Desiring God Part 2

After Ferguson finished his message, he was joined by Piper and Driscoll for a panel discussion. There was way too much knowledge flowing around on that stage to capture it all, but here are some quotes that I was able to take down. Let me know some of your favorites...

Quotes from Panel Discussion between Sinclair Ferguson, Mark Driscoll, and John Piper
· What you say is instant, constant, global, and permanent. -Driscoll
· Afflictions may correct you, but they also can make you more sensitive to Christ.
-Ferguson
· Criticism is, “You were this, but you should be this.” -Ferguson
· Our words are not the grounds for our acceptance with God. Justification by faith alone.
-Piper
· He who spoke the righteousness with His tongue is imparted to my tongue. -Piper
· Speaking on the Atonement, “This is what Jesus did so that you might be able to live.”
-Piper
· Those who give away the cross, give up conversion. All you are left with are very Pagan
people in powerless churches. -Driscoll
· When you destroy the wrath of God, you destroy the heights of joy one will experience for
the forgiveness of sin. -Ferguson

Desiring God Part 1

I know this may seem a little long, but please take some time and read...You'll be glad you did...

Desiring God Conference
· You cannot escape the necessity of thinking. God just calls us to do it well. --Dr. John Piper
Minneapolis, MN September 26, 2008

Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, Pastor First Presbyterian Church Columbia, South Carolina
An Exposition of James 3:1-12
· The purpose of scripture is to make you spiritually mature. – Ferguson
I. 4 Truths James Teaches in these 12 Verses
1. The Difficulty of Taming the Tongue vs. 1-2
- We all stumble.
- Master your tongue so you can have a greater impact one’s life.
- One who can control their tongue can control their whole body.
- Be able to control the amount of your words and be able to be silent.
- It is a moment by moment battle of the heart to bridle your tongue.
2. The Disproportionate Power of the Tongue vs. 3-5
- Our words carry the breath of our souls to the world.
- You cannot help to breathe what is within.
- Dr. Ferguson then tells the story of standing on the elevator with a woman who had obviously been smoking. She didn’t realize it, but the whole elevator was covered in the smell of smoke she had previously inhaled. This is what we should be like spiritually. We should so breathe in so deep the word, that when we exhale we have no choice but to reveal what is in us…THE WORD!! We should allow the Word and the Holy Spirit to so flavor our souls that when we speak, people are asking about the aroma (spiritually speaking) we are giving off. The tongue is that powerful.
3. The Destruction caused by the Tongue vs. 6-8
- The tongue is set on fire by hell. It is one of the most useful instruments of Satan to cause destruction.
- Wickedness can live in the tongue.
- One single wrong word spoken can crumble all other words ever spoken.
- Satan causes restlessness in the heart that causes restlessness in the tongue. If you aren’t staying close to Jesus…You WILL have a reckless tongue.
4. The Deadly Inconsistencies of the Tongue vs. 9-12
- We bless God then curse man that was created in His image.
- Our tongue reveals our hearts.
- If it is spoken on the tongue it is in our heart.



II. The Context of James 3:12 in the Gospel
1. We are polluted and James reminds us by talking of the tongue that we are all hopeless.
2. We are not the mature person we ought to be, but we are also not the old man we used to be because of the work of Christ. Isaiah 50, 53
3. Jesus was falsely accused but stayed silent, not sinning, as he took our very words from our mouths and placed them in his to be the atonement for that very sin. As a Lamb to the slaughter…He was quiet. Why?? He was paying for the sins of our tongue.

