Dan Gould

Tag: Dan Gould

  • Bible Challenge – Romans 1

    “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes – the Jew first and also the Gentile.” Romans 1:16

    I’m always encouraged and challenged when I read this passage of Scripture.  It’s as if Paul is giving his team a pep talk before a big game reminding them of the power of God that’s at work in us and through us.  Personally, I could almost see these words after this verse, “Now get out there and live like it!” That’s in the (DGV – Dan Gould Version) I truly believe if I and other Christians lived out this verse, things would be different in our world today.

    Living this out doesn’t mean we wearing shirts that have Chistianese on them, or becoming legalistic and judgmental.  Living this out means that we talk and live what we believe so others can see Christ in us.  Living this out means that when opportunities come to share about Christ, we step forward in faith instead of shrinking back in fear. Living this out means that we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and not our own knowledge and power. Living this out simply means expressing on the outside what we believe on the inside. It’s our opportunity to live for Christ so others can see Christ!

    Father today, help me live in away that please you and reveals Christ to others. Let me take advantage of the opportunities you give me! Let me live out loud so others can see you in me. I pray these things in Jesus Name, Amen!

    When you read Romans 1 what speaks to you?


  • Bible Challenge – Colossians 4

    “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5

    One of my greatest regrets as a teenager, is the fact that my double lifestyle didn’t influence anyone for the Kingdom.  Yes I had friends and many of them were just like me, good kids that didn’t get in any serious trouble. But when I look back on that now, I have to confess I didn’t live wisely among them.  Though I was a Christian, they would have never known it by watching my life.  Now I’m not saying that I wish I would have taken my family Bible to School and beat people to death with it, or stood up on a lunchroom table and shouted ‘turn or burn!’ (that’s weird to me!) I simply wish I would have taken the opportunity to be a light in the everyday hustle and bustle of High School.

    Now fast forward 15 years to today. One of the reasons I work with teenagers is because I want them to take advantage of some of the opportunities that I never took advantage of.  The reason I post scripture and random thoughts or experiences on  Facebook, Twitter, and this Blog, are all done with the hope of taking advantage of every opportunity I have to live wisely and encourage others with the Hope and Forgiveness I have found in Christ Jesus. Am I perfect …. NO WAY!!! But I try to live everyday in a way that first please God, and second, can inspire others.

    I don’t know about you, but I want to maximize my influence by living wisely so others can find Christ, or be encouraged in their journey with Him.  At the end of this life, I want to hear, “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant!” not, I wish you would have …!  What about you? How will you use the opportunity you have to influence others?

    Father, I am excited about the opportunities you give me, but help me see the opportunities I am not seeing.  Let me be a light even if no-one else is watching.  Help me to live wisely in all areas of my life, not just the ones where I think I need to. Help me to be authentic and real whether I am in private or in public, so you are glorified and pleased by the way that I live. May my life be an example to many! In Jesus Name I pray, Amen!

    When you read Colossians 4 what speaks to you?

     

  • Bible Challenge – Colossians 3

    Put on the new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Colossians 3:10

    I have most of chapter 3 highlighted in my Bible.  The battle between the old nature and new nature rages on with every thought, action, and situation.  Someday are better than others! On these days I feel like I am making real advances in becoming Christ like.  But if I am real honest, I am at this point in my journey with Christ that I don’t want to just be good enough.  I don’t want to just go through the motions because I should or because I have learned its what I am supposed to do as a Christ Follower.  I want everyday to be fresh, new, inspiring, and challenging in the sense that I am learning to be WITH Him.  These two words BE RENEWED, are words that I need to hear today.

    Many times I am so busy with the next thing, that I don’t take time to be renewed.  I’m sure I am not the only one.  Today I am praying that God would …

    1. Renew my Love for Him.
    2. Renew my Mind.
    3. Renew my Passion for the Gospel.
    4. Renew my Calling.

    Father these are the things that are dear to my heart today.  Would you do a work in me that renews and restores even the deepest darkest parts of who I am .  May I learn to take time to seek renewal and restoration.  Let me learn, love, live, and lead in the overflow of your grace and forgiveness. In Christ Name I pray, Amen!

