DAN GOULD

FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Author: dgould77

  • Take All Of Me – Hillsong United

    This weekend I have plowed though a book by Craig Groeschel called “Confessions of a Pastor“! This is an amazing read!!! I can’t put the book down! It is refreshing to hear someone else talk about some of the things that I have thought. Even if you are not a pastor this is a good read not just to read, but to think through and apply. Craig’s transparency is very encouraging! While I have been reading I have also been listening to the new, or new to me, Hillsong United CD – The I Heart Revolution. The whole CD is fantastic but there is one song that God has been using while I have been reading to really speak to my heart. You may know it, it’s called Take all of Me! Incredible! If you have the time listen to the words as you watch the video below. If your looking for a good read that will challenge your everyday, pick up “Confessions of a Pastor“!

    Vodpod videos no longer available.

  • The I Heart Revolution – Hillsong United

    I bought this CD yesterday! It is so good and really does compel me to worship. God is using Hillsong United to inspire this generation to truly worship not just with words but with actions. That our life would be an extension of worship that is pleasing to God!  Will you join the I heart revolution?

    Vodpod videos no longer available.

  • BroomBall @ The Ice – Stonbrier Mall

    Last Night, Fusion went to play broom-ball at The Ice at Stonebrier Mall.  Until last night I had never played but heard great things about it.  We had a great time.  We laughed when others fell and got caught up in the heat of competition.  For me, the highlight was not only playing with the students, but the fact that my 4 year old played right next to me the whole game.  He did awesome!!!  Here are some pics from last night!

  • Matthew 15:32-16:12

    “Watch out!” Jesus warned them. “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” v. 16:6

    It took the disciples a long time to understand what Jesus was saying.  The key word in this passage is yeast.  To understand what Jesus is truly saying we have to understand what yeast does to bread.  Just a little bit of yeast affect the whole batch of dough causing it to rise.  Jesus is teaching that just a little bit of wrong teaching can and will affect many people.  Ouch!

    Let’s break it down for today.  Maybe you don’t teach in a church setting.  However, you are teaching everyday by your words, actions, and attitudes.  If you have kids, you are teaching life long lessons with every word, action, or attitude.  If you have friends you are modeling something to them.  If you have a job, your attitude is saying something to co-workers and your boss.

    Today, lets take Jesus words to heart and begin to think about our influence in the diferent arenas of life we venture.  May we tak advantage of the opportunities and represent Christ in all areas of our life.

  • Mark 7:1-37

    “And then he added, ‘It is what comes from inside that defiles you.  For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder,  adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.’” v. 20-23

    An Evil action begins with a single thought.  Allowing our mind to dwell on lust, envy, hatred, or revenge will lead to sin.  Don’t defile yourself by focusing on evil.  Instead, follow Paul’s advice in Philippians 4:8 and think about what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable!  — NLT Life Application Study Bible

    “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8

  • Double Rainbow

    Last night we didn’t really get any rain but it looked like it would let loose at any moment.  However, from our front porch we saw one of the clearest rainbows I have ever seen.  Actually if you look close enough, you can see two rainbows!!! Enjoy!

    Thanks God for the beauty and reminder of you love for your creation.  Every Rainbow is our constant reminder of your promise and faithfulness to us!

  • John 6:41-71

    “At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him.  Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, ‘Are you also going to leave?’

    Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.’” v. 66-69

    Jesus has just given a hard teaching about being the bread of life.  There was a great debate and people began to choose sides and many deserted him.  The people liked seeing the miracles but rejected the message.  Here is what the NLT Life Application Study Bible had to say that I thought was very good and helpful:

    Why did Jesus word cause many of his followers to desert him?

    1. They may have realized that he wasn’t going to be the conquering Messiah-King they expected.
    2. He refused to give into their self-centered requests.
    3. He emphasized faith not deeds.
    4. His teachings were difficult to understand, and some of his word were offensive.

    As we grow in our faith we may be tempted to turn away because Jesus’ lessons are difficult.  Will your response be to give up, ignore certain teachings, or reject Christ?  Instead, ask God to show you what the teachings mean and how to apply them to your life.  Then have the courage to act on God’s Truth!

  • Why Did I Get Married?

    Last Night Stephanie and I watched a movie that we have had for almost a month, the advantage of blockbusters movie pass, called Why did I get Married? At first, I was less than enthusiastic to watch it. But I have to admit, it was really good. Steph and I have a good marriage, but we saw ourselves in one particular couples situation. I know for me, my ribs hurt from her elbowing me every time a point was made. But this movie took real life situations and drew you into them. Each couple had their own challenge. It made me think about how much I do appreciate my wife and how I can show that in more tangible ways.

    Men, I know it sounds like a chick flick, but its not. In fact, you can watch it and still keep your man card!!!!!

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  • I lost to a 4 year old!!!!

    This morning Josiah and I played “A Day with Thomas” board game.  He was winning when we quit.  After we picked up all the pieces I was giving him a hug and told him he did a good job because he won.  he paused for a minute and then said, “Dad, that makes you a looser!”

  • John 6:22-40

    “They replied, ‘We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?’

    Jesus told them, ‘This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.’” v. 28-29

    Did you know . . .

    • God loves you just the way you are?
    • God has a plan for your life?
    • You can’t earn God’s love?
    • You can’t earn your way to Heaven?
    • You can be forgiven?
    • Through Jesus, you can be changed from the inside out?

    People have tried many things to “feel good” spiritually.  They have this idea that if they go to church enough, do enough good things, be baptized, or even pray, read the bible, serve in a church that they will please God and have a relationship with him.  Jesus says that it’s not about all these things.  Don’t get these backwards, all of the things above are things you should do because you have a relationship with God not because you want a relationship with God.  Jesus says the first step to a relationship with God is this:

    “Jesus told them, ‘This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.””

    The NLT Life Application Study Bible had this to say today:

    Many sincere seekers for God are puzzled about what he wants them to do.  The religions of the world are people’s attempts to answer this question. But Jesus’ reply is brief and simple: We must believe on him whom God has sent.  Satisfying God does not come from the work we do, but from whom we believe.  The first step involves accepting that Jesus is who he claims to be.  All spiritual development is built on this affirmation.  Declare to Jesus, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God” and embark on a life of belief that is satisfying to your Creator.