Man After GOD’s Own Heart
I’ve been pondering of late what it means to be a man after GOD’s own heart. What is it that really sets a person apart? Are there tangibles that one can acquire that would lead to their becoming a man or woman… "after GOD’s own heart"?!
GOD says in 1 Samuel 13 that HE had sought out a man after HIS own heart to lead HIS people. This man turned out to be the shepherd boy David. A deeper look in to the life of David will reveal that the man after GOD’s own heart in no way was deemed so resulting from having a life all put together! David was no model of perfection!
Gary Greenberg, a student of Biblical history and specifically the account of David’s life, wrote that one could make the argument that, "David was a corrupt and ambitious mercenary who committed treason against Israel by working with its enemies to seize the throne from King Saul; an ambitious and ruthless politician who initiated, sanctioned, or condoned murder and assassination as a way to eliminate political rivals, royal or otherwise; a Philistine vassal who used an army of malcontents to terrorize and conquer the Kingdom of Judah while Saul was still on the throne; a usurper who went to war against Israel after Saul’s death and imposed himself as king over the nation of Israel by military force; a cruel and unjust tyrant who used foreign mercenaries to centralize power under his direct control and who oppressed the people of Israel with high taxes and forced labor; a military imperialist who waged wars of conquest against his neighbors and exposed the peaceful Israelites to military counter-attacks that left many dead, wounded, or widowed; and the beneficiary of tales and legends that made him the doer of other peoples’ heroic deeds."
In this light, David doesn’t seem all that impressive—and scripture confirms—David was no white-as-snow-pristine saintly man of GOD. But, if David was such a despicable guy, what in the world set him apart and led GOD to say of him, "I have sought out and found David to be a man after MY own heart"?
A further look into David’s life will demonstrate a consistent pattern in his life with regards to how he responded to his own sins. Time after time you will find that David was quick to run to GOD after he screwed up.
The one after GOD’s own heart is the one who after tripping, stumbling and falling, gets up and runs as fast as they can back to GOD. How we deal with our sin says a great deal about who we are. David would run to GOD and cling to HIM knowing that his true source of LIFE was GOD. The same is true of all who cling to GOD as their true source of life. A man after GOD’s own heart is not a man perfectly sinless—but, when they do fail, they run for their lives back to GOD—clinging to HIM as their only source of LIFE, HOPE, and FORGIVENESS!
the cover-up-and-hide method
There is also the more favored example set by our father Adam—the method of sinning followed by running and hiding from GOD. Adam after disobeying GOD in the garden ran together with Eve to hide from GOD. Many try to hide from GOD and deny sin in hopes of avoiding shame, guilt, and the admission of wrongdoing.
Just take a look at a couple of examples from today’s current headlines: Lindsay Lohan attempting and failing to convince a Judge in California that the Lohan version of reality was legit. Steve Jobs and Apple working hard to deny and cover up a widely proven flaw in the iPhone 4’s antenna design. The handling of BP's spill in the Gulf... and, let’s don’t’ even get started with all the mess of Washington Politics!
Truth is, examples of Adam’s cover-up-and-hide methodology abound. BUT... make no mistake... the cover-up-and-hide method of dealing with sin cannot bring a person true peace or abundant life.
There is a way to experience peace… it is the way of the man after GOD’s own heart! The way of bolting towards GOD after a screw-up! This is a way of life that results from a deep seated belief in GOD’s goodness and HIS good intentions towards us! It's also the way of a life freely admitting dependence to GOD.
Are you experiencing peace in your life? Do you feel it could be said of you that you were a man or a woman after GOD’s own heart? The key to living a life of peace and being known as such is all in how you deal with your sin. You’ll either live by the cover-up-and hide method denying your failure and denying GOD’s goodness—or, you’ll cling to GOD and run straight to HIM freely admitting your inability to attain a sinless perfection.
When's the last time you ran to GOD and admitted your need of HIM? If it's been a while, might I suggest you stop what you're doing now and go spend some time with your heavenly FATHER?! And, let’s all be quicker to run for dear life to GOD!
Print This Post
GOD is with You
This week has been jam packed with activity as we find ourselves moving ever closer towards a way of life absent of vocational ministry. This new direction has certainly been full of challenges for us… and definitely necessitates a different means for meeting our financial needs. As a result, my attention over the last few weeks has shifted to finding a fulltime job outside of ministry.
I’m currently pursuing an opportunity in education. I spent most of the 2009-2010 school year subbing throughout Arlington ISD in order to supplement income. During this time I worked with all levels K-12 and enjoyed these experiences greatly. High School and Elementary were my favorite age groups though! I have always enjoyed the teaching process and feel some of my strongest spiritual gifts are teaching oriented. So, with these things in mind, Dawnita and I have prayerfully been moving forward with the idea of my becoming a fulltime teacher.
I have decided to make my primary focus on elementary ages. So, for the last couple of weeks I have been studying for the TExES 191 Generalist EC-6 certification. I'm scheduled to take this certification test on Thursday at 5pm.
A secondary focus will be on TExES 161 Special Education EC-12. At the moment I am scheduled to take this test on Friday morning at 8am. However, most of my time has been devoted to studying for the 191 Generalist certification test. So, I may end up rescheduling this test for later in July.
I would greatly appreciate your prayers for me (for our family) as I continue to study this week and then take these tests. I’ll be able to start searching for a teaching opportunity as soon as I pass either (or hopefully both) of the certification tests. So, it’s pretty important that I pass on my first try. It would be really great if I could begin looking for a job starting next Monday!
Either way, I greatly treasure your prayers for us as we continue to simply ask PAPPA to make sense of our future for us—to orchestrate our steps. The future is a little uncertain (especially in regards to finances) at the moment. Nonetheless, GOD is with us!
This morning GOD brought Deuteronomy 31:6 to my mind—reminded me that I have no need to be timid—“Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated because your GOD is striding ahead of you. I am right there with you. I won't let you down; I won't leave you!”
I’m not sure where you find yourself today. Maybe your future is a little unclear and uncertain also?! I would offer you the same WORD of encouragement found in this passage of scripture! GOD is with you! HE won't let you go. Hold tightly to HIM and move forward with deep faith and a bold confidence.
I'm praying GOD will interrupt and surprise your day! And, that you will be surrendered to HIM working in you, through you, AS you! Blessings friend!
Print This Post
United in the Park
Come join us this Saturday, July 10, at United in the Park, a free Christian Benefit Concert at the Trinity Park Amphitheatre in Fort Worth, Texas.
My band will be doing a worship set to kick off, anoint, and pray over the day’s activities with volunteers and event planners at 10:30am.
Then, the official United in the Park festivities are set to begin at 6pm. On tap for the evening are opening acts My Hearts Cry, Gravity Liberation Front, and the Chris Clayton Band. At around 7:50pm, Shane Gray (pastor at Hopeworks in Fort Worth) will present the Gospel message. Following, at around 8:25pm, my band will provide a time of worship and response to the Gospel message. Then, at around 9pm, Decyfr Down will wrap up the evening with a bang!
United in the Park is a free Christian Concert where donations will be accepted and merchandise will be sold. ALL proceeds will go to benefit the Burleson Pregnancy Aid Center and Feed By Grace ministry.
You don’t want to miss this evening! It promises to be a great time celebrating GOD, fun fellowship, community outreach, and rocking entertainment from a talented lineup of bands! So, plan on coming out and showing your support by joining us for United in the Park!
Invite a friend, coworkers, neighbors, and family. Pray with us that many who attend will embrace the message of hope and a life abundant United in CHRIST!
Hope to see you there!
Print This Post
The Glory of GOD is Man Fully Alive
This weekend I had a wonderful time reconnected with family and friends at the Cozart Family Reunion. The Cozart family gathers together every summer around the last weekend in June at Possum Kingdom Lake—they’ve been doing so since 1971!
I love hanging out with these friends and family. It’s a time I look forward to each summer. I’ve only missed a couple of reunions in the twenty years I’ve been attending (and Dawnita has only missed two in her entire life!).
This weekend while thanking FATHER for these relationships and this time of family fun—I was reminded of how short life is—and, of the need to count as precious every moment we have together.
In James 4 we are compared to, “a wisp of fog, catching a bit of sun before disappearing.” This year I have experienced loss in ways that brings home the truth of this scripture in profound ways. Maybe you have experienced loss in similar ways. The bottom line is we are not guaranteed tomorrow.
We have this moment; we need to make the best use of each breath we are given!
The Speed Of Life
Sometimes life just happens around us. We don’t even realize we’re missing out on the beauty of blessings GOD has poured in to our lives. It’s not on purpose. It just happens. It’s almost like we are stumbling around, half-awake, not fully conscious enough to truly experience life. That’s no way to live!
The same is true spiritually. We are aware of spiritual things—just, not cognoscente of how these things impact our daily lives. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 says, “We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist.” I believe this is in part the plan of the enemy; his attempt to keep us paralyzed in a fog of confusion.
GOD Intends More Than A Comatose Life For Us
JESUS said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). “Come to me to have life” (John 5:40). “I am the bread of life” (John 6:48). “In HIM was life, and that life was the light of men” (John 1:4). And, Acts 5:20 instructs, “Tell the people the full Message of this new life.”
It’s clear GOD offers us life through JESUS. HE intends for us to live fully alive. And, more… that we are to share the Message of this new, fully alive life with everyone we meet! We are to take full advantage of every moment, making the most of each.
Friend, don’t let another day slip by… each day is a precious commodity! Each moment is a treasure to be savored and enjoyed to its fullest.
I have made a commitment to never miss another family gathering if at all possible! I don’t want to take for granted these moments that are passing by—to assume I’ll have opportunity to see family at a later date! I want to make every second count—to enjoy each and every opportunity we have with family, friends, and dear loved ones.
If you feel the same, make this your prayer today: “JESUS, take away the fog and the clouds and the veil, and help me to see… give me eyes to really see! I want to make the most of every moment YOU have given me. I want to love and be loved, to enjoy deep spirited friendships, and truly belong to the rich community of friends, family, and loved ones YOU have given me.”
Print This Post
Worship Under the Big Top
Come join us this Saturday, June 12, 2010 at the Day of Jubilee hosted by Oakcrest Family Church in Kennedale, Texas. The day promises plenty of food, fellowship, and fanfare with bands, jump houses for the kids, and great entertainment for all to enjoy! Festivities kick off at 2pm.
We’ll be taking the main stage at around 6pm… so, please come show your support and join us for worship under the Big Top!
Hope to see you there!
Print This Post
Which Character in the Story are You?
Remember the movie Rudy? I recently caught the tail end of it with my youngest son, @aaronelson. He and I both have seen the movie and caught bits and pieces of reruns on television numerous times. But, it never gets old! It really is a great story.
Aaron and I came in on the part of the movie where Rudy had been promised an opportunity to suit out for the last Notre Dame home game. The promise however, had been lost in the transitions of a head coaching change. Having left no stone unturned, Rudy had done everything humanly possible to see his dream of playing for Notre Dame become reality. But, the odds having been so deeply stacked against him... it seems only inevitable that his last chance at suiting out and his dream is now lost.
This is a pivotal moment in the story. Every great story has these moments. Its times like this when right and wrong are easily distinguishable… and the ability for good to triumph lay in the hands of others.
You see, Rudy was all out of options. There was nothing left for him to do. But, he was still (pardon the expression) shy of the goal line. He needed a miracle. And, as the story goes… in the eleventh hour, Rudy got one!
Rudy's teammates stood in the gap. Moved with compassion and a sense of justice, they each individually go to the head coach to plead Rudy's case. One by one they lay their jerseys on the coach’s desk and say, "Let Rudy play in my place."
In the movie, the first one to make that request was team captain and All-American Roland Steele. The head coach responds to Steele's request by saying, "Don't be ridiculous. Georgia Tech is one of the top offensive teams in the country. You're an All-American and our team captain; act like it."
Steele replies by saying, "I believe I am."
This would not have been a popular or easy thing for Steele to do. He risked a great deal to stand up for Rudy... to stand up for what was right... to lead his team in such an unpopular campaign.
Doing right never really is an easy thing to do. There has always been and always will be great opposition against that which is good and right. But I would encourage you to stand fast and hold true to that which you know to be right and just.
The Rudy movie included some adaptations to the storyline in order to make the movie more dramatic. In real life, there was no Roland Steele and… in real life, the Coach had already approved Rudy to dress for the final home game. These things didn’t really occur the way the movie portrayed the events. BUT, events like the ones portrayed in the movie are played out in every day life all the time and all around us.
We each play the various parts of these stories. You will have the opportunity to be a “Rudy” at some point in your life. You will also have the opportunity to be a “Roland Steele” and the “head coach.” Your actions and your conduct will have both an impact on lives in this time and space as well as leaving a mark for all eternity.
Proverbs 3
When the time comes for you to play the part of Rudy… “Don’t lose your grip on love and loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in GOD’s eyes and the eyes of all people.”