Resolutions from James on the Tongue
1. I resolve to ask God for wisdom to speak out of a single-minded devotion to him. (1:5)
2. I resolve to boast only in the exultation I receive in Jesus Christ and also in the humiliation I receive for Jesus Christ. (1:9-10)
3. I resolve to set a watch over my mouth. (1:13)
4. I resolve to be constantly quick to hear and slow to speak. (1:19)
5. I resolve to learn the gospel way of speaking to both rich and poor. (2:1-4)
6. I resolve to speak in the present consciousness of my final judgment. (2:12)
7. I resolve never to stand on anyone’s face with the words I employ. (2:16)
8. I resolve never to claim as reality in my life what I do not truly experience. (3:14)
9. I resolve to resist quarrelsome words as evidence of a bad heart that needs to be mortified. (4:1)
10. I resolve never to speak decided evil against another out of a heart of antagonism. (4:11)
11. I resolve never to boast in anything but what I will accomplish. (4:13)
12. I resolve to speak as one subject to the providences of God. (4:15)
13. I resolve never to grumble. The judge is at the door. (5:9)
14. I resolve never to allow anything but total integrity in everything I say. (5:12)
15. I resolve to speak to God in prayer whenever I suffer. (5:13)
16. I resolve to sing praises to God whenever I’m cheerful. (5:14)
17. I resolve to ask for the prayers of others when I’m in need. (5:14)
18. I resolve to confess it whenever I have failed. (5:15)
19. I resolve to pray with others for one another whenever I am together with them. (5:15)
20. I resolve to speak words of restoration when I see another wander. (5:19)

Give Me a Break

I decided the other day to put a hault on the blogging. Honestly, even though it really helps me process my thoughts, I really am running short on time these days. My wife then preceded to be the level headed like she always is, and she reminded me people actually read it...maybe not many, but some. So I decided I just need to better manage my time because this blogging things does help me personally and really do hope it blesses you in some way...even if it is just a short comical relieve. I know it has been awhile since I have posted, but I am making a decision today to start blogging more frequently. My goal is once a day like I did when I first started, but if not once a day definitely once every 2 or 3 days. But this news flash is not the reason for my post. As most of you know I have spent the weekend in Minneapolis with my wife at John Piper's Desiring God conference. The next succession of posts will be my personal notes from the conference. Dude all I can say is read them closely and be blessed. It is definitely not my wisdom, but God seriously blessing some men who have been seeking his face for YEARS!! Hope you enjoy....

The Calling

I got a friend, Brad, who is the Student Pastor over at FBC Lowell Arkansas and on his blog this morning he posted an incredible Spurgeon quote. He reminded me of two things: 1. The purpose of reading all the blogs I read and 2. How incredible it is to be called of God into the ministry. There is nothing else I can do. God has placed such a inner calling on my life that misery is the only option if I don't preach. I'm glad I can do something so simple as read blogs and God can remind me of how incredibly strong His presence is in my life. Even when I doubt, He sees me and He moves Heaven and earth so I may be reminded of His grace.

Roll Tide

I just got the news that Georgia is busting out the rare black jerseys for Saturday's game against Bama. Some may laugh and say, "What does the color of your jersey have to do with anything?" My friends, it means a lot. Number one it means that Bama is respected enough for Georgia to bring out one of the rarest jerseys in college sports only being worn in two other games. Secondly, when you have such a rare thing being done, the electricity in the stadium will be unreal. For anybody who plays sports you can understand this. My thought is this: Alabama is so full of freakish, young athletes that they'll feed off of the energy just as much as Georgia. Never at the beginning of the year would I have thought Alabama had a chance, but after seeing them play 4 times...I believe they are for real. I know Clemson was overrated and Arkansas was...well, really bad...Alabama is just for real. I think we'll all see it Saturday...One heck of a hard fought game. Here are some pics from the Alabama/Arkansas game:the juke

375lbs. of straight man

look at the calves

Julio...the man

Arkansas really does have a nice stadium

The best part...a day with my wife.

