Why the Cross?

"Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem" Luke 9:51

Why did Jesus have to die? Why the cross? Why couldn't God just say, "Look, I know you have sinned against Me. It's okay. Never mind. You are all forgiven." The answer is that it doesn't work with His nature and character. God is just. And the justice of God requires that our sins be paid. He could not accept us into fellowship with himself unless the penalty was paid.You see, the cross demonstrates the justice of God. At the cross of Calvary, the love and the justice of God met. Jesus had to go to the cross because humanity is sinful, and there was no other way to bridge the gap between a just and holy God and sinful humanity. The cross was His goal, and it was His destination from the very beginning. He spoke of it frequently.So don't think the cross was a mistake. Don't think that Jesus didn't know it was coming. Jesus, being God, had complete foreknowledge. He was braced for the cross. He knew the cruel and horrendous pain that awaited Him. In fact, Scripture tells us, "He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51). He would let nothing or no one deter Him from His course. God said, "My righteous requirements must be met. But I love humanity. And there is no way they can do it on their own. So I must assist them. I must help them." So He sent His only begotten Son to bridge the gap. Jesus came to this earth to purchase back what had been forfeited in the Garden of Eden.

Think about that. This was a daily devotion I received a few years back from Gregg Laurie of Harvest Ministries. Sign up for own daily emails from Harvest.

Reason To Live

A secular song by Hoobastank, is beautifully re-directed to our Savior in this video. The following is taken from a review posted at KaleoChurch.com

The truth is our story is just a small part of a much larger story. It's a story that began with the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve deliberately disobeyed God, this act we call sin brought consequences. Humans went from a close communion with God to being separated.

We all recognize our sinfulness. When we get angry, when we disobey our parents, when we hurt others around us and lie, cheat, steal, you name it, we find a way to do it. Hoobastank, too recognizes this truth, in their new album The Reason the title song, Reason states…

I'm not a perfect person
As many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

We all fall short, we all cannot live and be perfect. We cannot earn our way back to God. We cannot reach out and pursue God on our own. This is where things change. The good news is the story did not end there. God's ultimate story began to unfold. God demonstrated His love, patience, and justice to all mankind.

Knowing that God is perfect in His justice, He requires that sin be dealt with. But because we (humans) cannot pay the price, He sent His Son to be the sacrifice on our own behalf. Jesus died so that we may have life eternal with God. If we accept this price Christ paid on our behalf and are willing to surrender to God our will our self and we put it ‘to death' we can become ‘born again'. We are born again spiritually and become a new creation in Christ. It is at this point that we are restored back into a relationship with the God who created us.

Understanding this story means we recognize that Christ had to come, He had to pay our price with His life. He conquered sin and death once and for all. He was willing to come and let mankind beat him, strip him and brutally murder Him on the cross. He willingly did this, because it was the only way that we could be reconciled with God.

The song continues…
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you

I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
That's why I need you to hear

Hoobastank did not intend these lyrics to be directed to Christ, but it is again through the lens of the good news of Christ this song means much more to us. We too have found a reason, a reason to change from who we used to be, to become someone new. We understand that because of our sin, Christ was hurt and we personally put him through the pain and death. But our life will begin anew, and we will have purpose, meaning and hope in knowing we will one day be with our God.
So there we have it, a grand story that our one small story plays a part. Are you willing to search for this? Are you willing to sacrifice yourself to gain everything? To make the ultimate decision so that “all the choices that I make won't end up all for nothing”...

"God Is Crazy About You" tour

Last night was a hoot! Me, my kids and a close friend went to see Mark Lowry and company at North Jacksonville Baptist Church and had a ball!! Great singing and rib-busting laughs, yet all the while, praising and worshipping our great God! Mark is extremely gifted and blessed by God with a stage presence that holds your attention with fun and laughter, then 'preaches' in a way that all can understand. It was definitely a "Come and look at God" show and not one of those "Look at me" shows. You know what I mean. For a ADHD kid, God is really using him in a wonderful way. Check his website http://marklowry.com for more on the tour with Lord Song, who BTW, were great.
Next week, we're going to see Ken Davis. Another God-filled, rib-busting night for sure. God is SO GOOD. Later. Dave

UPDATE 3/11/07.......Just as expected, we had a great night with Ken Davis. His stories are so funny, yet so inspirational! Most of his stories I had heard before, (I think I own about every VHS or DVD he has ever made), but they are still funny. I was having a great time laughing at the people around me that were laughing at him! You never forget the first time you hear this guy. I love the fact too, that all ages of people were there. A little glimpse of heaven! I wish you could have been there with me--maybe next time. C-ya, Dave

MY TICKET IS HERE!!!