    When you read Colossians 3 what speaks to you?


  • Bible Challenge – Colossians 2

    “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord,  you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. THEN your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7

    It is said that the strength of a tree is found in the strength of it’s roots.  The bigger the tree, the deeper and wider the roots of that tree have to be to support that tree.  For this tree to have fully developed roots, it’s important that the tree get the right amount of water and be planted in the right spot for maximum growth.  A tree can look healthy from an outward appearance, but sometimes all it takes is one good storm to reveal how weak the roots were, by blowing the tree over.

    Just like the tree, it’s important that I have strong roots also.  Accepting Christ is just the beginning process of my growth as a Christ follower. For me to have fully developed roots, these 2 things are very important:

    • That I am feeding on the right thing!

    What do I think about? What do I read? What do I listen too? What do I watch? What do I talk about?  All of these impact what I become.  If I want to have strong roots, I have to begin feeding on the right things.  If I am not reading Gods Word, meditating (thinking) about how to apply what it says, listening to the right voices, looking at the right things, and talking about the right stuff, I’m not allowing my roots to develop in a way that can sustain my life when a storm comes. I am not saying this to be legalistic, I am simply stating that these things are important for your growth.  They impact you in ways you may not realize, and lets be honest, sometimes they impact us in ways we try to hide or deny!

    • That I am being planted in the right spot!

    Who do you hang out with? Where do you spend your time? I’m sure the list can go on! But for me, I’ve learned that these to things have the greatest impact on me.  When I am around negative people, I become negative. When I am around positive people, I can be positive. Because my surroundings impact me so much I have to make sure my surroundings enhance my growth not inhibit my growth.  This is difficult, but very important. Think about how many times you’ve been caught in the moment, or in the wrong place at the wrong time. If it wasn’t your idea, then it was someones idea and they convinced you to go a long with it!  So don’t overlook this! Being planted in the right spot is vitally important and gives your roots the ability to grow to the depth and width needed in order for you to sustain and endure the storms of life.

    Father today, help me to follow you WHEREVER you lead.  I want to focus on the right things and make sure I am being planted in the right spots.  Give me the confidence and the power to do the hard things so that I continue to grow in the things that are seen and in the things that are unseen!  It’s in Jesus Name I pray, Amen!

    When you read Colossians 2 what speaks to you?


  • Bible Challenge – Colossians 1

    Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, Colossians 1:15

    Who do you say Jesus is? This is one of the strongest statements about the divine nature of Christ anywhere in the Bible. How I answer this question is important, because what I believe about Jesus impacts how I live … or it should! Because of who he is, I can see who I am, and how much I need Him in my life. The fact that He was fully man, allows me to relate to Him, and the fact that He was fully God, allows me to surrender to Him. So maybe the real question today is this, What will my life tell others about Jesus today?

    Father today, help me to live what I believe! Help me to see Jesus in the light of your Word fully man, but fully God. Help me experience Him as Savior and surrender to Him as Lord so that I don’t miss any opportunity you bring my way. In Christ Name I pray!

    When you read Colossians 1 what speaks to you?


  • Bible Challenge – Philippians 4

    Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

    Confession, I worry much, and pray little.  For some reason, of all the spiritual disciplines, prayer seems to be the most difficult for me.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I pray, just not as much as I’d like too.  However, when it comes to worry, I can do that without even thinking about it.  Sometimes even my worries have worries.  I’ve had sleepless nights where my mind is racing with thoughts that I cant get rest I need.  I’ve had days where I’ve tried to work faster, longer, and harder to make something happen, as if to eliminate a worry.  Sometimes, these things have worked … but many times they haven’t. But when I pray, something different happens!