Renewed

Lately things have been kinda tough spiritually for me. John 15 keeps ringing through my head and I hear Jesus screaming, "Get back on the VINE!!" Now more than ever I understand the Apostle Paul when he says he struggles doing what he should do, and what he shouldn't do he freely does. Do you guys ever feel that way?? Do your times with Jesus get interrupted one morning and before you know it you haven't spoken to Him all day? For me, it's not about having time. It seems as though God turns 24 hour days into 48 hour days just for me so I can fulfill all my duties at the church, do school work, study, and and still have time with my family. It's not about desire. For my desire is there as my heart breaks every time I realize I have built up another idol in my life. For me, it seems as though I have gotten too caught up in stuff and turned my loved relationship with my Savior into a religion as I try to find ways to tie myself to God. I keep forgetting about this amazing grace offered through Jesus for He is my righteousness. One of the greatest personal spiritual renewals I have had in my life was when I could not quit focusing on 2 Corinthians 5:21. When I again am reminded by my Father that Jesus is my good standing with Him...my Righteousness. I must never leave this truth again. He looks down on me and sees me just as I am, and yet He still loves me. I have struggled so much here lately with making sure I have good theology and correct doctrine, but what I have failed to realize is that this is good theology and correct doctrine. Yes, I know that there are times we must go deeper than this, but there are also times where we need to get back to this. Psalms 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted among the earth." It is so easy to get caught up in the latest book or fad. I believe we just need to get caught up in Jesus again. I need renewal and I know just where to find it...Do you need it?? Do you wanna come with me??

Sunday's 7 of Saturday:)

Yeah I know this can get confusing, but let me tell you about Saturday:

• Me, Megan, and Dan Sellers went to the Arkansas vs. Alabama game. It was a lot fun and well worth the trip.
• Dan is still the funniest guy ever with endless amount of knowledge about the most off-the-wall stuff.
• Megan got really burnt on her legs and neck at the game...she is still the hottest woman ever...especially now
• Alabama is going to be really good and give the other top teams a tough time. I'm not saying we are going to crush everyone like we did Arkansas, but we'll fight hard. Julio Jones, Ingram, and Coffee are ridiculous.
• I love seeing Auburn get beat. I'm not sure why it thrills me so much, but it does.
• I got to see Lucy yesterday at Chick-fil-A. Seeing a good friend is always awesome, but eating chick-fil-A makes it even better.
• Fayetteville is pretty easy getting around on game day. We'll definitely be there again...most likely the Florida game.

DM Demolition

For the past two weeks we have had some really good student services. Maxing out our room, we have come to the realization that we may need to do something soon about a meeting place. Any ideas?? But to give you a quick rundown of our past two services, I'll go to the ever trusty bullets:)

• I love have tons of students there...It overjoys my heart because our students are the ones bringing them. I think they are catching the vision.
• Every Wed. I explain that we are not the typical student ministry. I always expect some kind of drop in numbers or rude comments, but these students appreciate that we are serious about Jesus and will do everything to make sure others aren't distracted.
• One student came to know Jesus last week and we are expecting God to do some BIG things through him.
• We are still going through the book of Acts. I don't think I ever want to leave it. God has some amazing truth for us in there.
• After our services we are doing a discipleship thing at the house. When planning I was expecting maybe 6 or 7 students...I was wrong. We stress strongly, "Do not come if you are not serious about growing in Jesus. It involves you working at home and spending some serious time trying to find biblical answers to hard questions. Do not come and be a distraction." We have had 15 students the first meeting and 17 last night...Kids are hungry for truth.

Quick Like Jelly

Not much time at all this morning, but I do want give you a couple of things to be thinking about...

• I'm thinking about finishing the devotional book I started over a year ago. 30 Days in the New Testament
• Last night I woke up with a thought of turning this new discipleship series we are doing with our students in a book form too. I'm really excited about this idea, but I would also need a 3 month sabbatical to even get the ground broke on it...anyone want to ask for that in the next business meeting??
• I have to go speak at ACTS...the middle school devotional time. We are going to talk about the dangers of shallow Christianity.

The Sweetness that is...

The Sweetness that is...

• Coffee on cold mornings...like this morning


• Good godly men in my life that are always willing to talk to me


• a smoking hot wife that loves me


• a healthy son that always makes me laugh


• Berryville, AR


• the thought that my brother has a woman and may stick with her:)


• blogs...a beautiful way to see someone's thoughts


• student ministry that makes a difference


• sunday school classes that I look forward too EVERY week


• discipleship classes with students and seeing them actually "get it"


• questions like..."how long is an eternity" and "is once saved always saved a really valid option" and "where did sin come from" and "what's heaven going to be like?"


