message each week at PCC. You know that I feel completely unqualified every time I stand up to speak. I thank you that you use the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. I pray that you will continue to anoint my words and the hearts and minds of the listeners as I stand before them this weekend.

Journal Challenge Day #24

Scripture: Acts 24:16

So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

Observation:

Paul stood before his accusers and gave an account for his life, beliefs and actions. In his defense, he said, in essence, I stand before you with a clear conscience before God and man. He had nothing to hide and nothing to cover up. Paul's life was an open book - the good, the bad and all the in between. This gave him boldness to stand and tell the truth without any reservation or regret.

Application:

When I live a life of character and integrity it empowers me to stand up and speak boldly for God. A clear conscience means that I've dealt with my past sins and I am living a righteous life before God today. What freedom there is to walk in God's grace as we live forgiven and holy lives. Guilt-free living helps me make a stand for Christ.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for your forgiveness and grace. Thank you for helping me live and minister from a perspective of grace instead of guilt. Your grace and empowerment now enables me to live every day for you. Please give me the courage and strength to speak up for you today.

Tale of Two Brains

Journal Challenge Day #23

Scripture: Acts 23: 11
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage!"

Observation:
Paul had a rough time in Jerusalem. He was violently beaten, thrown in jail, mocked and almost killed. Why? For standing up for Jesus and telling others that he was raised from the dead and now calls everyone to follow him. Paul was placed in prison by the Roman guard to protect him from being murdered by the angry mob. During the night, Jesus came and stood near Paul and encouraged his heart.

Application:
Life and ministry can be grueling. I certainly haven't had to deal with the pain, betrayal and opposition that confronted Paul - but when life gets bad you need someone to come alongside you and pick you up. I thank God for my wife, family and friends who encourage in difficult times. But there is no greater comfort in the world to know that Jesus himself stands with you in the storms of life. He is a faithful friend who's got my back no matter what.

Prayer:
Jesus, thanks for standing with me while I stand for you. I pray you will continue to watch over me and guard my life. Thank you for the comfort and peace you bring and for never leaving me in my time of need.

Journal Challenge Day #22

Scripture: Acts 22:10
What shall I do, Lord? I asked.

Observation:
Paul asked Jesus perhaps the most powerful question anyone can ask God. After Jesus confronted him on the road to Damasucs, he fell to the ground off his horse and was dazed and confused. (Sometimes when we think we know best God has to knock us off our high horse. Hmmm.) Paul's only response, "What shall I do, Lord?"

Application:
When in doubt or in a time of decisions, I simply need to ask God, "What do you want me to do?" That tiny question acknowledges my insufficiency and inadequacy before an all-knowing and all-powerful God. To acknowledge your need for help and wisdom from God is the where true wisdom begins.

Prayer:
God, I ask you once again for your wisdom and direction. Guide my steps today. Lead me in my decision-making responsibilities. Give me your mind and let me see the events of today from your perspective. Help me honor you in every decision I make today.

Journal Challenge Day #21

Scripture: Acts 21:1
After we had torn ourselves away from them ...

Observation:
Before setting sail for Jerusalem, Luke says that Paul literally had to tear himself away from the church of Ephesus. The people loved Paul so much and Paul loved them dearly in return that this graphic parting of pastor and people is almost too much to bear. Obviously, they had formed a deep bond for each other and it just killed the church to have to say goodbye. Paul, as well, must have been torn between wanting to stay with the church he loved so much but also knowing his work for Christ called him to go on.

Application:
This picture of a pastor who was so tight with his people made me examine my love for the people of PCC. I can honestly say I love our church. Well, I love most of those in the body. I guess there are some members of the body that are like an appendix - they don't really do anything but you know they could just explode one day and kill you. Just kidding : ) I really do love our church. I know we're not perfect - but I love PCC warts and all.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for PCC. Thank for the opportunity to pastor a great church, which is full of my best friends for life. I pray you will draw us all closer to one another as we grow closer to you. Thanks for raising this church up. I pray that you will give me the honor of leading this one church for my entire life. Amen.

Journal Challenge Day #20

Scripture: Acts 20:24
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

Observation:
Paul's main goal in life was to complete God's purpose of preaching the gospel to all he met. It's almost like nothing else mattered to him. All else was not a matter of consequence. This simplistic, focused life gave Paul a great sense of direction and enabled him to do great things for the Kingdom of God.

Application:
I guess what I've learned about Paul's pattern in life that sometimes less is more. There are so many things that I can do with my time and gifts. But Paul narrowed his life down to just a couple things and because of that he was able to do so much. Most of all, Paul understood that his life wasn't about him. It's not about me either. It's about what God wants to do in and through me that matters most. It reminds me of the words of Jesus ... "if I want to find my life, I must be willing to lose it."

