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What’s In Your Hand?
No one likes to make mistakes. If you’re like me you probably want to learn enough about a subject to make a good decision or perform a task well. But there is a danger that we never feel that we know quite enough to share. As believers we tend to think a pastor needs to lead others to Christ because they know the bible really well. But then we think that means we get to watch on the sidelines cheering but doing no work.
In today’s message we explore God’s call for us to use what’s in our hands.
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Worth The Wait
Is it really worth it to live a life seeking God’s favor?
Yes! But it may not feel that way at first. Let me explain.
Have you noticed how far removed the principals of our parents and grand parents are from today’s reality? While I’m sure there are many reasons for this a few come to mind. The merchants of today have taught us that we constantly need to get more stuff to be happy. What they really should say is that we constantly need to get more stuff so that they can be happy–or at least wealthy if not happy.
Your parents may have told you that you should pick something that you think is worthwhile and work to achieve it or acquire it. This often required self-discipline and hard work. You delayed gratification from things that you considered less important than your dream. The process created character.
But today you are encouraged to buy on credit what you cannot afford. This creates stress because the joy of whatever trinket it was you were after is displaced by your worry of how you are going to pay for the bill that you cannot afford. But the problem is exponential because many merchants are not only convincing you that you need to buy their product now but in a few weeks they will be telling you why you need something else or worse yet why you have to upgrade to a more expensive version of what you are already making payments on.
Jesus tells us to focus on the value of His home for us.
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matt. 6:19-21NIV
As I was driving the other day it dawned on me how beautiful life can be when we focus on building massive treasure in heaven.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Gal. 5:22-23 NIV
When I put my resources-my time, talents, and treasure, into creating more love, joy, peace and so on I am cultivating Holy Spirit Fruit. I am pleasing God by bearing fruit.
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 15:7-8
Today I’m feel impressed to share this for someone who like me has become disillusioned by the way this world works. Do it God’s way! It’s WORTH THE WAIT! Don’t make money by manipulating people to purchase what they don’t need over and over again. Provide services and products…even ministries that fill a need! Seek to be a blessing. Look to bear fruit of a heavenly kind. Store up for yourself treasure in heaven.
I promise you that in my life every time I focus on doing what I know God wants done He miraculously supplies all of my needs.
I have begun a journey to worship that involves non-traditional ways of blessing others. It’s a sacrifice. But when I prayed a few nights ago on Periscope and a young lady shared that she was moved to tears I thought that I must be on to something. When I received prayer requests and was able to encourage others who like me are going through painful and difficult situations I thought that I must be doing a work that is worth while. So I invite you to partner with me and seek to spread the principals of heaven wherever you may be.
And if you find that your life is so busy getting things that you don’t have time to help people or to pray, than perhaps it’s time to sit down and re-evaluate what’s important. Living for heaven is WORTH THE WAIT!
If you have been blessed by what you’ve read please subscribe to this blog. And thank you for those who have donated to help make this ministry possible. DG
Best Servant Wins
I have a friend named Henry. He has a statement he often says that relates to his philosophy of life: “Best logic wins!”
He explained to me that in his business meetings his ego isn’t tied to his opinion. If someone else has better logic he will recognize it and move along. He is the CFO(Cheif Financial Officer) of a major entity and that has worked for him. I trust Henry. He has always given me good counsel.
But this morning I want to share with you a personal statement of revelation: “Best Servant Wins!” As a gospel music artist I interface with many singers and musicians who want to go to the “next level.” I’m not sure all of what they imagine is at that level. The beautiful pictures of the most famous pastors and singers suggest power, wealth and fame. So it’s no wonder that so many wish to be in their shoes based on the images we see circulated of them.
But what I have found in my life in music, in ministry and as well in business is that the Best Servant Wins! I recently was selecting a cleaning company and I had a meeting with one referred to me by a family friend. When this person came they were different than all the other cleaning companies I had ever dealt with. Instead of focusing on all that they didn’t do they shared what was included in their basic service and then they added other ways that they would make my life better by serving other needs they noticed. So the funny thing is I know why they were highly recommended even before seeing their work. They were interested in taking care of as many of my needs as possible. Often the upgrades were not that expensive. But I appreciated that there was analysis of what I needed and solutions to my needs.
Jesus gave us the greatest example of a servant’s life. We read in Mark 10: 42-45:
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
I am making my focus how I can better serve and it is opening doors of opportunity. I want to go to a barber that wants to give me the best service. I want to go to a doctor that wants to give me the best service. I want to fellowship with brothers and sister who want to give me the best service. And I want to be known as a great servant.
So today ask yourself “how can I be a better servant?” Because the BEST SERVANT WINS!
If you have been blessed by this message please subscribe to this blog and thank you so much for those who have donated. Every week we receive prayer requests from all over the world and we are able to spread this message because of your help. Thank you.
David
Loose Weight With Water
Could something as simple as water be the solution to your weight loss? While I have tried many approaches to getting in better shape I’ve found that walking and water seem to be an important component for me each time I’m successful. Here are some ideas that I’ve found helpful.
1. Drink water with lemon juice to start the day.
The combination causes you to eliminate and feel fresh and clean 🙂 . A few years ago I participated in a documentary that explored the effects of The Corrective Diet. I lost 32lbs in one month. One of the important parts of that program was keeping hydrated and making sure to start the day out with some lemon water.
2. Drink enough water to reveal the difference between hunger and thirst.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is:
- About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids for men
- About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women
While traditionally we’ve been told to have eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily some suggest having more. I’ve found that at times I’ve thought I was hungry but when I drink water regularly, usually at least once a half hour that I don’t get hungry like I usually would. So making sure you are hydrated before you eat will reduce how much you feel you need to eat because you may be confusing thirst and hunger.
3. Drink till your urine is clear.
One simple way to check that you are having enough water is to check the color of your pee. If it’s clear or very light yellow then you are probably doing very well with your water intake.
While drinking enough water does many other things like give you energy and increase your metabolism I wanted to end with this thought. Your body takes toxins that would harm you and it stores them as fat. So when you want to loose weight you will have to safely get rid of all those toxins. Drinking lots of water allows you to remove those toxins safely.
So please remember water and weight loss go together. And I hope you combine them with walking!
I wish you success on your journey to health, happiness and wholeness. Please feel free to share what’s working for you on your journey to wellness in the comments. Also, please subscribe to this blog for more tips on better living. And a special thank you for those who support this ministry. Are you thirsty? Try a glass of water!
Walk Walk Walk!
Keep Moving Forward
Sometimes the blows of life can knock the wind out of us! I believe that my purpose in life is to use all I am and all I have been given to give my Heavenly Father glory. So whether I’m taking pictures at church or teaching at Hammond Middle School or preaching a sermon or accompanying a gifted singer or washing the dishes, I’m giving God glory with what I’ve been given.
Yesterday someone smashed a window on my van and stole some of my photography equipment. The effects trickle down into many aspects of my summer plans. But one of the saddest things was how my 4 and 1/2 year old daughter didn’t feel safe going to sleep last night and tonight because she thought the people who stole daddy’s stuff might come break into the house and get her.
I don’t know how God will provide for me but I know that HE ALWAYS DOES! So I will thank Him now in advance before I have the gear I need for upcoming events. I will praise Him because my family is safe. I will honor Him because I am still able to love and serve and be a blessing.
I took the picture above tonight because I’m not letting bad things keep me from moving forward. This summer I am committed to launching some ministry endeavors as well as going on a fitness odyssey with my son(Week one is going well!). I learned a lesson from buying the suit I’m wearing in the photo.
I went to one store because of a sale they had going on. That store told me I was a larger size than I had been and didn’t have anything in my size. Then they tried to get me to buy suits that were 2 sizes bigger than what I usually wear. I decided to wait and try another one of their locations a few days later.
When I went to the second location they also didn’t have my size. They recommended a third location. I went. At this location I found two suits in my usual size and very helpful workers who assisted me in finding accessories that added just the right look.
What would have happened if I had listened to the worker at the first store? I would have had suits that didn’t fit right. If I didn’t persist I wouldn’t have reached the final destination that had everything I needed in the right size. So the lesson I learned is to keep moving forward.
Maybe you too have had loss recently. Keep moving forward. Remember these bible promises:
For I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. Psalm 138:8
When I was in college someone broke into my dorm room and stole my camera. I prayed and God revealed who had done it. I later lead this person to Christ and they admitted that they had stolen it. He is currently faithfully serving in his local church. What Satan meant for evil God turned into good. So, I pray for those who stole my gear this time like I prayed for the person who stole my first camera. And I will keep moving forward. God will get the glory out of even the trials and tragedies in my life. And I thank Him now for what he has already worked out that I haven’t seen yet. Keep the faith and Keep moving forward!
Walk, But Don’t Faint!
Isaiah 40:31 King James Version (KJV)
31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Today was a very emotional day for many students–many of my students. From time to time we have what we call “Circle Time” where we share what’s on our heart. As today many of the students had participated in the national school walk out I thought it might be a good time to have some relationship building conversation.
I heard very well thought out expressions–very passionate appeals. I don’t think people realize all that our young folk go through. One student who usually is disruptive in class was completely quiet. He expressed concern because he had heard that the young man who is the accused shooter for the Florida High School Massacre has a similar mental disability to his. His fellow classmates encouraged him and assured him he didn’t need to be concerned that one person’s mistake defined those who struggle with mental disabilities.