• my office...I love my office


• early mornings in the mountains

• the 70's

• and so many more...life is good

Your Monday Weather Report

So I'm sitting here with another million things to do, but can't get you, my readers off my mind. Lucy says she has three readers, so I'm going to one up her and claim to have four...but I think we all know the truth. As I was going through my blogroll I noticed everyone had some weather recaps. Not wanting to be outdone...especially by Lucy...I feel the need to tell you about our eventful weather weekend:

• I awoke to a phone call yesterday telling me church was cancelled because there was no electricity and I needed to call everyone I could think of. So I get up and start making phone calls to members and hearing endless stories about rain, wind, trees blown over, parents awake all night with screaming children frightened out of their mind...me, I was completely oblivious to the fact the there was ever any rain. I slept right through it.
• Since SHBC had no service I went to our...err... "sister" church Freeman Heights. I was glad to go and visit with some people I never get to see.
• We had no internet here at the church so I walked down the road to see Nolan and check my fantasy football. After I left he called me and said, "Why didn't you tell me that I had a tree blown down in my front yard??" I answered with a resounding, "I didn't see any tree blown over." He the proceeded in telling me I walked right by a massive tree that had been blown down and I never noticed it...I guess I'm oblivious to obvious things even when I'm awake.
• The weather is now a beautiful sunny day with the temp. around 62....I love Arkansas.

Heroes... My Ministry Example

Every once in awhile you'll just come across someone who makes an everlasting impression on you. Well, I believe this guy has made an impression on everyone he has ever met...some impressions were just better than others. Bradshaw has been my example in the ministry for a long time. From his early days at FBC Abbeville, to Hartford BC, now all the way in North Carolina, I have always thought his idea of ministry was right on target. Simply: If the kids love you...they'll be more likely to listen to you. Therefore, David spent countless hours at FBC being involved in the kids lives. He has shared Christ with some guys who are now hardcore believers in Jesus...and I believe he was successful because he was involved. Now that he is married and I'm married, ministry had to change slightly, example: We can't make dumb videos at 2 in the morning or cook pee to see if it will glow in the dark with all the kids (that's a story I have got to tell all my Arkansas readers one day). Now Bradshaw is in seminary getting all ridiculously educated and has really impressed on me the importance of continually growing in knowledge. So here is to you Mr. Bradshaw. The only one I know who can do the things you've done and not get fired...Thanks for being my example:)

DM Demolition + Heroes

In addition to the new Heroes series, I need to tell you about last night. First of all let me explain, I'm a little hardcore on Wed. nights. I'm not being prideful at all, but one of my missions every wed. night is to make sure our students understand this is not your typical student ministry. We are not about numbers, we are not about making you feel good, and we are not about surface messages...We are about truth...DEEP truth. We are about discipleship. We are about the Gospel. I understand there needs to be a balance in ministry to be successful. We try to keep that balance, but we do focus very hard on training our students to be missionaries in their schools. And to all of you other youth pastors I know who read this blog from the east coast to...umm...I guess as far west as Arkansas (that was lame)...I know you guys have great ministries, and I appreciate you. Thank you for being faithful to the truth and being great examples for me. Wes George is as stinking committed to Jesus as anyone I have ever met. Ryan Johnson is one of the deepest youth pastors who could be a lead pastor I have ever met. Here in a few lines you'll meet my hero in the ministry. I love you guys and have made ministry a fun thing to learn. But back to last night, we had record numbers, we started a discipleship CLASS, and let me stress that during this time we read, pray, and ask serious thought out questions and search the word for the answers. We had 14!! come to this last night at our house. God is really moving. But the most exciting thing was that one of our student missionaries has been sharing Jesus and his life with one of his lost friends. That friend last night called about 10:30 understanding he was a sinner and understanding Jesus as a way to salvation. I was thrilled over this guy coming to Jesus, but what was almost as thrilling was it was one of our students who did the work. God used him to bring someone else into the Kingdom. So last night was a huge refreshing. To see our students grasping the mission is awesome to see. Thank you Jesus.

