Prayers from Psalm 20

In Psalm 20:1-5, we see a series of prayers by David.  Let's take a look at these prayers and claim them for our personal lives.

1.  May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble.-v. 1
2. May the name of the God of Jacob protect you.-v. 1
3. May he (God) send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!-v. 2
4. May he (God) remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices!-v. 3
5. May he (God) grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!-v. 4
6. May we shout for joy over your salvation and in the name of God set up our banners!  May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!-v. 5

Read what the rest of the psalm speaks:
"Now I know that the Lord save his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand.  Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.  They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.  O Lord, save the king!  May he answer us when we call."

Psalm 19

In Psalm 19:7-11 there are several "math equations" that tell us about God and His Word.

1. The law of the Lord = PERFECT--reviving the soul
2. The testimony of the Lord = SURE--making wise the simple
3. The precepts of the Lord = RIGHT--rejoicing the heart
4. The commandment of the Lord = PURE--enlightening the eyes
5. The fear of the Lord = CLEAN--enduring forever
6. The rules (just decrees) of the Lord = TRUE & RIGHTEOUS ALTOGETHER
1. They are to be desired more than gold, even much fine gold
2. They are sweeter than honey and drippings of the honeycomb
3. They are a warning to his servants
4. They are rewarding for those that keep them.

The following verse from Psalm 19 is my prayer today and everyday.  Enjoy!
Psalm 19:11-14:
"Who can discern his errors?  Declare me innocent from hidden faults.  Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me!  Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."

Psalm 15

Question:  Who shall sojourn in your tent?
Question:  Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

Answers:

1. He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart.
2. He who does not slander with His tongue and does no evil to his neighbor nor takes up a reproach against his friend.
3. He who, in whose eyes, a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear God.
4. He who swears to his own hurt and does not change.
5. He who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent.

Final Statement:  HE WHO DOES THESE THINGS SHALL NEVER BE MOVED!!!

Thank you, Lord, for these truths today.

Psalm 13

I.  How Long, O Lord?...(vv. 1-2)

1. Will You forget me forever
2. Will You hid Your face from me
3. Must I take counsel in my soul
4. Will I have sorrow in my heart
5. Will my enemies by exalted over me

II. A Prayer to God for Deliverance...(vv. 3-4)

1. Consider and answer me, light up my eyes.
1. Why?
1. Lest I die
2. Lest my enemies prevail over me
3. Lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken

III. A Prayer of Trust...(vv. 5-6)

1. I have trusted in the steadfast love of God.
2. My heart will rejoice in God's salvation
3. I will sing
1. Why?
1. He has dealt bountifully with me

I am so thankful for the Word of God today.  I look forward to spending time in it each day.  "His mercies are new every morning."  God Bless!!!

Burp!!!

Worship...

Great video that a buddy shared with me regarding worship.  Let's all prepare to live our lives in worship of our Lord everyday.  God Bless!

Discouragement is REAL...

Let's be honest.  Discouragement is real.  Whether you are in full-time ministry, in the business world, or unemployed discouragement is a reality.  I am currently reading a book entitled Children's Ministry Leadership.  Author Jim Wideman does a whole chapter on dealing with this issue.  I want to share with you today 10 ways to move past discouragement in your life. 

1.   Do what you do for the right reasons.
2.   Stay motivated.
3.   Stay in the Word of God.
4.   Pray continually.
5.   Choose to stay happy.
6.   Keep doing what God's called you to do.
7.   Lead people who'll follow.
8.   Mentor someone else.
9.    Be a self-starter.
10.  Refuse to quit.

The following was taken from Children's Ministry Leadership by Jim Wideman, pages 109-113. 
Group Publishing

Doing the Impossible

I do several things in my time with the Lord each day.  I am currently studying through the Psalms and (thanks to Mike Edwards) I am reading an on-line devotional by Henry Blackaby entitled Experiencing God Day by Day.  Here was Sunday's reading.  I thought this goes perfectly with what I shared last week about "risks."  To read that, click here.   I hope this encourages you today on your journey.  

