Do The Stands Always Know More Than The Field

Earlier this year I attended a football game at the University of Louisiana at Monroe with my good friend Dennis Wills. With funnel cake in hand and the rain pouring the stage was set for a great college football game. However it didn't take long for me to realize that the best referees, the best coaches, and the best players were apparently in the stands not on the field. I found it very entertaining to listen to a bunch of guys that were sitting in the stands talk about how bad the coaches, players, and refs were. Of course this was coming from a bunch of guys who looked like they couldn't jog ten yards without an oxygen mask attached to their face.


It amazes me how many people sit on the sidelines of life and constantly complain about those that are willing to step onto the playing field of life. You must realize that there is no risk involved in sitting on the sideline. There is no chance of failure, ridicule, disappointment, or embarrassment by sitting in the stands. However the opposite is true for those that are willing to step onto the field. They constantly expose themselves to the possibility of failure, to the ridicule of others, and to the disappointment of expectations. Anybody can sit in the stands and complain, but it takes special people that are willing to step onto the field and make a difference in the situation.


We see this play out in so many areas of life. People complain about the government, but then they never vote. They complain about the crime in their neighborhood, but they never join the neighborhood watch. They complain about kids that are always in trouble, but they never take the time to be a mentor to one. They complain about the less fortunate being neglected, but they never volunteer at a local shelter. They complain about Christian principles being abandoned by the majority, but they never give any time of their life to help change the tide.


So today I want to congratulate those that have stepped onto the playing field of life and are endeavoring to make a difference in the world in which you live. So the claryism for today is to get out of the stands and get onto the field and help change the world in which you live.



david

Post Christmas Thoughts

We are three days removed from Christmas Day and I find myself in a reflective mind set. Our Church Christmas Musical and Banquet has come and gone. Our family dinner and gift sharing is a thing of the past. The tree and lights will be coming down tomorrow and the stockings will be stored away till this time next year. So as the dust settles from our Holiday activities reality comes screaming back into our faces.

The short reprieve has been lifted and the burden of the day has found its way back into my mind. The responsibilities of a Husband, Father, and Pastor have stormed back to the forefront of my mind. Responsibilities that are to great for me to achieve on my on. My strength is not sufficient, my knowledge and wisdom falls short of the needed requirement.  However, I find comfort and reassurance in knowing that Jesus is walking the path with me. He is the strength that sustains me through the test and storms of life. He contains the keys to the knowledge and wisdom that I lack within myself. 

Jesus is the strong and mighty tower that we can run to in time of trouble. He is my shield and defense. He is full of compassion and his mercy endures to all generations. So as I begin to step into a new year that contains new challenges, and new possibilities I do so with strengthened and renewed faith in Jesus. For I am reminded that I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me!

david 

It has been to long since I have last posted on my blog, and a lot has transpired since then. We are about to begin our third year of Pastoring at First Pentecostal of Wisner. It is amazing how fast time goes by when you are having fun! We have been blessed to pastor wonderful people, and God has surrounded us with a great ministry team. I envision 2010 being a great year of harvest for our church!

Christy has gone back to Louisiana Tech to finish her education. She switched her major from Education to Geography, and is enjoying it so far. She is very involved in our Children's Ministry at the church, and like always my right hand man (woman). Stephanie is in kindergarden where she is growing up to fast. She is presently learning how to read and believes that she is the boss of the house.

I am the luckiest guy in the world. Married to a wonderful woman, the Father of a beautiful girl, and the Pastor of an awesome church that loves God. Planning on going to school starting in the fall of 2010 to further my education. Also hope to begin the rough draft to the first of three books that I hope to write. In short: Life is Good! I do hope to start updating the blog once a week on Monday's. So check back in from time to time and see how God is continuing to bless our family and our church.


david

What is a Disciple?

To understand what a disciple is we must first understand what a disciple is not. A disciple is not just someone who sits on a pew and claims to be a member in a church. A disciple is not someone who only shows up once a week and gives an offering. Being on a church committee or teaching a class does not make one a disciple. In fact adhering to Acts 2:38 does not make a person a disciple. There is a stark difference between a believer and a disciple.

The journey from believer to disciple is a long journey in which an individual not only obtains knowledge of Christian principles, but lives by Christian principles, and endeavors to share those Christian principles with others. According to Webster’s Dictionary, “a disciple is one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.” A disciple is someone who is self-maintaining and self-disciplined in Christian principles. A disciple is also someone who can give an answer to anyone that ask a question concerning his Christian faith (1 Peter 3:15).

My growing concern of the present church is the ever growing numbers of believers and the shrinking numbers of disciples. In a numbers-driven society we have to often sacrificed discipleship and settled for believers, and thereby we are creating a church full of spiritual babies. They too often wear down the ministry and drive good men and women into a state of burn out from the constant maintenance that is required for them. We can’t afford to settle for believers. We must continue the journey to spiritual maturity and make disciples of all men!

The next church service you walk into honestly answer the question, “How many disciples are here?” Then ask yourself, “Am I one of them?"

Oh Happy Birthday!

In case any of you missed the memo; yesterday was my 29th Birthday. Yes, I am officially one number closer to the big 30. It was a great day spent with family and friends. Thanks to everyone for the cards and emails. It meant alot. Of course no Birthday is complete without a cake and gift. As always Christy and Stephanie came through strong.



The official warning went out to all facial hair yesterday that you are no longer safe! The old, dull, and ineffective Norelco has been replaced with a newer, smarter, and sharper Norelco. And now more than ever I am prepared to tackle the world and be propelled into my destiny with a smoother and closer shave!


In His Steps,

David

Toby Mac was Sweet!

This past weekend was incredible! We did a student encounter for Pastor Wayne Compton in Grand Ledge, Michigan. We started it out right by taking the group to a Toby Mac concert on Friday night. It was my first Toby Mac encounter and I was blown away by the performance! The group had a great time and it set the stage for an awesome weekend.

Me and Christy did sessions throughout the day on Saturday and had a great time interacting with the young people. The day would not have been complete without a digital scavenger hunt. This was a great group of young people and we were honored to have the opportunity to invest in their lives.

The weekend ended on a high note Sunday as we Baptized two in Jesus Name and two more received the Holy Ghost! Special thanks to their Youth Pastor Arash and to the Compton's for the hospitality.

In His Steps,

David

Sorry that it has been so long since my last post, but it has been a very busy last few months. For those that do not know I incorporated David Clary Ministries this summer, got a website built, coordinated Week of Anointing in West Monroe, been coordinating Hope:Detroit, and have preached every week as well. So again I say it has been a very busy last few months!

God has been moving in such a powerful way every where we have been. We have seen the lost saved, the sick healed, and the backslider restored! We are currently in the final stages of Hope:Detroit in which we are seeing the resources we need come together. I will be updated the blog on a weekly basis from now on and hope to have some pictures next week of where we are in Michigan. Please keep us in your prayers.


David