COMING UP TO BREATHE TOUR

Audio Adrenaline and Mercy Me

Tallahassee, Fl.

April 13, 2007

I can't wait--this is going to be great! It will also be bittersweet because I love Audio Adrenaline and this will be the last time I will see them as a band. Mark Stewart, Audio A's lead singer, is losing his voice. Doctors have told him that if he keeps on singing, he will lose his voice, singing and talking, for good! He pours himself 100% into every show and every song. He and the rest of Audio A are committed followers of Christ and have a humongous heart for the lost! So it will be somewhat emotional for me to be there. Now, you're probably thinking what is a 52 year old man doing at an Audio A concert and, no doubt, will probably get 'choked up' at some point? Well, I have only been saved going on 12 years and Audio Adrenaline was one of the first Christian bands that I found out there rocking for Jesus. They play my kind of music and sing about my Jesus and His great love for us all. I have never been to one of their concerts and the Gospel wasn't preached. Mark and the guys have a way of connecting with the youth, (and me), and these guys are really 'real' in their Christian walk. I have followed their success for the last 10 years or so, and love them as sons in the faith. I met them backstage a few years ago in Jacksonville and though we talked briefly, I could discern their heart for the ministry of reaching these kids, and old goats like me, with the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Watch Audio A video

Mercy Me will there also. These guys used to lead worship for Shepherd Ministries and Mark Matlock at Student Life Conferences. I used to drive the church bus to Lakeland, FL every year to the conference. Great times for sure! These guys are 'real' in their faith as well. I once prayed with them in a group prayer before opening the conference one year, and the Spirit definitely showed up where '2 or 3' had gathered. Good memories. In fact, the song "I Can Only Imagine" was sung several years at the conferences before it became a national hit. It even played on secular stations!

So, if you're in Tallahassee 04/13/07 at the Leon Co. Civic Ctr., look me up in Floor Section 1, Row G, and standing in front of seat 14! I can't wait!

...to be continued for sure

What's Wrong With Dave?

People probably have been asking that question for years. And still are!:-) Sometimes I ask myself that question too. I mean look at the media hype and non-stop coverage of Anna Nicole Smith, of her life and her death. The media is absolutely gone 'yonkers' over this sad life of a misguided woman. She sold out to the world and the world devoured her. She had a 'rock star' status for what? Let's be honest. She was in a way, a prostitute. Now I can't judge, that's God's job, but I'm not blind either. The 'fruits' of her life point back to a rotten tree. But hey, we all have sinned I know. It's just a shame she never discovered, (best that I could tell), the healing power of our awesome God. As far as being concerned, I'm sorry for her death, her little 5-month old daughter orphaned, but I really don't care to hear all about her pitiful life every time I turn the radio or TV on. Are there no HEROS out there anymore? Are these our 21st century icons? Thanks Bill and Monica. Oh yeah, I wouldn't want to leave out Brittany here! What's wrong with me, is it that I don't want to know all the kinky and sad details of her life like the rest of the world wants to know! Yes, it's a tragedy and we should mourn the loss of another human, but to put her up on a pedestal and 'worship' her is just wrong. And behind it all, is the love of money, not the love of God.

Another viewpoint would be American Idol. What is up with that show? Frankly, the name keeps me away. Doesn't the Second Commandment come to mind here? To be honest, I have never watched a single show, only maybe a clip or two that was on the news about the show. So in that light, maybe I am prejudging a bit...maybe-maybe not. I saw in those film clips, hundreds of people standing in a line somewhere, usually raining, snowing, maybe in the middle of a heat wave, all trying desperately to get on this show and my heart breaks with the thought, "Why don't we seek God that way?" Of course the proverb comes to mind here, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV) Now don't misunderstand, I have heard that a lot of good singers have been discovered on this show, but it's just the way it all comes about that bugs me. When I was a kid, they had Ted Mack's Amateur Hour on our 3-channel-only TV. It was, in a way, the same thing, except now it's all about the money and fame, not the God-given talent of the contestants. So what's wrong with Dave, because I don't care if American Idol is on TV tonight? I have had parents upset with us at our Wednesday night Awana (children's Bible club) because we went a little over time with letting their kids out and they were missing American Idol that night!! I'm serious, it was actually spoken by a parent picking up their child one night. So what's wrong with Dave? I have a great desire that all men, women, and children have a everlasting relationship with our Heavenly Father through His only son, Jesus Christ. But I detest the things of the world and with the same breath admit that I can be drawn in to some of them at times. (Thank God for His Holy Spirit who convicts and corrects us!)

