DAN GOULD

FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Author: dgould77

  • Mark 14:26-52

    “They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, ‘Sit here while I go and pray.’ 33 He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. 34 He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’

    35 He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. 36 “Abba, Father,”[h] he cried out, ‘everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’

    37 Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 38 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.’

    39 Then Jesus left them again and prayed the same prayer as before. 40 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. And they didn’t know what to say.

    41 When he returned to them the third time, he said, ‘Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!’” v.32-41

    I can’t imagine how Jesus felt knowing that he was soon going to be betrayed and taken away to be beat, spat upon, mocked, rejected by those he loved and poured his life into, and ultimately crucified.  As He prayed, He prayed that there could be another way, but regardless, He wanted the Fathers will to be done, not His.  As His disciples slept Jesus prayed.  They didn’t quite get the urgency of the moment, or have the strength the stay awake.  I am sure this added to the hurt that Jesus was feeling knowing what was about to happen.  I thought these notes today were good and really spoke to my heart:


    You may not face execution for your faith, but you will probably face many problems that wear you down.  You deal with irritating people whom you must love and serve; you face the burden of unfinished tasks or lack of obvious results; you cope with helpers who let you down of fail to comprehend.  Remember that in times of great stress, you are vulnerable to temptation, even if you have a willing spirit.  Jesus explained how to resist this from happening:

    1. Keep Watch – stay awake and be morally vigilant
    2. Pray to God – this is how to maintain your vigilance
    3. Seek support of friends and loved ones – this is how you build up your resistance and help others; when one is weak, others are strong.
    4. Focus on the purpose God has given you – This is how you do Gods will not your own.

    Father help me to listen to the Spirit, when my body is weak!

  • John 17

    “‘Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 19 And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.’” v.13-19

    In John chapter 17, we see Jesus praying for Himself, His Disciples, and Future Followers.  His overall message is that we would become ONE just as He and the Father are ONE.  In this he prays that His Followers would know the truth of His word, and be in the world but not of the world.  The only way this can happen is when we get serious about knowing God and we allow The Holy Spirit to reveal Truth to us.

    How do we get this truth?  Great question!  You can gain some of it by attending Church, but the best way to get to know God and His teachings is to spend time with Him on a daily basis.  When you do this, God will reveal himself in new ways.  Think of it like a conversation.  You speak to God through prayer, and he speaks to you through His Word.  Carve out time in your day to connect with God and you will see your relationship with Him grow stronger and deeper.

  • Halloween 08

    What a day!!  Josiah has been dressed as Spider-man all day.  He even wore it to the mall.  We had a great day today.  Played at the play area at Willow Bend Mall, played soccer in Old Navy and didn’t get kicked out, ate at Steak-n-Shake, and then went trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. The boys have enough candy to last throughout the year.  Here are some pics, enjoy!

  • Trick-or-Treat

    Josiah is excited about going trick or treating tonight!  He has never been and we will see how it goes.  He can decide if he wants to be a Ninja, Batman, Mr. Incredible, or Spider-man.  Lucky for us, he has all of these costumes because we collect them throughout the year.  Really today is no different than any other day at the Gould house; Josiah is always running around in some costume.  Last night when I got home from Worship practice he was Buzz Lightyear!  Should be a fun night, I’ll post pictures later!

    What are you or your kids dressing up for as Halloween?

  • John 16:5-33

    “But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate[a] won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.” v. 7-11

    Jesus again is preparing his Disciples for his death and Resurrection.  As he teaches them he talks about the Advocate that will come once He returns to Heaven.  This Advocate will do three important things:

    1. Convict the World of Sin
    2. Reveal Gods standard of Righteousness
    3. Proclaim the Truth of the Coming Judgment

    The Holy Spirit is active in our world today.  Some will respond to Him revealing God to us, while others will harden their hearts toward his leading.  However, one day, we will all have to respond to these three issues, Our Sin, Gods Righteousness, and Final Judgment. How are you responding to the work of the Holy Spirit?


