Author Archives: normdave

“The servant-leader is servant first. It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. The best test is: do those served grow as persons; do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more likely to become servants?” Robert K. Greenleaf “And now, aContinue reading “Servant/Slave…”

The Bible was written on three continents. Asia. Africa. Europe. In three languages. Hebrew. Aramaic. Greek. By more than 40 different men: Shepherds. Kings. Prophets. Fishermen. A tax collector. A doctor. A tentmaker. Written in palaces and prisons. In deserts and cities. In freedom and in exile. Across roughly 1,500 years. 66 books. One continuousContinue reading “The Bible…”

“But the word of God grew and multiplied.”‭‭Acts‬ ‭12‬:‭24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.”‭‭Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.””‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭10‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

““Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.””‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭9‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.” – JonathanContinue reading “Colorado Fire, day 12…”

““Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.””‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭9‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, andContinue reading “Colorado Fire, day 10…”

“So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.”‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭6‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that?’ asks the Lord. ‘Could you build meContinue reading “Colorado Fire, day 9…”

At the church… “And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.””‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭5‬:‭42‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.””‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, withContinue reading “Colorado Fire, day 6…”

“But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭2‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

““Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!””‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We are spending the night in Santa Fe New Mexico and will travel to Pueblo Colorado tomorrow… “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We are addicted to the spectacular. We want the wind that splits the rocks, the earthquake that shakes the mountains, the fire that rains from heaven. And we assume the most gifted, the most charismatic, the most intelligent, the most powerful person is the one whom God will use the most.But watch what happened toContinue reading “Prep Day-Colorado…”

We are all safe at our homes in different parts of Arizona. Grateful to serve God as members of the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief ministry… “And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.”‭‭Philemon‬Continue reading “TS Arthur, Louisiana, day 9…”

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Jesse, Pat and myself visited the last to sort things, as the rest of our team packed up all of our gear. Around 1000 we left Bayou Des Glaises church and drove to Big Spring Texas. Of course, that included a stop at Buc-es’s. “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man inContinue reading “TS Arthur, Louisiana, day 7”

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭11‬Continue reading “TS Arthur, Louisiana, day 4…”

Our crew, from left to right, Pat, Russ, Mike, Robbie, Michelle and Diana. We have all worked together on numerous callouts… “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “May you alwaysContinue reading “TS Arthur, Louisiana, day 3…”

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We hit some bad weather and this instruction came in handy as Russ and I had many praying for us. “May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love ourContinue reading “TS Arthur, Louisiana, day 2…”

Sadly, this establishment had run out of food, but the owner directed us to a Mexican restaurant down the road and from what my teammates shared, it was delicious! The best thing is that we prayed for our server as she said she was a tough time as of late. We prayed and shared aboutContinue reading “TS Arthur, Louisiana, day one…really…”

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Good council when you have bad wheels…

“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Tis not that I did choose Thee For, Lord, that could not be. This heart would still refuse Thee But Thou has chosen me. A back in day hymn… JesusContinue reading “Ephesians 1:4…”

“Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.Continue reading “Jesus Teaches…”

The mind of God is revealed in the Word of God, and the mind of the Christian NEEDS to know the Word of God in order to be guided by it. “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live inContinue reading “The Mind of Christ…”

God loved the world of sinners lost And ruined by the fall; Salvation full, at highest cost, He offers free to all. Martha M. Stockton.

Christ stands without your door and gently knocks, But if your gold or swine the entrance blocks, He forces no man’s hold- he will depart And leave you to the treasures of your heart. No cumbered chamber will the Master share, But one swept bare By cleansing fires, then plenished fresh and fair With meeknessContinue reading “…At the Door…”

Jesus, Savior, pilot me Over life’s tempestuous sea: Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rocks and treacherous shoals; Chart and compass come from Thee- Jesus, Savior, pilot me! Edward Hooper.

“He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established; He will not be afraid, Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.”‭‭Psalms‬ ‭112‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ If the Lord be with us, we have no cause to fear. His eye is upon us, His arm overContinue reading “No Fear…”

Yesterday is a cancelled check… Tomorrow is a promissory note… Today is ready cash!!!… Pray today about how you will spend your cash. May we all spend it wisely… “because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away,Continue reading “Yesterday, Tomorrow, Today…”

The last twelve days have been such a great gift from the Lord. Our team worked so well together, we had many close calls but managed to come home with all of our digits. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the lifeContinue reading “Ruidoso New Mexico Chainsaw, closed…”

“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and thenContinue reading “Ruidoso New Mexico Chainsaw, day eleven…”

“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭

After a nice lunch we were blessed with nice weather to perform much needed maintenance on our equipment… “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, FeedContinue reading “Ruidoso New Mexico Chainsaw, day 8…”

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest partsContinue reading “Ruidoso New Mexico Chainsaw, day seven…”

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”‭‭Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ God is good toContinue reading “Ruidoso New Mexico Chainsaw, day 4…”

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬ ‭

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”‭‭I Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ FBC Ruidoso parking lot…

Blessed are all those who put their trust in Jesus Christ!!!

Somewhere beyond the stars Is a Love that is better than Fate, And when night unlocks her bars, I shall see Him, and I shall wait.

“God stands in the shadows, keeping watch over His own.” Esther’s Hebrew name was Hadassah, which means “star.” PROVIDENCE, is the way God leads the man who will not be led… God is behind the scenes, keeping watch over His own… What a sad commentary on our present day that most Christians only know GodContinue reading “Book of Esther…”

“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”‭‭Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “For such a time as this,” look forward toContinue reading “Home Safe…”

“Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,”‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“A song of ascents. By David: Oh, how good, how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in harmony.”‭‭Tehillim (Psa)‬ ‭133‬:‭1‬ ‭CJB‬‬ It is such a blessing to serve the Lord and work with our brothers and sisters from AZDR and California Disaster Relief…

“Don’t withhold good from someone entitled to it when you have in hand the power to do it.”‭‭Mishlei (Pro)‬ ‭3‬:‭27‬ ‭CJB‬‬

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.”‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

““But do not fear, O My servant Jacob, And do not be dismayed, O Israel! For behold, I will save you from afar, And your offspring from the land of their captivity; Jacob shall return, have rest and be at ease; No one shall make him afraid. Do not fear, O Jacob My servant,” saysContinue reading “Jeremiah 46: 27-28…”

There’s something about Israel that makes people uncomfortable, and it’s not what they say it is. They’ll point to politics, settlements, borders, and wars. But scratch beneath the outrage, and you’ll find something deeper. A discomfort not with what Israel does, but with what Israel is. A nation this small should not be this strong.Continue reading “There is something about…”

“Now the king was sitting in the winter house in the ninth month, with a fire burning on the hearth before him. And it happened, when Jehudi had read three or four columns, that the king cut it with the scribe’s knife and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until allContinue reading “The Bible…”

““Now you shall say to this people, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.”‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭21‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ God is saying the same thing today! He has provided His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die for us, to pay our sin debts, arising so weContinue reading “The way of life, The way of death…”

You are a Christian, and someone quoted this verse to you. Remind them of the very next verse… “I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.”‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Only God can make a heart transplant! If youContinue reading “Your heart is filthy…”