Prayer:
God, you've reminded me today that it's not about me. It's not about my hopes, dreams, desires or goals. It's all about you. Help me not to lose sight of this fact. Let me lose myself in you. I pray like John the Baptist, "That I may decrease so that you may increase."

Journal Challenge Day #19

Scripture: Acts 19:15
One day the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?"

Observation:
God did extraordinary miracles through Paul's ministry. Supernatural signs and wonders accompanied him everywhere he went. Paul would pray for people and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in unknown languages. He would lay hands on the sick and they would recover. It says that even handkerchiefs that he had touched were laid on the sick and they were cured and delivered from evil spirits. Paul's ministry was well known, not only among men, but also among the evil underworld. One evil spirit even acknowledged that they were aware of Paul's ministry on behalf of Jesus.

Application:
Am I doing the kind of ministry that is talked about in hell? I mean, does the devil even have PCC and my life and ministry on his radar screen? A friend of mine says one of his goals is to make the name of his church undeniable among those in his community. After reading this chapter, perhaps we should add hell to that list as well. Think of it - to be used of God in such a powerful and supernatural way that you make a name for yourself in hell.

Prayer:
God, I pray that you use me and PCC to do great things. Make Your Name great through PCC to such a degree that it gets hell's attention too. Help us push back the darkness in our community and lead people to your grace, forgiveness, deliverance and freedom.

Five

My daughter, Kate, turned 5 today. We celebrated her birthday with all things princess, including the homemade cake decorated by my mother-in-law (thanks Nana).

In honor of Kate's 5th birthday, I want to share 5 things that I love about my little girl. It's hard to narrow it down to only five, but I'll give it a try.

1. I love Kate's zest for life. She's got what my grandmother would call spizerinctum. Kate is so bright eyed and full of energy, passion and a genuine love for living everyday to the fullest. She wants to squeeze every last drop out of each day. She frequently says during our talks at night, "This was my best day ever." I love that.

2. I love Kate's compassionate spirit. She truly cares for others and notices when someone needs a little hug or word of encouragement. The other night during devotions she told me that when she starts school in the fall that she was going to look out for anybody who was not part of the group and make sure they felt included in the class. What a great way to live.

3. I love her independence and quest for adventure. Kate's been spending the night at her little girlfriends house since she was three. I recall my first sleep over at age 6 and I got so scared and homesick that my dad had to come and pick me up in the middle of the night. But not Kate. She wants to explore every opportunity and take risks at the drop of hat. For Kate, playing it safe is a bore.

4. I love her desire to learn. Kate is always asking me to read her books, work on "homework", play educational games, or lately - teach her how to tell time. The daily disciplines of learning something new is a recipe for a lifelong learner.

5. I love her child-like faith. One of the favorite parts of my day is putting Kate to bed and sharing her quiet time with God. She loves to read Bible stories and praying to Jesus. Some nights when she prays it feels like we are going to have revival. She thanks God for everything she owns (literally everything) and prays for all her family (each one by name) and ask God to help her grow up and live for Him. Recently when our baby Henry was sick she walked into the living room where Bekah was holding the baby and she said, "Mommy, can I pray for Henry." And with that she placed her hand on his head and said the sweetest prayer for healing. You can't ask for anything more in a child.

If you've ever stood over your child and watched them as they sleep at night with tears of joy and thanks rolling down your cheecks for God's gift of life to you ... than you know exactly how I feel about my little girl.

Journal Challenge Day #18

Scripture: Acts 18:5
When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

Observation:
Paul was working hard trying to build the church in the city of Corinth. He was slugging it out in the synagogues on the weekends trying to convince the Jews of Jesus as Messiah. But during the week he was swinging a hammer and cutting leather as he fashioned tents. That's right - Paul was a bi vocational minister. He worked a 9 to 5 job to support his ministry and missionary endeavors. Finally, some help showed up in the form of Silas and Timothy so Paul could then give 100% of his ministry efforts to preaching.

Application:
Ministry is grueling and tough. It's not for the faint of heart. It's even more difficult for bi vocational pastors. My heart goes out to my friends who have to work full or part-time jobs on top of trying to build a church. That's why we need people to come alongside their pastor to help. Paul had Silas and Timothy, as well as others. When they committed to help him, Paul was freed up to focus on his strengths - preaching. If we are going to be successful in ministry we have to lead from our strengths.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for those you've placed in my life to help me in ministry. Without each of them, my prayers would have gone unanswered. The are precious gifts to me from you and I thank you that their help has allowed me to focus on prayer, preaching preparation and leadership development. Help me continue to lead from my strengths as we build your church.