    Sometimes, prayer is a hard concept to understand until you experience it for yourself. Two years ago, it seemed my life was flipped upside down. Our youngest son was having seizures and spending time in the hospital, there was pressure at church, our finances were a rec because of medical bills, and to top it off, I found out that I had high blood pressure. (wonder why) It was in this time that I realized something had to change or I was going to worry myself to death.  I remember praying and asking God, “Why?”, “Why is this happening?”, “What is going on?”, “Why, did you move us here away from all of our friends to go though something like this alone?”

    You name it I asked it! It caused me to pray, not just pretty, feel, good, Sunday school prayers.  It caused me to pray as if my life depended on it! In this time I was also reading His Word searching for guidance, encouragement, and answers.  The more I prayed, the more peace I felt, the more I read, the more confidence I gained.  Through this process God was doing something on the inside of me that was radical to the things He had done in the past.  My worry was decreasing and worship was increasing. I understood that in the midst of chaos, God still had control and He was refining me in the process.

    Today,  because I have experienced the power, peace, and the presence of God that comes from prayer, I understand how vitally important prayer and time spent alone with Him is. Now, my desire is to spend more time with God by praying and reading.  I’m learning to talk with God about the little things and not just the big things and it’s changing my life, one prayer at a time.

    Father, thank you for all you have done! Your presence, power, and peace can’t be described in words, but must be experienced. Help me not to try to control situations, but to pray about EVERYTHING knowing that you are in control.  Let me pray with urgency, because my life truly does depend on it! In, Jesus Name I pray, Amen!

    When you read Philippians 4 what speaks to you?


  • Bible Challenge – Philippians 3

    Dear Brothers and Sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are enemies of the cross of Christ. Philippians 3:17-18

    If my life was a realty show and I had a camera on me 24/7, what would others see? Would I be myself or would I act differently knowing that others were watching? Would others be encouraged or disappointed? Would I be seen as being a person with real faith or a person who is real fake?  Paul was so confident in the way that he lived that he told others to follow his example. He understood that if people were going to believe in Christ, they were going to have to see a real live example of what a Christ Follower looks like.  Today, it’s no different!  The world around me needs to see Christ in my life so they can see what it means to be a Christ Follower.

    Now this doesn’t mean that I put on a show as to say, “Hey, look at me!” It simply means that I live a humble imperfect life that allows people to see the how Jesus can impact someones life.  Please understand that it doesn’t mean that life will be easy either. In fact, being a Christ Follower can be very challenging because it goes against our sinful nature.  But it can also be very rewarding because of our pursuit to be used in powerful ways and to do good things. Either way, I want to live in a way that others can see Jesus in me.

    Here are two questions I am asking myself today:

    1. How close am I truly following Jesus? What areas do I need to surrender control over to Him?
    2. If someone followed my example, whether a new believer or a mature believer, what kind of Christ Follower would they become?

    Father today, examine my life and show me the areas that I am still trying to control. Give me a passion, a burning desire, for Your Word and Your Way, where I can’t help but live it, talk it, and share it! I want to know you more so I can experience the Power that raised Christ from the dead! Yes Lord, this is the desire of my heart!!! It’s in Jesus Name I pray, Amen!

    When you read Philippians 3 what speaks to you?


  • Bible Challenge – Philippians 2

    You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

    Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

    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 confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

    The same attitude as Christ …. wow I have some work to do! Sometimes I take this out of context and think that Jesus never got mad or felt a negative emotion. If that was the case he would have not been fully man like he was fully God. What made Jesus different from me was the attitude in which He lived. Even though He was mad and turned over tables in the temple, He did not sin! His anger was a holy anger. (now just because I may put the word holy in front of the word anger when I am angry, doesn’t mean that my attitude is the same as what Jesus had.) Jesus felt emotion, but in these moments he did not sin!

