One of the things that I do not love about traveling is being alone.  I am one of those weird, extreme extroverts that always loves to be around people.  I often feel unsettled if I do not know what I’m going to do next.  I know that many of you love being unscheduled and love alone time but that is not my jam.  That’s why I love Psalm 139.  Let’s look at it together today.

You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.

You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.

David had a great grasp that he was truly never alone.  No matter what was going on God was always with him.  I love that.  I can fulfill my need to talk to people wherever I am because God is always with me.  It might look a little weird if I try it out loud but I don’t have to do that.  God knows my inmost thoughts.  Today whether you are surrounded by others or all alone know that the Creator of the universe is with you every step of the way.  Rest in that truth.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

I write this demo today sitting in an airport terminal, people watching.  I’m fascinated by how differently people approach airline travel.  For some this is everyday life.  They travel almost daily for business.  Others are apprehensive travelers and you can tell they are unsettled.  Some are families going on vacation excited for their destination.  Others are traveling home.  Some are dressed formally others prefer sweatpants and T shirts.  Some arrive very early and others stroll in at the very last second. There are so many differences in travel tendencies.  One thing that is true is that while we all travel differently we are all alike as people created in the image of God all equal under the stain of sin.  Let’s look at Romans 3 to see God’s answer to this problem.

 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. 27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

Jew or Gentile, expert traveler or nervous one, we all fall short of God’s standard in our life.  That is the beauty of the work of Jesus on the cross.  He did for us what we could not do for ourselves.  By grace through faith we can receive the benefits of this work in our lives.  Today take some time to thank Jesus for this unbelievable gift.  His love for us is so very amazing!  Let’s share it with the world.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

Tomorrow morning I leave to go do a wedding in Charleston, South Carolina.  I look forward to a wonderful time with the Bride and Groom and their family and friends.  I have always found it fascinating that Jesus’ first public miracle took place at a wedding.  It is also interesting that the relationship he compares to His relationship with us is that of a husband to a wife.  Marriage is obviously important and sacred to God.  Let’s look at the story of that first miracle found in John 2. 

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” 4 “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

To the family it would have been a great embarrassment to run out of wine.  It meant that the celebration was over and wedding feast often lasted days long.  If we trust the measurements in this story then Jesus made another 120 to 150 gallons of the best wine.  I’m sure that the family went from being embarrassed to throwing the best party ever.  I think that is a picture of what Jesus does in our lives as well.  He takes the embarrassment of our sin and washes us clean and turns our life into a celebration of what He has done.  Today and every day celebrate the work of Jesus.  That He has brought you from death to life and one day we will enjoy a great wedding feast in heaven with Him.  I bet the wine will be great! I know the company will be.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

I just finished another great men’s retreat weekend and for those of you who read this every day, yes we caught fish.  It was a time of encouragement, refreshment, fun and some great study and accountability.  I always leave struck by some of the great faith insights that our men have.  I left the weekend thinking about the following words from Philippians 1.  These hold true not just for the retreat but for all of our church family.  Let’s look at the words together today. 

 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

I pray that for all of our Advent family.  I know that God is at work here and His promise is that He will faithfully continue that work.  I believe that God is ready to do a great work through the people of Advent.  He wants us to faithfully seek to add to our love and watch what He does with that.  One of my biggest takeaways from the weekend was the untapped gifts that we have in our Advent family.  One of the men joked that instead of a retreat we should call it a men’s advance, because God calls us to advance in our faith not to retreat.  I agree, God wants us all to be activated and to use our gifts to build each other up in the faith.  I pray that God would activate all of us and do amazing things in and through all of our lives for His glory.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

Yesterday I went fishing.  I was out there on an amazing boat in beautiful water surrounded by fish.  A good group of guys enjoyed the water and fellowship together, we had a great time.  the trouble is that, while we caught blue runners, jacks, and even sharks, we didn’t get the fish that we were looking for.  Let’s just say that if we wanted dinner we needed Jesus to be the chef.  I’m certain that today will yield better results (look for an update in Monday’s devo).  That’s the way it is sometimes with fishing.  Many of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen and they had days like that as well.  Let’s look at their first experience fishing with Jesus together today.

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Imagine giving up your life’s work in the blink of an eye.  That must have been some catch.  Peter, James, John, and Andrew were never the same after that encounter with Jesus.  My prayer for this men’s retreat is not that we will catch fish (although that would be a nice add on).  My prayer is that all of our men will encounter Jesus in a fresh way.  When we truly encounter Jesus it is a life altering thing.  Much like the disciples, our priorities change and we become more focused on building Jesus’ kingdom than our own.  Today make it a point to seek to encounter Jesus in a fresh way.  Through His word, through His creation, through prayer, or simple through singing His praises.  Now Jesus about that fishing spot…

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

This morning I woke up early and sat outside on the point down in Key Colony Beach.  It’s a little bit breezy today but the morning sky is absolutely beautiful.  My view is facing the wrong direction for the sunrise but the sky is still amazing.  I looked around for a bit and saw a bird sitting on the pools edge enjoying the view as well.  I got to spend some time reflecting on the beauty of God’s creation and just how awesome and powerful God is.  It brought to mind Psalm 19.  Let’s look at it together today.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.  They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.  Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world.  In the heavens God pitched a tent for the sun.  It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.  It rises on one end of the heavens and makes it’s circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of it’s warmth.  