Journal Challenge Day #17

Scripture: Acts 17:11
For they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Observation:
When Paul preached to the people of Berea (the Bereans) they were eager to not only listen, but to research and study the ancient Biblical texts to determine whether or not what Paul was teaching was true. It's not as if they were coming across as critics. Instead, it appears that they were just hungry and excited to learn of Jesus. It says they examined the Scriptures everyday. Their interest and commitment to the Word of God led to a great revival where many came to faith in their city.

Application:
I need to take a lesson from these "noble Bereans" and faithfully read, study and discuss God's Word everyday. It's great to have some friends in my life (my community group) where we can talk about God's Word and how it impacts our daily life. This is not only for my personal benefit. You see, if we all get fired up about God's Word and bring it into the context of our community and daily life - God can ignite a move of God right here in Pocono like he did in Berea.

Prayer:
God, create in me a hunger and desire to read your Word everyday. Thank you for this time where our entire church family can come together and read, discuss and apply your Word to our lives. Make us like the Bereans of great nobility. Encourage us and inspire us to apply your Word in the Poconos and give us revival today!

Just the black notes

Journal Challenge Day #16

Scripture: Acts 16:9
During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."
Observation:
Paul was on a journey for Jesus and wanted to go to Asia to spread the Good News. However, he encountered spiritual opposition and was unable to travel to that land. It's interesting how often times the devil tries to mess up our goals for God. That's not a problem for God! The Holy Spirit called an audible for Paul and redirected his path to Macedonia. One night Paul a vision of a man from Greece crying out to him and asking him to come to his country and tell them about Jesus.

Application:
It's so cool how the Holy Spirit works with those who truly desire to share Jesus with others. That I'm not out there on my own. God's very own Spirit is there guiding me and daily leading my steps. This verse also reminds me that the world is full of lost people who are desperate for the real God. They are crying out to us too saying, "Come tell me about Jesus in a language that I can understand."

Prayer:
I thank you God for the gift of your Spirit. Please continue to lead and guide me to people who want to know you and experience your love and grace in a real way. Help me be sensitive to the leading of your Spirit. When things to work out the way I want them to ... when my plans need a mid course correction ... help me not be disappointed. Instead, let me know that you are leading me and that you know what's best, not only for me, but for other you want to use me to reach. Orchestrate the events of my every day so that I may be used to share Jesus with someone else.

Day #15 Journal Challenge

Scripture: Acts 15:19
We should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

Observation:
The church faced a huge crisis in its infancy. On the one hand, you had all these Jewish people that put their faith in Christ and were saved. They came into this faith with all their Jewish traditions, heritage and background. On the other hand, God poured out his Spirit on the Gentiles and they too came into the faith. But like the Jews, they had their spiritual pagan heritage, traditions, etc. The Jews tried to enforce the tradition of circumcision on the Gentile who did not practice this. Instead of making Christianity full of rules and traditions - the apostles and elders realized that it was by grace we are saved and not the outward works of our lives.

Application:
The church continues to fight this battle even today. Sometimes we make it so hard for those that are far from God to come to faith. We have so many traditions and spiritual baggage that we try to heap on the shoulders of those who simply are looking for God's grace. It's not about the way you look, dress, talk ... whether you have piercings or tattoos or even if you drink or listen to secular music or even use the occasional superlative that is not typical of traditional Christian nomenclature. It's a matter of your heart.

Prayer:
God, today is Sunday. You know I've invited my barber to come to Church today. You know his heart and that he's far from you. Help me and PCC today to provide a welcoming environment for him and his family today. Let us make it easy for him to come back to you. Help us not put all kinds of rules and regulations on his heart today. Let him find your grace. Amen.

Day #14 Journal Challenge

Scripture: Acts 14:15
We are only men, human like you.

Observation:
Paul and Barnabas were given great power by God's Spirit to perform miracles in order to form a beachhead for the Gospel in a very difficult place. After healing a man who had been cripple from birth, the people of the city assumed that Paul and Barnabas were two mythical god's come down in the form of men. However, Paul and Barnabas, upon hearing this news, made a great confession - we are not God - we are just humans like you.

Application:
There are two great confessions in the Bible. One was made by Peter in response to Jesus asking him, "Who do you say I am?" Peter said, in essence, "You are God." And the second great confession took place here in Acts 14 when Paul and Barnabas said, "We're not God." What a great reminder to me. God is God. And I am not. It's so easy in life to take matters into my own hands and pretend that I am God for the day. This scripture is just yet another reminder that I cannot do it all, know it all, be it all, have it all, etc. God is God. I am not.

Prayer:
You are God of the universe. Thank you for being you. Now help me be me. Just an ordinary guy who believes in an extraordinary God. Help me trust you more, stress less, and pray like I really know you hear and will respond.

Day #13 Jounral Challenge

Scripture: Acts 13:36
"For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep."