    This is very important! He could have very easily went off with his words, could have retaliated, could have even went OT and called out some bears to take care of the Pharisees, but He didn’t! Why, because He came to serve and He knew there was much more at stake. You see, Jesus knew how to live in the moment without getting caught in the moment. He kept His eyes on the Father instead of the things happening around Him. He kept his attitude surrendered to fulfilling the purpose in which He came … to rescue all from the bondage of sin!

    Often times people excuse selfishness, pride, or evil by claiming their rights. They think, “I can cheat on this test; after all, I deserve to pass the class,” or “I can spend all this money on myself – I worked hard for it,” or “I can get an abortion; I have a right to control my own body.” But as believers, we should have a different attitude, one that enables us to lay aside our rights in order to serve others. If we say we follow Christ, we must also say we want to live as He lived. We should develop His attitude of humility as we serve, even when we are not likely to get recognition for our efforts. This leaves me asking the question, Am I selfishly clinging to my rights, or am I willing to serve?

    Father, today, let be me mindful of the things Christ did for me. Let me remember how he lived in the moment but didn’t get caught in the moment. How he showed emotion but kept under control in every situation. Help me to live today with eyes on you and not what happens around me. Help me to live in the moment, but not get caught in the moment, so you can have the greatest influence on my life and the lives of others that are watching. I Jesus Name I Pray, Amen!

    When you read Philippians 2 what speaks to you?


  • Bible Challenge – Philippians 1

    And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6

    Under construction or flip this life are just two phrases that describe my life in this verse. Praise Jesus that what I am today is not the finished product! (And Everyone says …. AMEN). The truth is, I am still in the refining process. In this process God is refining my character and building my integrity through the time I spend with Him. These aren’t the only things God is flipping in my life. He’s also growing and stretching my faith, purifying my thoughts and actions, changing the way I think and talk, and I am starting to reveal on the outside what He has been doing on the inside. I am thankful for the transformation that has already taken place, but I look forward to the person I am becoming.

    Father, thank you for you patient work in my life. I know there are days that the process seems slow and takes longer than it should, but in spite of my shortcomings, lack of discipline/commitment, and plain out rebellion you still patiently continue to shape me into the image of you Son, Jesus Christ. Today help me allow you to work on the difficult areas that need to be refined in-order to be more like Jesus!

    When you read Philippians 1 what speaks to you?

     



  • Bible Challenge – Ephesians 6

    A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

    13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17

    When I was younger I use to have this weird dream of showing up to school in just my underwear.  Maybe I’m the only one, but I think many others have had that same dream.  I’d wake up in the morning thankful it was just a dream.  However, it saddens me how many Christ Followers leave their house naked … not in a physical sense but in a spiritual one.  They leave their house not fully dressed for the day ahead.  Yes, they may have spent hours in-front of a mirror, they may have pressed all their close and they may look good on the outside, but they have done nothing to pre-pare themselves for the day ahead on the inside.

    As a Christ Follower, it is important for me to be pre-pared for the day ahead.  It’s like getting in the zone before a big game. When I spend time with God, I am pre-pairing myself for the day.  I’m getting in the zone so I can be victorious over the temptations that the devil will bring my way that day.  Many battles with sin have been won and lost based on my time spent with the Lord.  However, when I put on the armor, I am pre-pared for the day.  The belt of Truth, guides my thoughts, the Breastplate of Righteousness guards my heart, the Shoes of peace, allows me to run from or stand firm against sin, the Shield of Faith, allows me to hide behind when the devil unleashes his attack, the Helmet of Salvation, keep me secure and protects my thoughts, and the Sword of the Spirit allows me to advance His Kingdom.  God has given us these things so we can stand against the evil one, so when he comes to attack, lets not be naked, but fully clothed so we can stand against him.

    Father, today, help me be fully clothed.  When the temptations come today, and I know they will, give me the power to stand my ground, to resist the temptation and push toward the victory.  In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen!

     

    When you read Ephesians 6 what passage spoke to you?