The beauty of the world which God has made is all around when we take a moment to look for it and notice it.  In a world where we hear so much about war, division, crime, and injustice it is important to reflect upon the beauty that God has made as well.  We have a job to share God’s love in our beautiful world which has been marred by the stain of sin.  Take time today to notice, appreciate, and thank God for the beauty of creation.  Then reflect on that beauty and share the love of the one who made it with the world.  

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Sometime today I will head down to our annual men’s retreat.  For me, it is one of my yearly highlights as it includes some of my favorite activities.  I love digging in and studying God’s word.  I love fishing and boating.  I love getting to hang out and fellowship with other men.  I also think that it is one of the most important things we do in men’s ministry all year as we get to build each other up.  Let’s look at the wise words of Solomon today as he talks about the importance of having others pour into our lives. 

There was a man all alone;
    he had neither son nor brother.
There was no end to his toil,
    yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.
“For whom am I toiling,” he asked,
    “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?”
This too is meaningless—
    a miserable business!

Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:

If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Solomon’s point is that we are better together.  We help each other in life and in our relationships with God.  As much fun as the men’s retreat is that is always my big takeaway every year.  Men, sitting around a table, encouraging each other and building each other up.  This is so important in our lives that we have this type of encouragement and accountability.  Our retreat officially starts Friday.  Please pray that God would do a great work in all of the men who can attend.  If you are not signed up we have a few slots left!  

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

I will always remember taking my first preaching class at Covenant.  Each student was asked to prepare and deliver a sermon which was our final exam.  I received an A for my preparation and felt good about how I delivered the sermon.  My professor started off very complementary and said many kind things and encouraged me going forward that He thought I had a future doing this.  He then gave me a grade of incomplete.  I was surprised and asked why, since as far as I knew I had completed the assignment.  I will never forget his response.  He said that we don’t know how good a sermon it was until we see how people go out and live as a result.  I began to argue that wasn’t that the Holy Spirit’s part of the job to which he agreed but I soon realized that this was just a teachable moment.  His point was that the most important part of any message happens after the sermon is over.  Jesus had the exact same point to the most famous sermon ever, the Sermon on the Mount.  Let’s look at His closing words to that sermon together today. 

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

I truly love preparing and preaching sermons.  Often I feel like God teaches me as much or more than anyone else through the process.  It is humbling to grasp on to my professor, and Jesus’ truth that it is the hearer who has the most important job in the process.  Whenever I listen to a sermon I take the approach of asking what is the one thing God wants me to walk away with from this message?  The next question then is what do I need to do as a result of this truth?  Occasionally someone will come up to me and say Pastor Dave that sermon was just for me wasn’t it.  If we take this approach then every sermon is just for us.  I have found this approach incredibly helpful in my life.  I hope it helps you as well.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

Jesus concludes His great sermon on the mount with some warnings.  He warns against false prophets and false disciples.  It is interesting to me how He chooses to tell us to spot them.  We are told to spot them not based on their message but based on their lives.  We are told to look at the fruit that comes from their life.  True prophets and disciples lives should be evidenced by the fruit of the spirit.  False disciples and prophets will not have this evidence in their lives.  Let’s look at Jesus’ words together today. 

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

This is an important message for us today in this age of massive information.  We all have access to nearly limitless resources in the palm of our hand.  How do we filter truth from fiction?  Good messages from those that are false.  Jesus’ answer to us is that we look at the fruit produced in the life of the sender of the message.  When we don’t have that clearly that is when we must rely upon the spirit within us.  The Holy Spirit’s still small voice speaks truth into our lives as well.  If we get a sense that something is off perhaps we should stay clear of it.  Finally our ultimate guide is the word of God.  Any message that is contrary to Scripture should be discredited.  Messages that are confirmed by Scripture should be embraced.  Thanks be to God for Jesus’ words so many years ago that help us today!

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

Have you ever persistently asked a loved one for something that you wanted?  Maybe it was a gift or a trip or even an activity you wanted to do. They might not give in to your request but they aren’t going to give you something awful instead.  Jesus gives this as an example of praying to the Father in Heaven.  Let’s look at what He has to say together today. 

 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

When we ask God for things in prayer He hears us and answers us.  Jesus does not say that He will give us exactly what we ask for in prayer.  He tells us that God has good gifts for us.  Sometimes we must wait and others His answer is no.  As the great theologian Garth Brooks once said, “Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayer.”  I would argue that a bit because God always answers our prayers He just sometimes gives us something different than what we specifically asked for.  God’s promise to us is that He will ultimately use what He gives us for our good.  I have found that at times in my life I was disappointed with how God answered my prayers.  Then when I looked back at that I was able to see how He used that circumstance or situation for my ultimate good.  The important thing is that Jesus tells us to ask God when we have requests.  Go to Him boldly and consistently knowing that He has our good in store. 

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave