Lecture Notes

To everyone taking any of my 3 classes... I will be posting lecture notes weekly during the term. Check back here the end of this week for the first ones.

Keep Dreaming

The journey has much to sway us and thrill us. I recently found myself deep musing at my favorite coffee shop. I was fiercely studying for a class I teach each Spring on the Pauline letters 1st and 2nd Corinthians. Now I'm not a scholar. In fact I remind the students that at the beginning of the term. I always tell them "I'm on this journey just like you. Growing in knowledge of the awesomeness of God's word".
And that thought got me to thinking about the "journey" statement.
Deep thinking.
I'm startled sometimes by this journey.
We all have our dreams. But what stops us from dreaming about the journey forward? Yep, I think it's actually the journey itself that does. We lose hope because the disappointments are too disappointing. Or the hurt feels to deep. Something or someone causes us to sit back and say "that was the last straw!" I can't bother hoping or dreaming... It's too painful.
But actually friend its ALL a part of the greatness, of the journey. And what God is actually up to.
A mentor of mine recently told me "you can't power thru like you did when you were in your twenties Dave, God is trying to get you to focus on what HE wants to do thru you right now".
God is up to something? Yep and He uses the snares from the enemy, the hopeless feelings, probably even more then the great victories.

So back to the coffee shop...
I asked myself "what dream have I forgotten or shelved because of the noise of life?" I felt a lump in my throat because I quickly remembered things that I need to dream about again.
The journey IS hard. It wears on us when we suffer a setback or things don't go like WE planned. But, that is exactly a part of God's path being laid before our feet.
IF we are chasing His will and focusing not on the messes, but the message we need to hear in them.
If our hearts truly are humble for God's leading then we are on the road towards the dreams He set in our hearts.
The enemy of our souls is warring against God for tomorrow. God is only bringing the good for our hearts. So be encouraged. He is for us not against us. Our dreams may seem impossible now. But today we choose to hope and have faith. God is up to something.
And it's His love that's the motivation.

Entitlement epidemic

I can remember at no other point in my life where so many people around me have such an attitude of entitlement.
My Gen X has told Gen Y "it's all about getting stuff". Doesn't matter to work hard and put in the time, and sweat, and effort. No I want someone else to give me what I want.
Reminds me that as a father and leader I must practice humility, grace, and show the work ethic I want picked up by children and by others.
It's never all about us. That's the subtle lie from the enemy. It's about Jesus. Being His hands and feet.
The minute we give into the "I want what I want now" attitude it starts trickling down into the behavior of our kids and corrupts an entire generation.
We have to become the difference maker here. Or we will lose the battle.
It's up to us to teach by example and by precept. Christ already showed us how. Love others, show mercy, walk fully with our God.
He is with us.

Class Notes Repost: 10-29-12

...here are my main points from the lecture:

Regarding using video in your sermons.

1. Brief and to the point is best.
2. Quality matters (both audio and video).
3. Don’t rely only on the video (things go wrong).
4. Just because you want a video to supplement doesn’t mean you should have one.
5. Video should never replace a sound sermon.
6. Be engaging not distracting.

Be consistent 
Look beyond you
Creative teaching is not about the latest technology.
It’s about clearly communicating in the right language for the culture.

Relationships matter

What makes your product, class, etc. something that the consumer values.
It’s the experience that matters for consumers.

 
Perceived value is VERY important.
Consumers don’t always understand the relevance of the church, because the value is perceived as low. 

Tell YOUR STORY!
Nothing relates the message of the Gospel better than personal stories. The Bible is full of such examples.
“A generation ago the question was, “What is truth?” Today, the question is, “What’s the point?” -Billy Graham
Relating to the community on a level that matters to them is paramount to reaching a generation that is increasingly disinterested in all things church related.

I'm seriously working on a new and improved blog update ...look for it later this week my friends.

-D

Book Review: Living Life in the Zone

Totally geared towards the man who has an interest in sports, this devotional scores big as a great spiritual tool. Simple concepts on marriage, fathering, and more, Living Life in the Zone is a definite winner and I recommend this for a daily devo for men who want to grow in their walk with God.

Thinking Greater

What does it mean to think greater? I'm currently reading the new advance release of Steven Furtick's forthcoming book "Greater". The amazing thing about God is I have been struggling with the thoughts of what does God have in store for me and my life, family, ministry....that is greater?
I'm in the middle of reading and can only tell you that God is speaking to me on two things already.
Expectation and anticipation. What am I anticipating from God of how He wants me to see the dreams He has for me? What is my expectation level for it? Am I paying attention?
I will be blogging over the next few weeks specifically about the new release ....stay tuned my friends.

D