Devos

He will direct your steps

Posted on by pastordavidturner

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6

None of us know the future.  When we are honest with ourselves, we need and long for guidance, wisdom, and direction.  If we will acknowledge the Lord with each decision, He promises to provide that needed direction.  When I look back at the past two decades of my life, I am amazed at how Jesus has kept his promise to direct my steps.

When I was 16 God brought a friend into my life to share the gospel with me.  Months later I began leading a bible club and started sensing a pull to give my life to full time ministry, being an agent of healing and empowerment in people’s lives. I was not excited about that pull.  I tried going in a different direction.  Then the Lord spoke, “Shepherd My people.”  I knew He was asking me to serve Him as a senior pastor.  I surrendered.

I never pursued a position but served–painting, cleaning toilets, folding bulletins.  My friends and I prayed a ton and went looking for people to share Jesus with.  The Lord directed me to Life Pacific College and to NewCommunity Church. He brought Dave Metsker into my life to mentor me.  I became a small group apprentice.  I later started leading small groups and outreach teams, and teaching evangelism classes.  I served as an admin, then a youth pastor, then as an assistant pastor, then as a professor at LPC, and then as the senior pastor…all while at the same church!

At each turning point, I acknowledged the Lord and He directed my steps.  Whether it was a question of staying or going to another church, a question of buying or selling a house, a question of accepting a new position or not, a question of starting a masters degree or not, I asked the Lord and He directed my steps.  I can think of dozens of times the Holy Spirit spoke to me or led me.

All the joy I have experienced in ministry, all the blessings in my life, and any impact I’ve made on other people boil down to one common factor: I acknowledge Him, He directed my steps.

As a young senior pastor, I asked the Lord for a certain kind of mentor.  A few weeks later, the Lord said, “Call Jerry Dirmann.”  I did not know who he was except that he pastored in Anaheim.  I did not consider God was answering my prayer.  I called any ways.  The short story is that Jerry and The Rock “just happened” to be the very mentor and ministry I was asking God for.  My heart and ministry have increased because I made that call.
A couple years ago, I was enjoying being a senior pastor; we were experiencing God’s blessings.  I had no desire to move on. Then one night I had a significant dream (rare for me but not the first). In the dream Jesus led Michele and I under the Arch in St. Louis and spoke to me, “This is your city.” Again, the short story is that now I am in St. Louis preparing to start a multiplying congregation of The Rock in the city if St. Louis.  Why!?  Because Jesus is directing my steps.

Years ago he saved me and called me to follow Him.  I have decided He is worth following.  Lord, what’s the next step?

Acknowledge Him and He will direct your steps.  Promised.

We made it to St. Louis! An update

Posted on by pastordavidturner

Hey friends, family, and prayer warriors: 

Now that we are getting settled in St. Louis and moving forward I thought an update is long over due.  

In April: we crammed (almost) everything in a truck, took a 5 day road trip, visited the Grand Canyon for the first time, played lots of games and watched lots of movies, unloaded the truck.

In May: we started meeting with our team, gave roses to moms at the park on Mother’s Day; we are getting to know people, inviting people to church, starting small groups, and exploring the city–the arch, the cardinals, free world class zoo, city museum (it’s a crazy fun place), great parks, free science center, and the best ice cream at Ted Drewes.

Loving it!
The kids are doing well.  They are happy and have met a couple kids.  Their biggest desire is more friends.

God has brought an amazing team to St. Louis to partner with us. We have 8 adults and at least 4 more coming. It’s been fun strategizing, praying and working with like-minded Christ followers who have laid it down for the work of advancing God’s kingdom in this city. God is providing jobs and places to live for the team, giving us favor, and leading us in building relationships.  

Thank you for praying. Like Paul, I (and each team member) ask you to pray “that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” ( Colossians 4:3-4).

We need open doors of opportunity, we need boldness, we need words from God to fill our mouth, we need favor, we need the power of the Spirit.
Jesus has sent us here because people need Jesus. We were created for a great purpose. And yet that purpose can only be discovered when connected to our Maker. How do you know how to use something? The owner manual. How do you get it to work? Trouble shooting question #1: is it plugged in? We need to hear from our Maker, through his word-the bible-and we need to be connected to Him in order to operate in our God-designed purpose. People need hope, people need joy, people need purpose, people need love…and all of this is only found in Jesus. He is the source of life. So we want to bless people with the truth that they really do matter to God and were created on purpose. 