When the time comes for you to play the part of a Roland Steele… “Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is GOD’s hand for that person.”
When the time comes for you to play the part of the coach… “Don’t look for ways to take advantage of others who are trusting and unsuspecting. GOD cannot tolerate a twisted soul. It’s the straightforward who get HIS respect.”
Friends, in all things… let's be fully surrendered to the FATHER and allow HIM to direct our every thought, word, and action!
Print This Post
A “BIG” Thank You to Planning Center Online
This last Sunday, May 2nd, marked the beginning of a new ministry opportunity allowing me to partner with the First Baptist Church of Red Oak, Texas. Over the next few months I will be teaching and leading worship and serving in an interim worship pastor capacity. It will be a fun adventure working with the First Red Oak team, shepherding their Church family through worship, and joining the FATHER in the work HE is doing to impact that community!
While at First Red Oak, I will be introducing their worship ministry and staff to a website known as the Planning Center Online (@planningcenter ).
Planning Center Online, PCO, is an invaluable tool for worship teams of all sizes. First Red Oak has only had a couple weeks to get familiar with a few of the benefits of PCO—but, have already in this time become very excited about the ways in which PCO will help improve the flow of ministry communication!
First Red Oak is temporarily using the PCO account I have setup for my Little Worshipboy! Ministry. But, it's a safe bet, they will surely want to setup an account of their own before long!
I am very grateful to the Ministry Centered Technologies team—the folks behind the PCO website. Ministry Centered Technologies has been partnered with Little Worshipboy! Ministry by donating the PCO account we've been using at no cost. This support and the access to PCO free of charge has been such a tremendous blessing to our ministry efforts! I can't thank Ministry Centered Technologies enough for their support!
Our partnership has also extended beyond our own use of PCO. Little Worshipboy! Ministry has been able to share the benefits of PCO with many ministry friends, including churches in Colorado, Florida, Texas, and Virginia! In addition, we've been able to provide these friends help with regards to getting the most out of the PCO experience based on their unique environments. It's been a very beneficial relationship all the way around!
So, as I finished making out the Sunday, May 9th plans for First Red Oak on PCO this morning... I was filled with a sense of gratitude for the work the Ministry Centered Technologies team has done. Their service and heart for ministry is making possible the more efficient spread of the MESSAGE through Church ministries far and wide! And, their support for our ministry personally continues to bless our socks off!
Keep up the good work guys! I pray GOD's richest blessings on the Ministry Centered Technologies team and the work they do to support the local Church!
Print This Post
First Red Oak
Come join me this Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 10:30AM, as I lead worship for the First Baptist Church in Red Oak, Texas!
Sunday will mark the beginning of a ministry opportunity that will allow me to partner with the First Red Oak family, in teaching and leading worship and serving this community as their interim worship pastor.
I am very excited to go to work with the First Red Oak team and shepherd their Church family through worship, and can’t wait to see how GOD uses our lives to impact this community! Our shared mission is to see lives transformed through the work of the SPIRIT into fully developing followers of CHRIST!
If you are free this Sunday, come join us for worship! First Red Oak is South of Dallas, East of Interstate 35E, at 320 E. Ovilla Rd.
Hope to see you there!
Print This Post
Worship w/my Pais friends!
Come join me this Sunday, April 25 at 10AM, as I lead worship for the Pais Collective at the Coffee Haus!
It's going to be a morning full of worship, inspired teaching, unbelievably good coffee, and a don’t-miss-opportunity for warm fellowship with treasured friends!
The Coffee Haus is located in downtown Arlington, Texas, at 208 South Mesquite Street.
Hope to see you there!
Print This Post
“NO AMIGOS” Directive
I recently posted a tweet inspired by 2 John 1:10-11 (msg) ... my tweet was, "If anyone shows up who doesn't hold true to the teachings of CHRIST—don't become their partner by giving them a platform to perpetuate evil."
A dear friend of mine (@wilandlisa) responded to my tweet and asked, "As Christians, how do we really do this while at the same time helping those who struggle with staying true to Christ's teachings by their un-Christ like actions?"
Her question is not a new one with regards to the instructions given here by John in this scripture. It seems people have been debating over the exact meaning of these instructions for as long as the book of 2 John has been in the Canon of Scripture!