Many students focused on ending the mistreatment that often comes to students who are different in any way. They with tears spoke of being bullied and feeling helpless. Some spoke of struggling with depression and how others would say very insensitive things that would cause them to spiral towards the darkness. Others spoke of the pain of seeing some treat such a serious problem with so much indifference.
I wanted to know if this was their destination or if there was more to their journey. You see, I know that circle time is therapeutic. I know that many felt empowered by having a walk out. But is that the end? Is there something left to do?
Isaiah wrote the famous words quoted above that speak of the many stages of a journey. Sometimes you are flying high. Other times you are running with excitement. But then sometimes you just walk and hope not to faint. There are high points and there are low points. But those who wait on the Lord renew their strength and keep going.
I performed this song for a television show a few years back that simply says “Walk together children don’t you get weary. There’s a great camp meeting in the promised land.” This old spiritual encourages unity and perseverance. I dedicate it to this student movement and to my wonderful music students at Hammond Middle School. Please pray for them. Please pray that they continue to walk but not faint!
Hard Times
3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.
2 Cor. 6:3-13 NIV
I asked a friend today where she gets her energy from. As a waitress working long shifts I know she is constantly on her feet. And I know customers aren’t always appreciative of those who serve them. She said she had gotten her inspiration from her son. She earlier in life had become a single mother. She knew that she would be the one who had to make things happen in order for her son to have a good life. She was determined to make sure he had what he needed. Than something unfortunate happened.
They use to watch TV together at the end of the day. One day her son told her he didn’t want to watch and that she should get her own friends. She was crushed! That which she had for so long as her motivation was investing in her son. She nourished him and protected him….and now he didn’t even want to continue spending time with her. Eventually, he moved out and didn’t communicate very often. She told me that for days she would just sit on the floor staring. She didn’t want to do anything. Her motivation was gone! She had fallen on hard times.
It’s one thing to work for those who appreciate you. It’s quite another to labor without respect and affirmation. Paul experienced great sacrifice to spread the gospel. He mentions being patient in the process. He mentions sleepless nights. He mentions beatings and imprisonment. He went through a lot! He even says that he opened wide his heart to those who he was laboring for in Corinth.
Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you? Have you ever been deflated because someone you sacrificed for took you for granted? I have. Sometimes students mock you. Sometimes co-workers spread rumors. Sometimes church members criticize you. And yes, many times are children don’t value their relationship with us. THIS IS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR US TO SELF-DESTRUCT!
I find strength from this scripture in Hebrews 12:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
In chapter 11 of Hebrews–often called the faith chapter, we learn that without faith it is impossible to please God. We then hear about the hall of fame of the faithful who have gone through so much yet held on in faith. So in chapter 12 we are admonished to remember this great cloud of witnesses and run with perseverance the race set before us. And then to ultimately remember the example of Jesus who endured hostility from sinners…yet for the JOY that was set before him endured the cross. The joy was this–Jesus thought that His relationship with you and me for eternity was worth the hardship of the cross. Hallelujah!!!
So if Jesus can focus on the joy in his vision of what things will look like longterm–us with him forever in heaven, and endure hardship, shouldn’t we follow his example and trust Him to give us the strength to be like Him?
I pray right now for your strength in the Lord! Don’t let hard times close your heart or lead you into self destructive behavior. Instead immerse yourself in pursuing a close relationship with our Heavenly Father! He won’t ever close his heart to you. He is love. He will give you the reason to get back up again.
What I Want To Hear
31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32
I treasure the friends who tell me the truth even when it hurts. I need to know if I’m doing something that will harm me or those I love. I want to know if I’m hurting my health or doing something that’s financially foolish. While I don’t like to be nagged about something I already know, I do want to have the benefit of insight from another perspective that might be more helpful because it’s not swayed by the need to save face or other emotions that may cloud one’s view.
This past Sunday I heard a gifted preacher share of his conversation with a world famous preacher of many years who finds that the current generation of church goers aren’t interested in hearing sermons of in depth biblical knowledge that challenges them to change in order to please God. Instead they prefer more a a motivational thought using scripture. They love great music to excite them or entertain them and then they want non-intrusive biblical rhetoric. Unfortunately, that is a recipe for disaster.
If we only listen to spiritual messages that are catered to our comfort zone we will never grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus. So what is the result of this trend?
Just like our health obesity epidemic, there is a pandemic of spiritual obesity. People who have a form of godliness but without the power. They have entertainment but know relationship. They have the freedom to behave as they choose without being challenged but the result is spiritual neuropathy. They can’t tell that their ability to discern right from wrong is diminishing. They don’t realize that they are on the path to hearing the words “I know you not” from Jesus. They damage themselves and others but don’t realize all the harm that’s occuring.
So please, search the scriptures! Dig for truth! And don’t be afraid to share it! If you don’t many will remain slaves…when the truth could set them free!