Sunday, November 06, 2011

Don’t Avoid the Impossible

But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." (Matthew 14:16)

"Jesus asked His disciples to do something that clearly was impossible. There were five thousand men, along with their families, and they were famished. There were only five loaves of bread and two small fish—obviously not enough to feed a multitude. The cost of food for even a portion of the crowd would have far exceeded the disciples’ small budget. It may have seemed absurd to the disciples that Jesus should ask them to distribute the paltry amount of food to the massive crowd. Yet that is exactly what Jesus asked them to do. Because Jesus had given the command, the disciples obeyed and witnessed an incredible miracle.

Christ will lead you into many situations that will seem impossible, but don’t try to avoid them. Stay in the middle of them, for that is where you will experience God. The key difference between what appears to be impossible to us and what is actually possible is a word from our Master! Faith accepts His divine command and steps out in a direction that only God can complete. If you only attempt things that you know are possible with the visible resources you possess, those around you will not see God at work. You will be the one who receives the credit for a job well done, but God will have no part in it.
Take inventory of your life and the decisions you are presently facing. Have you received a word from the Master that awaits your next step of faith? If you will proceed with what He has told you, no matter how incredible it might seem, you will experience the joy of seeing your Lord perform a miracle, and so will those around you."

Psalm 3

God gave me some words.  I was reading Psalm 3 recently and these can to me.  I am not a writer, but that doesn't matter.  So, here you go.  Take this for what it is and make fun if you will. 

Here are the actual words to Psalm 3 penned by King David.

 ¹O LORD, how many are my foes!
   Many are rising against me;
²many are saying of my soul,
    there is no salvation for him in God.
                         Selah ³But you, O LORD, are a shield about me,
   my glory, and the lifter of my head.
⁴I cried aloud to the LORD,
   and he answered me from his holy hill.
                         Selah
 ⁵I lay down and slept;
   I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
⁶I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
   who have set themselves against me all around.

 ⁷ Arise, O LORD!
   Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
   you break the teeth of the wicked.

 ⁸ Salvation belongs to the LORD;
   your blessing be on your people!
                         Selah

Here are my words penned by Derek.

Verse 1
Here they come.
They're closing in.
My foes are so many, they'll be my end.

Insults, mockery, ridicule is their cry.
"There is no salvation for him, he'll die."

Chorus
But You, O Lord, are a shield for me.
But You, O Lord, will deliver me.
But You, O Lord, lift my head and dry me tears.
I cried aloud and You answered me.
And You, O Lord, rescued me.
You rescued me.

Verse 2
 As lay down on my pillow tonight
Despite the turmoil, there's an end in sight.
I will not fret and I will not freight
I'll wake again with You by my side.
Though enemies are many and want to succeed
You, O Lord, You rescue me.
You rescue me.

Bridge
 Arise, O Lord and save me.
Strike and break the wickedness of my enemies.
Salvation belongs to You, O Lord
Bless us all in one accord

Books I Am Reading...

I do this from time to time.  I like to tell everyone what I am reading, as if they are sitting on the edges of their seats wondering.  Anyway, here is the lengthy list.

I am currently using this resource in my time with the Lord each day.  It is an extremely helpful resource that has really (over the last week) energized my study.  When I purchased this resource it came with an access code that enables me to use this tool online. 
I have also started a journal.  I look up the text that I am studying for that day, read over it several times, and then break it down verse by verse reading the study notes that go with each verse. 
This is a very useful resource.  I would recommend this resource to any person who is serious about study God's Word. 

Children's Ministry Leadership by Jim Wideman is a used book that I recently purchased on Amazon.  One of my main responsibilities at Ada First is children's ministry.  Ironically, this is something that I feel that I am not equipped to do so I decided to get equipped.  This resource is surprising me, however.  I was expecting many practical tips and resources that could be used to lead children's ministry.  I was pleasantly shocked to realize that it has more to do with the leadership potential and structure of the person leading the children's ministry.  I am still in the infant stages of reading this book, but I am really getting a lot out of it.  This book is yet another resource that I have come into contact with lately that has led me to think about risks/faith.  I am looking forward to getting to some of the nuts and bolts of children's ministry in the later chapters.  Great book thus far!