So, what's wrong with Dave? You can answer that for yourself, but I can tell you what's 'right' with Dave. My worldview was changed 12 years ago when I met the Lord. And He has been grooming, changing, growing, convicting, comforting, challenging, equipping and preparing me for His service.

The Bible is absolutely clear on which side of the fence a Christian is on.
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)

This one thing I know -- that I know that I know that I know that I am His. How about you?
I pray so.
God bless.

He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. 1 John 5:12-13 (NKJV) (emphasis mine)

Ever had a day like this?

I hope that kid didn't get hurt and is now laughing with us!

Christmas 24/7/365

Christmas. It's a grand time of year. I wish I was a little kid again every time it rolls around. I loved Christmas as a child. I didn't have a clue how Santa did it, I just believed. As I got older, my belief in Santa changed somewhat, but I still believed. I had it all figured out too, you know, how did he get to every child's house in a 24 hour span? The secret, his elves were disguised as truck drivers! I really believed that! My dad owned a trucking company and so that helped me to come up with my conclusion. Well, that theory lasted a year or two. Then the awful truth finally caught up with me, Santa was my Mama! Dad helped, but Mama did all the sneaky stuff. The great hoax was over. Santa was not real. I have always wondered since then if it is OK to pretend that Santa is real? Especially when I had children of my own. I went along with it, I didn't want to ruin their excitement! Well, Santa isn't real, but the spirit of Christmas is alive. People helping people, giving of their time and resources, reaching out to the needy. Christmas. Christ-mas. It took a long time for me to understand the real meaning of Christmas. Oh I wish I could go back and do it again now that I understand! If I only had faith in Christ as I had in Santa, my life would have been so much better for it. That's exactly what Jesus was referring to in the Bible. In Matthew 8:2-4, " Jesus called a small child over to him and put the child among them. Then he said, "I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven." And in John 1:12, "But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God."



Like a child, just believe in and receive Christ! Simple, yet profound. I became "as a child" 11 years ago. Not knowing everything, and still don't, I simply believed in Jesus as the Son of God, that He was born to a virgin, lived a sinless life, died upon a cruel cross as payment for my sins, then was buried, and three days later came back to life to prove He was exactly who He said He was, the Son of God. (see I Cor. 15:3-4)



Since that day, 11 years ago, Christmas has a whole new meaning for me. I know the Christ in Christmas! Santa was a hoax, Christ is Hope. He's the Real Deal. Everyday 'in Christ' is Christmas to a believer. Sadly, most of the world only has 'christmas' once a year. I like to say "Merry Christmas 24/7/365" You can have that too!

Need a fishing buddy?

Bill Dance could moonlight as a comedian!

Third Day in concert

Since I posted about the Newboys concert, it's only fair to post one of the best shows in a long, long while--Third Day with David Crowder Band in the Arena, Jax. Fl. back on Dec. 9th. And to make it even better, we had third row seats! Third Day - third row!! Needless to say, it was pretty loud that close, my clothes were bouncing with the subwoofers! It was great. Good friends Kevin & Shelly Fletcher joined me and my son Daniel for a great night! My 3 favorite bands are Third Day, Newsboys and Audio Adrenaline. What they all have in common is that they always unashamely present the Gospel in their shows. I have never been to one their shows and not heard the Gospel. They all 'rock' too is another favorite reason :) they're my favorites. I took these photos will a little digital that turned out pretty good.

http://www.thirdday.com/

Click HERE to open a Third Day online radio

Newsboys in concert!

A preacher's kid loaned me his copy the Newsboy's cd "Take Me To Your Leader" back in 1996. I've been a fan ever since. They play rock, pop, and worship style music. They lift up Jesus and boldly proclaim His message in their music and concerts. I guess I'm a Newsboys 'groupie', but that's OK, they love Jesus and that's what I'm about too! Check 'em out. http://www.newsboys.com/

I drove (3 1/2 hrs.) to Cypress Gardens Dec. 2 for my latest concert. I wish I had some friends along, but not this trip. I quickly made new friends as the seats were not too wide and my new friends were not skinny. My big ole butt didn't help either :)

The first time I saw Duncan and the rotating drumkit was on the "Step Up To the Microphone" tour in Jax. FL in '98. WOW, what a show! Not only does this thing rotate, it tilts! The only drumkit I know of that has seatbelts.

Click the following link to open the Newsboys Radio player and take a listen!

http://assets.newsboys.com/_player/player.html