  • Halloween Party at Josiah school

    This Afternoon I joined Josiah’s class for their Halloween Party (I don’t think they called it that) The party was filled with a really cool craft, a fun relay game, a glow in the dark bracelet, and of coarse food.  It was fun and I am glad that I went.  I was the only dad amongst the other moms!  Here are some pics from the party!

  • John 15:18-16:4

    “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.” v.16:1

    Jesus knows his time on earth is coming to an end.  These are some of his last words to prepare his disciples for what is coming.  He does this so they won’t abandon the faith!

    This is an important statement for us today also.  Being a Christ Follower doesn’t mean you will have an easy life.  From people to pleasures, each of us have our own challenges.  The important thing to remember is that we have an Advocate, in the Holy Spirit, and He will give us the strength we need to remain faithful to Jesus>

    Have you run into some challenges?  Talk to God and ask Him for help, don’t give up and know, that God cares for you and you are not alone!

  • “‘Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.‘” v.5

    This is a powerful passage and just reading the verse at the top doesn’t give it complete justice.  Jesus is once again teaching about the importance of being connected with Him.  Meaning:

    • You believe that He is God’s Son
    • You receive Him as Savior and Lord
    • You obey what God says
    • You continue to learn and believe the Good News
    • You love God and others

    Many people try to be good, honest people who do what is right.  But Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to him, like a branch attached to the vine.  Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful.  Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ, the vine?  If not, you are missing a special gift he has for you.

  • Happy B-Day Stephanie – Why I love my Wife

    Today is a special day for my wife, she turns . . . you’ll have to ask her, i don’t know that she wants that told to all my readers.  If you could tell her happy birthday here or here.  So in light of her special day I thought I would right down 10 reasons why, I love my wife!

    • From the moment we first started talking I knew you would one day be my wife! (Psalm 37:4)
    • We have some of the same dreams and desires in life!
    • I love what God is doing on the inside of you!
    • I love the way you make me feel on the inside!
    • You make me desire to be a better husband and father!
    • You get me, sometimes more than I get myself!
    • You sacrifice so much for me and our family!
    • You are a great Mom even in the challenges!
    • You make me laugh and are fun to be with!
    • You are the complete package and I am thankful that God put us together!
      (i could insert several cheesy movie lines here but this is heartfelt)

  • John 14:15-31

    “‘If you love me, obey[a] my commandments.‘” v. 15

    Love – it’s a word today that we throw around carelessly.  It’s really become something that is easy to say, without showing it with our actions.  Jesus hits on this also.  It is easy to say we love God, but do our actions reveal this.  I am not saying that you have to be perfect, I don’t think that is what Jesus is saying here either, but he does mention the word love several times in this passage followed by the word Obey.  When we love someone, we show that love for them with actions.  Jesus showed us how much he loved us by dying on a cross to forgive us of sin.  How am I revealing my love for Him?

    When we step out in faith, believing that Gods Word is true and Jesus came to rescue us from sin, that’s the first step toward a loving relationship with God.  We can’t do this on our own, we will fail!!! This is why Jesus is teaching about the Holy Spirit.

    In this passage Jesus also promises the Holy Spirit who will be an advocate on our behalf to God.  The Holy Spirit has and important and active role in the salvation and life of all that will be sensitive to God. Here are some truths about The Holy Spirit:

    • He will never leave us (14:16)
    • The world at large cannot receive Him (14:17)
    • He lives with us and in us (14:17)
    • He teaches us (14:26)
    • He reminds us of Jesus Words (14:26)
    • He convinces us of sin, shows God’s righteousness, and announces God’s judgment on evil (16:8)
    • He guides us into truth and gives us insight on future events (16:13)
    • He brings glory to Christ (16:14)

    The Holy Spirit has been active since the beginning, but after Jesus death, burial, and resurrection, the Holy Spirit is here to work in the lives of all people, pointing them to the Father.

    Today, will you ask the Holy Spirit to give you what ever you need to love God not just with words, but with obedience?