The Millennials by Thom and Jess Rainer is a book about me.  No, its not my biography.  That will come much later in my life.  This is a book about my generation.  I downloaded this book for free several months ago to my iBooks app on my iPhone.  My budding Curt Holland, Pastor of Adults at the Donelson Fellowship in Nashville, really put me on to this book.  I am amazed to read about me.  I don't always enjoy reading books on statistics from surveys taken, but this one is good.  It is interesting to read things about my generation.  What we believe in, what we expect of previous generations, what we want in the workplace and what we want in a host of other things.  This is an real eye-opening book.  It would do the Baby Boomer Generation to read this book.  It would give them great insight.  Just ask Curt Holland, http://www.donelson.org/staff

One final book that I am reading is entitled Fit to Serve Him Longer...and Better.  I recently had a Skype conversation with my friend James Evans.  I was telling him how the Lord had (and has) been speaking to me about my physical health.  I believe God wants me to be not only spiritually and emotionally healthy, but physically healthy.  James sent me this book.  I am only in chapter 2, but it is challenging.  I look forward to my next Skype conversation with James when we will unpack this book some more. 

There you have it.  Now your mind can rest easy because you know what I am reading.  How about you?  What are you reading?

Risks...

I have been challenged a lot lately in one area.  I must take risks.  Now, I am not talking about doing things by the seat of my pants (even though they are big pants) and just doing whatever feels right or what is the hottest thing going.  I recently attended a training where this point was emphasized extensively. 

I was listening to a church planter discuss what risks looked like in his ministry in the early stages of the church plant.  I was floored at some of the things that he did.  Several years after he had started the church (the church was running several hundred people at this point) God spoke to him. 

God told him that he was longer taking risks.  God reminded him how in the infancy stages of the church, the faithful church planter had taken big risks and God had proved faithful during those risks.  The church planter heeding the reminding of God and began taking risks again.  God has continued to prove faithful in this ministry.  The church now runs over 1,000. 

This got me thinking (that is dangerous, I know.).  What risks I am currently taking in my ministry at Ada First?  Am I believing that God will prove Himself faithful in my ministry?  

I think something for us to remember is that in the Christian world, risk is just another word for faith. 

In what areas of my ministry am I trusting God's faithfulness?  I am not doing this nearly enough, if at all.  I hope that this gives us something to think on.  I hope this challenges us not only to think, but to act.  I need to get off my "blessed assurance" and take some risks (have faith).  God please help me to do this.

In this situation, OUR ACTIONS NEED TO SPEAK A LOT LOUDER THAN OUR WORDS!

Be A "Benefit"

I recently began studying the Psalms in my time with God.  I have learned two things right off the bat.  One, I love my new ESV Study Bible.  You should get one.  Two, keeping a journal is important.  I have never been one to journal, but it keeps me focused and less distracted and it enables me to go back and review what I have studied.

I would like share some insights with you from Psalm 1.  Specifically verses 3 & 4.  You can read them here.  The writer, in verses 3 & 4, is contrasting the fruitfulness of two individuals.  He uses two similes that link to agriculture in ancient Palestine.


1.  Righteous Person
This is a tree that is planted in a very dry climate.  It kind of reminds me of the trees that are in my backyard that are now dead because of the severe drought that Oklahoma is experiencing.  However, this tree is different than the ones in my backyard.  It thrives because of its constant water supply.  It is piped into the source that makes it useful.  It bears fruit not for itself, but for others.  If the righteous person is described with theses characteristics it will prosper.  However, it will not prosper for its own self, but for the benefit of others.  This does not mean material possessions necessarily.  If my walk with the Lord is planted and connected to the source of nourishment, it will bear fruit and prosper not for the use of Derek, but for the benefit of others.

2.  Wicked Person
The wicked person is the same person that is described in verse 1.  This person lives an immoral life and does not care about the Lord's instruction.  This person is described as chaff.  Chaff is the husks and straw removed by threshing grain.  It is a very light substance that, when tossed into the air, is blown away by the wind.  Those people who reject God's instruction are like the chaff.  They are blown away and are no benefit to anyone.

I don't know about you, but I want to be a "benefit."  I don't want to live for my own prosperity and success, but to make every decision, no matter how insignificant, with the view of pleasing God by knowing and doing His Word (verse 2).  Be a "benefit."

We Need Men!!!

One of my pastor buddies from Nashville shared this video with me this morning.  YOU REALLY NEED TO WATCH THIS!!!  It is time for men in our churches to rise up.  I would love to hear your comments about this video.