Observation:
King David served the purposes of God in his generation. The purposes of God are eternal. That means they never change. However, David served God's unchanging purposes in an ever changing culture. And then he died.

Application:
This is one of my life verses. I want to spend the rest of my life serving the eternal purposes of God in a contemporary, temporal culture. It's my goal to teaching the timeless truths of God in a timely fashion. You see, God's message never changes - he's the same yesterday, today and forever. But the method to communicate that message must change with ever generation. The church is in danger of losing an entire generation of young people because we are unwilling to mess with the method without changing the message. The mark of growing churches in the 21st century will be the ability to have spiritually mature people who can discern the difference between the eternal things of God and the current cultural expressions of worship.

Prayer:
God, help me serve your purposes in my generation. I know you want to reach all people and so many are so far from you because we have not taken the time, effort and the risk to reach them at their level of understanding. Help me lead PCC into the future and reach the next generation for you without compromising your message.

Henry's Home!

Just a quick update on my son Henry. After almost a week in the hospital, I brought him and Bekah home last night.

While the doctors are still somewhat uncertain about the exact cause of his problems, they are treating him for a viral infection with antibiotics and other medication. The pediatric neurologist and cardiologist said his heart, lungs and brain function all look good. He is on a sleep apnea machine 24/7 in case his heart stops beating or in the event that he stops breathing. Thank God he was able to get off the oxygen and breath on his own for the past two nights.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for praying for him and Bekah this past week and for going and visiting him at the hospital. Friends of ours from all over the country were lifting us up in prayer and that means more to us than you will ever know. Please continue to pray for Henry and Bekah. Bekah is so exhausted. She hasn't had a good night sleep in weeks.

If all goes well these next couple of days, we are planning on dedicating Henry Russell unto the Lord this weekend at church. My family and Bekah's family will be with us as we give this little gift back to the Lord to be used for His purposes in the next generation. Hope to see you there.

Day #12 Journal Challenge

Scripture: Acts 12:6-7

The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up.

Observation:

Peter is arrested and put in prison for spreading the Gospel by perhaps the cruelest of all leaders during the early church - King Herod. This was one bad man. He was known for even killing members of his own family. Instead of cowering in fear as he is chained between two Roman guards - we see Peter sound asleep. That's crazy! You would think he would be filled with fear and at least praying. But no, he's just catching some serious Zs. In fact, he's sleeping so hard that the Angel, after whispering a couple times to rouse him (my embellishment), halls off and sucker punches him in the ribs to wake him up.

Application:

What an awesome picture of trust. When Peter is facing certain death by King Herod's sword - he is completely at peace as he sleeps in the Roman jail. I guess he learned the lesson after all when Jesus was on the boat with them one day and a major storm blew up on the lake. Peter and rest of the crew were freakin' out and thought they were going to die. Meanwhile, Jesus is sleeping in the back of the boat. Jesus rebuked the disciples for their little faith and then quieted the waters. Now the student has become the teacher as he sleeps in spite of the storm. What a picture. I need to relax and trust God in the face of opposition and attack from the enemy. God is in control.

Prayer:

God, teach me to trust you more today than I did yesterday. Help me to let go and give all my cares and problems to You. Remind me that you alone are God and nothing comes into my life without your permission. Give me the faith to catch some Zs in spite of the storms. Amen.

Day #11 Journal Challenge

Scripture: Acts 11::2-3
"So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them."

Observation:
Peter, led by the Holy Spirit, reached out to those not previously welcomed by the early church. They were Gentiles - outsiders who longed to know the grace of God. But those inside the church criticized Peter for his actions. Thankfully, after Peter explained the work of the Holy Spirit, the insiders had the spiritual maturity to change their opinions and this seemingly obscure decision is what truly made Christianity become an international spiritual movement.

Application:
Unfortunately, the church still has its share of critics. A retired Pastor in my congregation told me once that every church is like a washing machine - they have at least one agitator. People that criticize leadership, much like we saw in Acts 11, have the potential to destroy the work of God in the church.

Instead, seek to understand and the put the needs of others first. Peter understood through the Holy Spirit's leading that the church was not about who was on the inside (initially, the Jews). Instead, God was raising the church up to be inclusive - even of the Gentile outsiders. Here's the point: we have to put aside our traditions and our preferences and welcome the outsider. We need to appreciate and celebrate their differences in culture and tastes. The church is much richer when there is a diversity of people, preferences and personalities.

Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the unity and diversity we have at PCC. What a great big family full of different people from all walks of life. God, help me overcome the naysayers and critics. Don't let such a small number of people who are negative pull me down. I know our church isn't perfect. But we are doing all we can to build a balanced and healthy family for You. Help me continue to lead our church to maintain an outward focus. Remind me and our family that its not about us. It's about those who are yet to be part of your family. Amen.