We want to let people know the truth about God’s love that shed blood to bring us back to Himself. We want to empower people to live at the level they were created to live at.  That is why we are starting a church this Fall that will bring people to Jesus, disciple them in the powerful truths of God’s word, and connect them in life giving community. 

So this summer we are inviting people to a few small group bible studies (Rock Groups), Sunday house gatherings, and a discipleship class-Operation Solid Lives. We are also preparing for our church’s Grand Opening this Fall.  
If you want to support this work of God, you can give by going to The Rock’s website, www.gototherock.com.  Click on “GIVE”, log in, and choose the St. Louis campus.

If you want to help us invite people you may know in St. Louis to one of our small groups, you can find out information and spread the word on our webpage, www.gototherock.com/STL or on Facebook.  Visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/therockstl

In late September or early October we will host a “missions” team from all over the US to help us invite people before the grand opening.  If you are interested in coming to St. Louis for a few days, please contact us: saintlouis@solidlives.com. 

 

The Rock is going to St. Louis THIS year!

Posted on by pastordavidturner

The Rock is going to St. Louis THIS year!  We move in April; we launch services in the Fall.

The Lord is gathering a team around us and they are filled with courage and excitement.

When we arrive in St. Louis we will start Rock Groups and build our launch team by simply becoming a part of the community, showing people the love of Jesus, and sharing the gospel.

Are you led to come with us and join this ministry now or in the future?

Email me at dturner@solidlives.com

Our team is meeting every Friday night at 7pm at The Rock Anaheim Campus in the visitor reception room (inside the worship center).  Join us!

Thank you for your prayers; I look forward to sharing stories with you along the way.

 

 

St. Louis Interest Meetings

Posted on by pastordavidturner

The Rock is going to St. Louis!

Jesus has called my family to start a Rock Campus in St. Louis (read about our story). We plan to move in April 2016 and begin inviting people to Rock Groups (bible studies), building our launch team, and preparing to launch services in the Fall 2016. We believe many lives and neighborhoods will be transformed through the power of the Gospel.  Jesus has a plan to restore the destiny St. Louis.  His unfailing love is over this city and he is calling us there to tell people the Good News, disciple them, and equip them to restore their city.

If you are interested in helping us launch through prayer, giving, or even going with us to launch, please let us know.

How to pray:

Pray for healing, unity, and restoration; for hearts to be open to the Gospel; for favor and open doors with people; for many salvations and miracles; for us to start many Rock Groups and to launch our church services strong; for all the resources and team members we need to come in; for us to be fruitful and multiply.

Receive updates by following us at:

How to give: coming soon.

How to go with us:

Come to an interest meeting

  • Thursday, December 17 7-8pm or
  • Saturday, December 19 11am-12pm
  • Location: The Rock church office meeting room (99 E. Orangethorpe Ave. Anaheim)

Join our team meetings: weekly, starting in January (TBA)

Contact me at dturner@solidlives.com

Tell others: help us ensure everyone knows about this amazing opportunity to partner with the work of the Lord in St. Louis by spreading the word.  Use the links below to post this blog on social media or email a friend.

Our scouting trip to St. Louis

Posted on by pastordavidturner

We spied out the land—our scouting trip to St. Louis

Michele and I flew to St. Louis last week. It was a very fruitful trip. We went there with the goal of discerning where we should live and launch the church. We prayed a bunch, confirmed the general location, met a handful of awesome people, drove for days all over the city and county, ate really good food, and got a good feel for the city.  One of our favorite conversations was with a lady named Deborah.  She is a “prayer warrior” who has been praying for God to bring people to the city.  For those of you who want to Google it, we sensed to start in the center of the city or near mid county (places like central west end, university city, clayton and such). We don’t know where exactly, but are doing some more research and prayer to narrow it down now that we have seen the city and sense from the Lord. We are also working on a plan and a timeline—I’ll keep you up to date.

It was, in some ways, an exhausting trip. I think I felt just about every emotion—joy, sorrow, excitement, fear. At times what we saw, felt, and experienced was overwhelming but we chose to walk by faith and not by sight.

Like Joshua and Caleb (the two spies) I declared, “If He delights in us, He will give us the land!”

Remember when God sent 12 spies in the land He had promised the people of Israel (the story is recorded in Numbers 13-14)? God wanted them to spy out the land and come back with a good report for the people. Two spies came back full of faith ready to take the land. They told the people we are “more than capable” and “if God delights in us he will give us the land”.  But the other ten spies brought a bad report. They told the people the land is a good land but there are giants. They confirmed exactly what God said about the land but did not believe God did keep his promises. God had already told the people it was a good land to live in but that it contained obstacles that he would face with them.  He promised to go before them and remove those enemies.