That was a little longer than I thought and I'm getting tired of typing...come back later for the continuation of...(play theme music that sounds like the entry of a superhero) HEROES!!!

The Hero of Boldness

I decided to start a new series here at the Desiring More blog. I want to share with you my heroes, men and women of the faith that have made great impact on me and have helped me become who I am today. There will be several installments to this new series. So just sit back and meet the people to blame for all my strong personality traits:)

Several years ago I went and spent some time with a youth pastor in Georgia. Despite being a hardcore UG Bulldog fan, I still loved him. At that particular time in his life, he may not even remember this, he was reading through the book of Ezekiel. He was always talking about being a "watchman" for his students. This brother is bold...I mean hardcore. I don't know if I have ever met someone as straight up as he is. I know I talk about Andy a lot, but it is simply because of the impact he has made on my life. I'm not starting this series with him for any particular reason other than the fact that I am reading through Ezekiel right now and it just reminded me how bold Andy was. In fact, I think I may start calling him Ezekiel. I could see Andy doing some weird stuff like cooking his food over cow poop:) So here's to you, my hero of boldness...Thanks for teaching me that there are some things we need to stand strong for and NOT move an inch.

Stay tune for the next installment as I share with you: The Hero of My Ministry Example (does that make sense?)

A Heart Pouring

Right now I'm sitting here in my office with 1.7 million things running through my head. I have papers I need to be writing, Wed. nights to be planning, and a new discipleship class to be programing. Yet all I can do is sit here, nibble on m&m's, and wonder what has happened to the Body of Christ. After reading Andy's Blog and having talked to that same mutual friend about church planting, my heart for some reason feels broken over the lack of perseverance for the church. First, let me make clear I have no hard feelings toward church planters. I have dear friends who have planted all over the country and are being used by God to bring tons of people into the Kingdom. Our mutual friend who is planting a church is one of the sincerest men of God I have ever met. Whether we agree or disagree on some issues is irrelevant, he has a TRUE desire to see Jesus glorified and for that I love this man with an abundance. What is simply breaking my heart is upheaval of people from one church to another after a few disagreements. There is no enduring by "believers" in the church today. We see our needs not being met therefore we move to the next thing that will, for awhile, be all about us. Maybe this sounds a bit harsh. It's not my purpose to sound mean, but it is my purpose to get us to examine the true purpose of the church. If God has placed a desire in you to plant in an unreached area...then plant and plant deep. By all means, fulfill the calling God has placed on your life. BUT, if you are these believers who are moving from one place to the next...STOP. The purpose of the church is not for you to be pleased...The church is here for you to know Jesus then teach you how to make Him known...so go do it. To my church planting friends, I'm thrilled you are following God's will. To the Body, plant yourself in a place and serve Jesus.

Saturday's 7

• Another day of College Football...I love Saturdays.
• Awana starts tomorrow here at Southern Heights. I have to do the large group sessions...the one thing I told the church I would not do when I interviewed here was be involved in teaching children. It's not that I don't like kids, I love them. I just really stink at teaching them. I'll play all day long but if you ask me to share the David and Goliath story with them I'm not sure how much they'll understand after I explain the context of the story.
• I'm extremely excited about next Wed. night. After our Desiring More service we start our discipleship series at our house. I know what you are thinking, "Why would you do it after you just finished a service?" This was a strategic move that will enable us to only have the crowd that wants to grow...seriously wants to grow.
• What does a discipled believer look like? That is the question we'll battle through first. We'll lay out exactly what our students should look like and be able to accomplish after they leave our ministry.
• The Bobcats got beat by Yellville last night. Yellville had this whole "inside counter give" thing going on that our line just could not stop. Trulove, the quarterback, looked good and our receiving core is talented. We'll definitely get better.
• I want give two shout outs to Ellis Cook and Adam Noble. Ellis seemed to have his head in on every defensive play and Noble worked hard all night long. I was proud of these guys.
• I'm about to go watch some more football and wait for the next big upset...ROLL TIDE