Video Friday: "God Chisels"

This will challenge you to your core.  Allow God to use this video to speak to your heart today.  God Bless!!!

Its Time to Shed Some Pounds

If you are like me, I have started diets thousands of times.  I will do well for several days or maybe even several weeks and then it happens.  Something comes up in everyday life that derails me.  Things like holidays, vacations, laziness, no self-discipline, and you get the picture.  I am going to admit something to the thousands of readers (more like 10) that read this blog.  I don't feel good. 

I don't mean that I am getting sick.  I already am.  I am sick with the "disease" of touch much weight.  My knees, arteries, feet, legs, heart, and other organs are telling me so.  Not to mention that I am not near as active as I need to be in my church, my job, and (most important) my family.  So here is the skinny (no pun intended):

I am going to change my life by losing weight.

I need your help.  I need some accountability.  I need some direction.  I need some yelling at me respectfully.  I need some understanding.  I don't need to sit in front of the TV and watch NBC's The Biggest Loser and eat a bag of cookies and down a 2-liter of Diet Pepsi.  

I would love to know what has works/worked for you and what didn't.  I am currently a member of Weight Watchers and I really like the program that they offer for me.  I am planning to stay and continue that program.  It has worked for me in the past.  

Most of all, pray with me about this issue.  I know that it seems funny, but I am serious about this. I desire to view food as a fuel for my body, not entertainment.  I desire to be healthier, not skinny.  I want to be a better husband, dad, pastor, and person.  One way to help the process in becoming those things is to begin changing my life by losing weight.  How much?  I don't know.  

God, forgive me for my obesity.  I am turning this area of my life over to You.  It should have been yours to begin with.  Help me on this journey to view food as a fuel for me.  Give me self-control and self-discipline.  Help me to encourage others and for them to encourage me when its hard.  Thank you so much for this opportunity to change my life.

See You at the Pole 2011 Edition

Today was one of the first times in my life that I got to play an active, yet behind the scenes role in planning a "See You at the Pole" event.  I never went when I was in high school for several reasons that I won't go into.  I learned several things today, however, that I would like to share.

Students want to be involved in something bigger than themselves.

• My wife, Jennifer, and I are privileged to be the sponsors for the Byng High School FCA.  This is where she teaches.  At our last meeting we hammered out all the details for what See You at the Pole would look like.  I guess I was expecting to have to do all the work.  After all, I am the trained one.  I was surprised.  I really just served as a moderator and the students made it their own.  This is the way that it is supposed to be.  Students want to be involved.  They want to make a difference.  They want to latch onto something bigger than themselves.  They want a deep and meaningful relationship with Christ and others.

There are tons of people that need to know about the love of Christ.

• I know what you are thinking.  Captain Obvious!!!  I was reminded of this.  Are speaker challenged us to think of one person that we know that needs to know about the love of Christ and the difference that He has made in our lives.  I did what was asked and thought of my "one."  You know what?  Everyone else did too.  On the count of 3 we all said the name of our "one" out loud.  Byng, Oklahoma echoed with the names of people that need Jesus.  Let us be challenged to do our job to help fulfill the Great Commission.  

I love student ministry.

• I was reminded once again today that I love students.  I love their raw, rough-edged, personalities.  I  love their dedication to something they believe.  Adults should learn this lesson.  I love their encouragement to one another.  I love their loyalty to their school and their passions to make their schools better.

Here is a sampling of pictures taken by yours truly this morning at the Byng High School and Junior High School See You at the Pole.

 Justin Presley challenging the crowd to follow Jesus and to share Him with others.

 Two students leading the crowd in worship.

 One side of the crowd.

 "Our God" by Chris Tomlin

Students engaged in worship.

Introducing "Video Fridays"

Well, its Friday.  We all have hopefully made it through another week.  It is my goal on Fridays to share some kind of video with you.  Let's call it "Video Fridays."  That sounds original.  Let's take a quick look at what next week is bringing my way.

Wednesday afternoon, I will be leaving Ada and making the 3 hour trip south to Dallas.  I am stoked for several reasons. 

1. My "MIL"(mother in-law) is flying in to stay with the children so that my amazing wife Jennifer can go with me.
2. I get to spend two whole days with my bride.  
3. It is the annual (3rd year) D6 Conference.  