In St. Louis, we saw the “giants” in the land. It’s a beautiful city full of wonderful people. It has so much charm and history. It’s a fun place to live—especially for families with kids. And yet, like most cities, there is a lot of pain.  Some of the “giants” we faced were our own fears of moving and starting a church. Some of the “giants” were the racial division and spiritual climate of the city.

I was tempted to be overwhelmed but instead centered myself on the truth. I reminded myself that God knows all of the obstacles; He loves St. Louis and has a destiny for this city; He is already working in the city through His people. I remembered that if God is with us, we can do whatever He called us to do. Like Joshua and Caleb (the two spies) I declared, “If He delights in us, He will give us the land!”

I encourage you, brothers and sisters in Christ, when God calls you to do something, do not walk by sight or by feelings. Walk by faith. Stick with what He said. Don’t back down or change. Our feelings go up and down; our reasoning changes. But God’s word does not change. He is consistent; He knows the beginning from the end because He is eternal. And when those emotions arise, we stand in faith by declaring God’s promises and reminding ourselves out loud what God said. We fill our mouth with praise, thanking God for His word.

Michele and I are excited and focused, ready to dive into this new adventure. We have never moved to a city and never started a church. I feel like Peter walking on water. We are completely dependent on God’s power and grace.  And since we are already walking on the water, why fear, why turn back now!?  Jesus is with us; giving us EVERYTHING we need to accomplish the assignment He gave us.

Thanks for your prayers; we will keep you informed as we get more details.  For now, please pray for wisdom, direction, and, most importantly, laborers–people called to go or partner with us.

Psalm 23

Posted on by pastordavidturner

Psalm 23 was not written on a green hillside on a peaceful day; it was written in a dark cave on a frightening day.

1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2He makes me to lie down in green pastures;He leads me beside the still waters.3He restores my soul;He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.4Yea, 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.5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;You anoint my head with oil;My cup runs over.6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life;And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

Often, because of the wonderfully comforting words David sings to God in Psalm 23, we imagine he wrote it on a green hillside, on a sunny, peaceful day while watching sheep feast on grass. Descriptions like “green pastures” and “still waters” and statements like “restore my soul” cause us to see this picture David is painting with his song and release inside of us the same comfort he was experiencing while he sang.  

We image these words were penned during his boyhood years as a shepherd of his father’s sheep, as he spent many days and nights alone, contemplating and singing. We believe the song flowed from a heart full of youthful innocence and optimism.

But by doing this we miss the power of Psalm 23. By looking closely at Psalm 23 we observe that David was not on a green hill side but inside a dark cave. He was not a youth but a fugitive. He was not inexperienced at the crises of life. He had been betrayed, lied about, and attacked. He had lost everything. He was afraid for his life. Psalm 23 is a manifesto of patient faith sung during a dark time in David’s life. It is an anthem of hope. When we place this bright Psalm in its dark context it shines even brighter–the words more comforting, the example more compelling. 

David describes himself as walking through the valley of the shadow of death–a clear allusion to the physical desert he was hiding in, the threat to his life, and the emotional weight bearing on his soul. He says that he is the presence of his enemies.  He did not have enemies before King Saul tried to kill him.  When he says, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life” he is using a play on words. “Follow” is best translated “pursue”.  It is a word used of hunting someone or something to destroy it. It is a word used to describe persecution. This declaration, like the rest of the Psalm, is a faith-filled defiance of his circumstances. David is experiencing lack, but he declares that God is his shepherd and lacks nothing. David is emotionally raw, but he declares God makes him lie down, gives him rest and restores his soul. He doesn’t know what to do or where to go, but he declares God will guide him. His life is being threatened, but he declares God is with him and comforts him. His enemies–an angry, jealous, crazy King Saul and his army–are pursing David in the desert, but he declares that God delights in him. Can you imagine someone hating you, lying about you, attacking you and trying to end your life? David was innocent; he had done nothing to warrant this attack. In the midst of rejection and loss, he declares God loves him and enjoys him. Though a crazy man is trying to kill him, David declares God’s promise and plan for his life will win. He is implying, “This man might be chasing me, but God is chasing me too. And God, not this man, will catch me. His goodness and mercy, his love, his blessings, his promises, his plan, his commitment to me will catch me, consume me, and characterize my life!”