Friday Five

As you guys I know I am back in school. I have finished up week 3 assignments, and I have gotten a head start and began writing my papers for week 4. Just so you too can know what I am having to deal with, I decided to give you 5 of the toughest subjects I have had to work my way through (warning- these are very sensitive, thought-provoking subjects. These are subjects we must constantly remind ourselves that we must believe what the word says and not "how we feel" on the subject):

• What is the purpose of the church? Is it for believers? Is it for non-believers? The question is not "what is the church?", but rather "Why does the church exist?"
• What is the nature of hell? Is it an everlasting place of fire and torment? Is it a place where you suffer for a time and then cease to exist? Don't be so quick to answer...there are some good arguments for both sides.
• Is man completely unable to do anything good? Did God choose some and not others? When Christ died on the cross, was that atonement sufficient for all or just the elect? Are the elect unable to resist God? Will all believers presevere till the end?
• What is the minimal amount of knowledge someone must have to be saved?
• What happens to those who never hear the gospel? Do they die without an opportunity to respond to Christ, or is there death after salvation for some?

I told you to be ready. These are just some of the things that I have been dealing with on a daily basis here for the past 3 weeks. I know that these subjects can definitely spark some heated discussions, but please know that is not my purpose. I just wanted you to know that I am dealing with some really tough things in scripture right now, and I would love it if you prayed for me as I figure out what I believe and why I believe it. I guess another main point in writing this post is for you to understand that what you hear from the pulpit or from the tv or from the articles may not always be biblically correct. Search it out for yourselves. Gather all the passages of scripture that you can find on a certain subject and read and pray. To be honest I have pretty much established myself where I stand on each of these subjects and if you would like to know what I believe and why, I'll be glad to tell you. Just know I am working hard in to be the best possible shepard I can be one day. Here is a verse for all you others who may have some influence on people spiritually...which would be ALL OF YOU!!:)

Ezekiel 3:17-1817 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. 18 If I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,'and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.

Labor Day

So for labor day, one of our most favorite families ever took us to enjoy the day on Table Rock Lake. I was really excited when they called and asked because this could be one of the nicest Lakes I have ever seen, and they say there are even nicer lakes in the area. So I jumped up and tied up the ole blue flowerdy swimsuit, lathered up some sun block, and headed with the family and some great friends to water. What made the day even funnier was I think Lisa may have been a little mad at Heath for some reason. I know what you are saying, "Ricky, married couples fighting is not funny." Well, you don't know Heath and Lisa. How can you be mad at Heath?

So as Lisa tried to be angry because Heath is a lot like me and not a very good planner, I laughed at Heath's remarks, "OH LISA!!" and "I LOVE YOU DARLING". And to make things even better, Heath and Lisa may be JP's favorite people in the whole world. I mean JP loves everybody at the church, but Heath and Lisa have this incredible place in his heart. So despite no naps, no toys, just the parents and some cool people...JP had his best day ever. He never whined, cried, or got mad...It was amazing. Then we jumped on some jet skis, rode on the lake over to Pizza Hut and ate, tubed, and just had a blast hanging out. JP loved the jet ski and probably could have stayed on it all day. He was constantly yelling over the engine, "Daddy...can I touch the water", "Daddy...what's that?", Daddy...look at the boat". I heard "daddy" enough to last me a lifetime. Thanks to some incredible friends, Arkansas is getting better and better...as if it could get any better?

Confessions of a Youth Pastor: My Mad Diary

OK... it's confession time...

To be honest with you, I'm not excited about this confession at all, but I know it is good to just lay things out on the table so here I go. I know this post is going to get the, "You are such a pansy" remarks but I'm prepared to take them all with dignity and honor. I watched this particular movie last night. This was only the second time I have ever seen it, but it is an incredibly powerful movie. Confession part 1: I cried watching it both times. Confession part 2: It was "Diary of a Mad Black Woman". I KNOW I KNOW!! Go ahead and let the laughs fly...I'm ok with it, but before you get to brutal let me explain. You know what...I can't explain. GO get the movie and check it out. And if you don't drop a tear, I'll call you heartless like I get called a pansy:)
Just found this...it's still good