So, ok… well, the statement made from 2 John 1:10-11 (msg) is not necessarily directed at the type of person Lisa was inquiring about in her question. There is a BIG difference between the one she described in her question and the one defined by John in this scripture.
The person Lisa describes is an individual who is immature in their faith. Unfortunately, there are lots and lots of these types of folks populating the church. The failure occurs when leaders neglect teaching people the full gospel MESSAGE! To many focus only on leading people to CHRIST for eternal salvation, but then do little to instruct those babies in CHRIST on how to discover freedom through surrendered daily living!
Our mission as leaders is to foster the opportunities where lives can be transformed through the work of the SPIRIT into fully developing followers of CHRIST!
In an environment absent of that sort of atmosphere, many babes in CHRIST end up going to church for the entertainment value—rather than being challenged to continued transformation into CHRIST-likeness. Or, they go to get propped up by a set of man-centered rules by which they can feel better about their inability to live the life (see the Abundant Life post dated March 2).
The end result is that immature believers remain immature and continue to live out of selfish motives.
BUT sometimes… worse still… immature believers and unbelievers alike can be lulled into a comma by the types of “leader” John speaks of in 2 John 1. John defines this type of leader as a charlatan—an anti-Christ!! Yikes!! That’s pretty extreme language used to define this type of person that we (the church) are to be on the lookout for!
Thus, the reason for John's... Uhm... "NO AMIGOS" Directive! Ok, well... I actually came up with the name there... but, pretty clear instructions by John here nonetheless!
Make no mistake, this is not simply one seeking truth, or one stumbling along due to immaturity. Rather, this is one intent on twisting and distorting truth—a deceiver. Sadly, there are many “religious leaders” in the church today who fall into this category! These Charlatans don’t share the whole MESSAGE of the gospel—and worse, they distort the MESSAGE. They lead people astray. Sometimes those led astray are believers—but, sometimes they are not, stumbling through life believing they are Christians.
Followers of CHRIST are called to die to self. Paul said, “for me to live is CHRIST.” Not, for me to live is to be CHRIST-like… or, for me to live is to read my Bible… or, for me to live is to tithe! For me to live IS CHRIST. That means no agenda of our own. That means a total surrender of every area of our lives. The old life—that self-centered, live for myself life—is gone. It was buried in the grave the moment I received CHRIST as my SAVIOR. My new life IS CHRIST—a wholly surrendered, CHRIST-centered life. One that allows JESUS to live HIS life in us, through us, AS US!! That means I’m no longer agenda driven by selfish motive or by a misguided attempt to impress GOD.
My whole life is open for GOD to direct me in whatever way HE chooses to lead.
JESUS was the first to live that life perfectly. HE was not driven by HIS own self-centered motives either! You’ll find over and over in the GOSPEL accounts, JESUS saying, “I’m not doing any of these things of my own accord—I’m doing the will of my FATHER!”
JESUS was totally surrendered—HIS whole life, open for GOD the FATHER to direct in whatever way HE chose to lead HIS SON.
We are to live that same life! Let’s live lives wholly surrendered to the MASTER! AND, be willing as JESUS was to overturn tables, rebuke religious leaders, and wash the feet of doubters… every time HE leads us to do so, no matter how uncomfortable those activities can be to us personally!
Print This Post
… see me next
… help support
... twitter feed
- Celebrating 18th birthday party for @elinelson — pool party at the home of @larrymnelson and @gaylanelson! http://twitpic.com/2laxgv
- Anyone tried Atomic Sports Grill at Fielder & Park Row yet? Just curious if it's any good?!
- Well, Colts Homecoming not going so swell—20 to 42, 11 minutes to go in the 4th—can't help but feel they're calling wrong defensive package!
- Incredible day... love the cool temps, overcast skies! :) http://twitpic.com/2kulm1
- What we believe is what leads our hopes... our hearts... our lives.
- Woohoo!! Colts win!! :) Great job Colts!! And Aaron (@aaronelson) looked awesome!! :)
- 4 minutes left, Colts 17, Cowboys 13... Colts are on O!! Let's go boys!
- Oh shoot!! Cowboys are up by 2 now... 10 minutes left in the 4th. We gotta have some offense! Come on let's go Colts!!
- Halftime, Cowboys Stadium, Colts up by 7! Proud of my boy (@aaronelson), he's rocking the center—good snaps, blocks, and opening big holes!
- Birthday breakfast!! http://twitpic.com/2ki5ax