it's a choice

Today in my quiet time (don't laugh, I actually get some quiet time around here) I was thinking about how much stuff we all actually do.  I mean, we all work, play, laugh, love and whole lot of other things.  We are busy people! So how do we all do it? I mean, how do we all choose what kind of stuff will consume our day?  Lately I have had some interesting conversations about perspective and priorities and the choices we all have to make.

I am one of these people who gets very anxious about what I fill my day with. I mean, I actually spend time thinking and planning out my weeks and days. I try to be on purpose and make good choices with how I spend my day.  The key word here is "try".

There are two relationships that I choose to take priority in life.  My relationship with God and my relationship with my family.  And by family I mean my wife and kids. I have learned that I have no greater influence then on the lives of those who live under my roof.

With that said, I am very mindful of the time that I get to spend with my wife and of the very short time that I get to spend with my kids.  A wise man once told me this, "spend time with your kids while they still want to spend time with you".  I am living this out loud, loving these boys everyday while I can.

So what about God? How much time do we typically make for Him. It's easy to get busy and do all kinds of stuff, but it is not always easy to include God in our day. Someone recently said to me, "It's easy for you, you are a pastor. I am sure you spend a lot of time with God". Every day we make a choice about how we will spend our time. Minister or not, we all struggle sometimes struggle to take time to spend with God.

Our lives are filled with choices.  Choose to spend some time with God today. Pray, meditate or read His word. But above all else, love God.  It's a choice!

blessings,
dave

missions

So if you regularly read my blog you already know a little about me.  Mostly that we serve a great God at a great church.  For years our church has committed to reaching out to Ensenada Mexico and helping to build houses for families in need.

This July, Stacey, Zac and I will get to be a part of this mission.  We plan on spending a week working with other volunteers from Real Life Christian Church to build a house in Mexico. I am asking you to do two things.  Pray! This is out of our comfort zone for sure so you prayers are needed.  Second, if you are able, please help us financially make this happen.  My trip will cost an additional $950. and both Stacey and Zac also need to raise their $950.

I already know that God wants us in Mexico this July, so by faith I believe He will provide the way.  If you feel led to help us financially, please contact me or visit my fundraising page at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/davehanvey/real-life-christian-church

This is gonna be an amazing trip.  I can not wait to see what God is up to in Mexico!

blessings,

dave

   

community

So every week 30 or 40 of us meet in a small group/teaching environment called .NET (dot net).  It has been a true blessing for me to see this group make real connections. Community. That's what it's all about.  It's about being real and exploring the truth about what, and who we are.  God wired us for relationship.  So often we hide in a corner instead of reaching out and experiencing the joy of meaningful relationships.

It has been a real joy for me to be a part of this group.  Genuine, life changing fellowship is happening @ Real Life folks.

God is good!

a new year, a new season

The wonderful thing about a new year is that sense of newness. That sense that you now have a second chance. Every year end I find that I do some serious reflecting, or soul searching if you will. It is a great time to take stock of the blessings in your life and to look over the things that were (or were not) accomplished.

Although 2010 was great year for us in lots of ways, I can't help but look at the year ahead with great anticipation. I feel a real sense of direction and have a clear determination about the things that God has laid in my path for 2011.

A couple of things that I am committed to and looking forward to this new year..........

Blended ~ a daily Bible reading plan. I read regularly but I am pumped about this plan

365 ~ A new self portrait everyday for the calendar year of 2011

Fitness ~ This is my last year in my "30's" so I wanna go into March 2012 as a healthier, thinner 40 year old.

blessings,

dave

10 Signs that We Don’t Believe in the Power of the Holy Spirit

I read this today after having a similar conversation with a friends recently.  

Courtesy of Tony Morgan ~ I was thinking about how little we talk about the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives as Christ-followers. I began to consider how I live out my life, and, I was convicted…which, by the way, is one indication that the Holy Spirit is active in our lives. I thought it might be good to consider the conversation here especially as it relates to leaders in the Church. Based on that, here are…

1.We are experiencing anxiety and bitterness in our lives rather than joy and kindness. (Galatians 5:22-23)

2.We can’t remember the last time we prayed for the people we lead. (Romans 8:26)

3.The churches we lead aren’t growing and reaching more people. (Acts 9:31)

4.The churches we lead aren’t outreach focused. (Acts 1:8)

5.We think it’s our responsibility to convict people of sin. (John 16:8)

6.We are stuck in sinful patterns rather than pursuing the things of God. (Galations 5:16:17)

7.We think we have the power to change people. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)

8.We are more concerned about the rules than we are our freedom in Christ. (Galations 3:2-3)

9.We think we can explain the mysteries of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12)

10.We are creating division and aren’t promoting unity within the Church. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

It might be good to begin the week and this next season of ministry by studying and praying through this list. My prayer is that your life and your ministry would continue to experience its fullest potential in the power of the Holy Spirit.

dave