Here is a short video previewing this year's conference theme.  I hope you enjoy and I hope that it inspires you in some way.

He Calls Me Friend...

I don't know about you, but I don't have many people that I would consider "best friends."  Don't get me wrong, I am not someone who is all alone.  I have several (hundreds) of people that I would consider "friends."  I think this is probably a true statement for most people.

During you teen class Bible study on Sunday mornings, we are studying Proverbs.  This Sunday, September 18, we will be walking through and unpacking some key scriptures from Proverbs 18.  I know that most of you don't care about all this info., but I had to tell you all of that to get to this.  Proverbs 18:24 says, "A man of many companions may come to ruin..."
At first glance, this verse seems pretty depressing.  I am "a man of many companions."  Based on that fact, this verse tells me that I might "come to ruin."  What depressing news.  Despite the fact that I might have many people there to surround me and support me, I might get destroyed.   I might get wiped out.  This is not good news.  The verse doesn't stop there.  "...but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."  This is great news.

Friends may fail me and leave me.  Friends may turn their backs on me and put a knife in mine.  Friends may not be there when I need them or want them.  Friends may choose some other person to befriend or hang with.  Friends may say "forget you."  Not this friend.  He sticks closer than a brother.  He calms the storm with his words and gives a promise of making it safely to the other side.  He forgives me after knowing all my failures.  He accepts me for who I am, but loves me too much to leave me that way.  He died so that I could live.  There are not many people in my life who would do all those things for me.  I am so glad he calls me "friend."

When Its Not Spelled Out...

Today in my reading in the Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges, I came across something that I would like to share with you and since this is my blog, I decided that I will share them whether you like it or not (LOL).

Today's chapter was discussing on how to put sin to death.  The author said that one of the best ways to deal with sin that trips us up so often is to see what scripture as to say about that certain sin.  However, he brought up the point that there are certain things that scripture does not spell out for us that people, including me, struggle with. 

Mr. Bridges poses this question.  "...what about issues that are not specifically mentioned in the Scriptures--how do we determine God's will and develop conviction in those areas?"  What I love about this question is that he gives somewhat of an answer.  He gives a formula to consider when dealing with this issue.


"Everything is permissible for me'--but not everything is beneficial" (1 Corinthians 6:12). 

• Question #1--Is it helpful--physically, spiritually, and mentally?

"Everything is permissible for me'--but I will not be mastered by anything" (1 Corinthians 6:12).

• Question #2--Does it bring me under it power?

"Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall" (1 Corinthians 8:13).

• Question #3--Does it hurt others?

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"
(1 Corinthians 10:31)

• Question #4--Does it glorify God?

I would like to challenge you the next time that you are dealing with a situation where the Bible is "silent," to consider this formula for determining whether its God's will or not.

It would be a lot easier sometimes if it was all spelled out.

I Hate It When God Kicks My Butt!!!

I am finally reading a book that has been on my shelf forever.  Well, not really forever, but you know what I mean.  If you are like me, I have several books on my shelf that I purchased or that I was given that I just never got around to reading.  Maybe I am the only one who does this.  Anyway, I stumbled upon a book that my pastor gave me when I was in upper high school or early college.  It is the classic book by Jerry Bridges entitled The Pursuit of Holiness.

While reading the introduction to this book, I discovered something.  I discovered that there is a companion study guide with the book.  It is not one of those study guides that is in the back of the book.  No, it is a study guide that is separate.  It is a study guide on THE JUICE!!!  I did what any person would do at this point.  I jumped up and down like it was Christmas.  Are you kidding?  I don't jump doing anything.  It requires to much energy.  I sat down at my desk in my padded chair and found the study guide on amazon and bought it.

Last week I began this study.  I timed it out so that when I finished my one year Bible reading, which I finished, I could began this study.  I went into this study with the same mindset that you would have.  Here we go.  Just another Bible study, but God said no.  He has proceeded to show me several things in my life that need fixing.  He has showed me that holiness is not an option.  He showed me that I have a huge part to play in the process of holiness.  He showed me that even though I have "died to sin" that it is still there using a guerrilla type warfare to come at me.  He has shown me all this and it is only day number 5 of 12.  I guess you could say that God is kicking my butt!  I don't always like.  In fact, I hate it.  However, its needed.