dsantistevan, Author at Beyond Sunday Worship

Nov 04 2009

Catalyst Compassion Moment

I referenced this moment in my message at APEX last night. I know it’s a bit long, but it is worth your time. Challenging, powerful, life-changing.

Oct 30 2009

Hey folks. Just wanted to let you know about something awesome coming your way next week. My good friend, Ben Davis (aka @iambendavis), is hosting a leadership blog gold mine (not sure what that means). All week, gifted leaders from around the country will share on different topics pertaining to life and leadership. I had the privilege of writing, though I am probably the least awesome.

I would share my post with you now on The Invisible Leader, but I think I’ll just whet your appetite for next week. Stay close to Ben’s blog, my friends. It’s gonna be good.

Oct 15 2009

What Makes 'Time With Jesus' Worth It?

I have a challenging set of questions for you today. What makes ‘time with Jesus’ worth it for you?

Is it the fact that you can sit down and get a breather from an over-crowded lifestyle?
Is it so you can get a blog post out of it?
Is it so you can impress someone with your knowledge?
Is it so you can feel better about yourself?
Is it so you can interact with all your Twitter friends?

I’m not saying any of these things are bad. But I find myself (all too often) spending time with Jesus with my blog open and Tweetdeck staring me down. It’s almost like if I don’t get some important piece of revelation than my ‘time with Jesus’ was a waste.

I want to return to the beauty of loving Jesus and spending time with Jesus for WHO He is. The revelation He gives me isn’t a means to impress others or advance my career, but to stay rooted in holiness and exclusive passion for Him.

Time with Jesus is worth it every time because I…am…with…Jesus.

Oct 14 2009

"You Alone Can Rescue" – Matt Redman

This song brings me to tears every time I hear it. Probably because I’m so undeserving. Oh the beauty of the grace of God.

“Our shame was deeper than the sea. Your grace is deeper still.”

Don’t be too consumed with petty things today. Let the miracle of your salvation cause you to stand in awe of God.

Oct 09 2009

When Was the Last Time I…

Do you struggle with pride? I already know the answer to that question. But your response to that question will determine how prideful you are.

As ministers, we are in the public eye. When you’re in the public eye, it’s easy to think highly of yourself, especially when compliments are flowing.

Consider this verse:

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10).

As God increases our public platforms, I believe we need to be continually humbling ourselves before Him. The greater the platform, the greater humility is needed to handle the praise of man.

How do you humble yourself? Ask (what I like the call) the WWLT questions (bracelet, anyone?):

When was the last time I had a conversation about someone else, with no reference to my own accomplishments?
When was the last time I spent an hour in private worship?
When was the last time I thanked God for His indescribable grace and for saving ‘a wretch like me’?
When was the last time I confessed my sins to a trusted friend?
When was the last time I personally responded to an altar call?
When was the last time I visited a sick person in the hospital just to be with them?
When was the last time I blessed someone financially?
When was the last time I prayed for someone else, instead of being consumed by my own needs?
When was the last time I was moved to tears while reading Scripture?
When was the last time I listened to my spouse with undivided attention?
When was the last time I personally served someone else’s ministry?
When was the last time I shared the Gospel with a non-Christian?
When was the last time I talked about Jesus with my Christian friends?

O God, make me a humble servant of your glory, honor, and fame.