Psalm 23 is powerful because David is declaring the exact opposite of what he is experiencing. Without denying his precarious state, he boasts about his God, defying his circumstances with the declaration of God’s promises for his life. He is not a green hillside, but a dark cave. 

  • He declares he has no lack because he was hungry and alone.
  • He declares God is with him because he is scared for his life.  
  • He declares God’s delightful fellowship because he is being rejected and attacked by his King and father-in-law.
  • He declares the goodness and mercy of God pursues him because he is being pursued by a man who wants to end his life, terminate his calling, and rob his blessings. 

He is assuring himself that God is with him and for him; that, even if others reject him, God delights in him; that, in the end, God’s good promises will win out in his life. Whether financially or relationally, physically or spiritually, emotionally or practically, David is placing his trust and hope firmly in the Faithful One’s hands.  

We have, in many of David’s Psalms (and especially Psalm 23), a perfect example of how faith responds to trials, delays, setbacks, disappointments, and life threatening situations. This is what it means in 1 Samuel 30 that David “strengthened himself in the Lord” in response to tragedy. This is costly worship. Faith boasts about God. Faith does not deny circumstances but it sure does defy them. Circumstances have a way of preaching to us, of boasting that they will defeat us. David knew how to overcome. He models for us that we need to preach to our hearts and to our circumstances by boasting about our God. We need to declare that our God is bigger than our circumstances. This is how to be people of faith, of worship, who overcome and see the fulfillment of God’s promises and plan in our lives.  

So boast about your God. Declare what God will do for you.

I do not lack; because I have God, I have everything I need. If I have nothing, but I have God, I lack no good thing.  God is my comfort, peace, and rest. I will not fear.  Though I am emotionally raw, God restores me. He is the strength of my soul, the strength of my emotions, my confidence, my rock and refuge. God is with me; I am not alone. He will guide me.  God delights in me. Even if others reject me, God loves me and enjoys me. God will bless me. His plan for my life will win. His goodness and mercy, his blessing and promises, his love and faithfulness will characterize my life. And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever!  

The “in between” (an update)

Posted on by pastordavidturner

The past 8 months has flown by. I’ve been serving at The Rock as leader over discipleship. It still humbles me that I get to work alongside such amazing leaders and be a part of something so life changing. It’s been fun and it’s been intense. Operation solid lives is in over 160 churches in the USA, in at least 11 countries, and reaching thousands online. Every week hundreds are being discipled at our church. I serve leaders that are supporting this movement! Every week I receive testimonies of transformation from our church and from around the USA and the world. It’s overwhelming. And we are constantly working to strengthen and expand; we have lots of projects to reach a dozen more nations waiting for OSL, to prepare OSL for translation, to expand our reach online, and more. What’s our biggest need? Leadership! Just like Jesus instructed: pray for laborers.

I’ve been doing a lot of leadership and project management. I’m learning a ton from the leaders of the Rock. I have the privilege of teaching OSL a couple times a week. I’ve seen many receive Jesus, receive physical healing and deliverance. I’ve also had the privilege of preaching a few times at some of our other congregations of the The Rock (there are 13 to date; St. Louis may be #14) and another church. One of my joys is hanging out with some young men who are called to pastor and teach; I’ve been giving the tiny bit I have. Michele is serving with young adults, homeschooling, retaking OSL, preparing our homes to sell, and putting up with me. God is preparing her heart for a great work in St. Louis as well. 

It does feel strange to live “in between”–I let go of pastoring newcommunity (at Jesus’ direction) so that I could start the process of planting churches in St. Louis. A church planting truth: it always takes longer than we expect. I was aware of this before the process began. The past 8 months I have enjoyed serving and learning at the Rock. I also deeply miss the people of newcommunity. I pray often for newcommunity, The Rock, and St. Louis. I am grateful for the new pastors, Barry and Meagan Mulock, and excited to see Jesus continue to build his church through their leadership in Glendora. 

I love this season and yet I know it is an “in between” phase. I feel like a stone in a sling shot being pulled back. God is going to do great things St. Louis; he is going to launch us out. First, the sone has to be pulled back in the sling; first, we prepare. The obvious: learning the culture of the The Rock, building relationships with people, doing research, and praying. The deeper: increasing in evangelistic anointing, growing in leadership skills, and strengthening our family. 

It reminds me of how Barnabas brought Paul (previously called Saul) to a church in Antioch for a year before they were sent to plant churches. Paul was called to plant churches through out the world when he was first saved but he did not get started for many years. It seems this year in Antioch was a major preparation phase. 

Acts 11:25-26 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Acts 13:2-3 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

What’s next? Our plan is to begin team meetings this September and visit St. Louis in the Fall. We are praying God will draw people to be on our team. We don’t have a move date or a launch date yet but I believe we will know this Fall. Likely 2016 will be a year of moving, building a launch team, reaching people, and launching services. As plans develop, we will keep you up to date. 

Please pray for us and for the people of St. Louis. God loves that city and has a destiny for that city.

Perfecting Faith Audio Message Series

Posted on by pastordavidturner

Almost everyone who has read the Bible quickly observes that FAITH is a central theme and an essential key to living in relationship with God.  We are often inspired and challenged by people of great faith but feel lacking in our own. I often hear people comment, “If all it takes to move mountains is to have a mustard seed of faith, then my faith must be really tiny!”  But is that what Jesus meant when He described faith as a mustard seed? Or was He inviting us to grow our faith!?

I wonder: Is it possible to personally grow our own faith?  Can we have great faith like the men and woman we read about in the Bible?

This practical, audio message series will help you embrace the process the bible calls “perfecting faith”.   Rather than hiding or condemning ourselves, we can come to Jesus and allow Him to teach us and perfect our faith.  You will discover it is possible to have great faith!

By the way, these were the last messages I shared at New Community before being sent out.

I hope you enjoy and pray you are blessed.

1. Unlimited Faith:

2. The Process:

3. Hearing and Hearing:

4. Mustard Seed:

5. Agree with God:

6. Add Patience:

7. Obedience:

Refreshing Worship part 2

Posted on by pastordavidturner

Part 1: Refresh the heart of God with your praise

Part 2: when God is refreshed, he refreshes you.

When God is refreshed, he refreshes us. When we praise him, he sits down; when he sits down, his brings his kingdom (Psalm 22:3)– his kingdom full of joy, peace, righteousness, freedom, wisdom, and power. He has everything you need! God created us so we could enjoy him and he could enjoy us. Bring him joy through worship and you will encounter the presence of the Lord full of his enjoyment of you.  


Acts 3:19
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 


Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

Give God a sacrifice of praise; pour out all your heart in worship. You will find your heart flooded with peace and joy. God is an extravagant giver and we were created to be filled with his joy and pleasure. 


Psalm 16:9-11
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.10For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.11You will show me the path of life;In Your presence is fullness of joy;At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

When God appeared to Abraham (recorded in Genesis 18), Abraham first honored God, hosting his presence, seeking to refresh God’s heart. Only THEN was the power of God released, only THEN was Abraham’s prayer answered.  


Genesis 18:9-10
THEN they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?”So he said, “Here, in the tent.”10 And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.”

Abraham and Sarah had a promise from God; they waited 25 years to conceive a child together. When God appeared to Abraham and his presence was honored, Abraham’s desire became reality.  The power to fulfill God’s promise was received when God’s presence was received. 

Refresh the heart of God with praise and he will refresh your heart with the blessings and promises of his kingdom. 




Refreshing Worship part 1

Posted on by pastordavidturner

Refresh the heart of God with your praise.

Abraham, a man of faith who understood what pleases God, did not expect God to serve him but postured himself to serve the Lord. When God appeared to Abraham (recorded in Genesis 18) he bowed down and asked for God to stay for dinner. His desire: that God would be refreshed. That is the heart of a person who worships God in spirit and truth.  

Genesis 18:4-5
[Abraham said] Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts.

Words of praise from your own mouth is like giving God fruit to eat. Just as a fresh, juicy piece of watermelon on a hot, summer day refreshes you, so God’s heart is refreshed by our praise.  

Hebrews 13:15-16
Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

The priests of Israel were commanded to offer animals as sacrifices to God; these holy BBQs were pleasing to God. But David tells us it’s not meat God is after, but rather our heart.
Our songs of praise, from a sincere and humble heart of faith, is like a sweet smell to God. Just like the smell of BBQ or fresh apple pie makes your mouth water and draws you like a magnet to the source of the smell, so God is drawn to our sincere praise.

Leviticus 1:9
And the priest shall burn ALL on the altar as a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord.

Psalm 51:16-17
For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;You do not delight in burnt offering.17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,A broken and a contrite HEART—These, O God, You will not despise.

1 peter 2:5
…you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 

When you praise God, you invite him to be with you; you prepare a place for him to sit like Abraham did in Genesis 18. Just as we are honored when someone invites us to dinner and prepares something special for us, so God is honored when we praise him. He feels comfortable, welcome, and at rest to sit down and spend quality time with us.

Psalm 22:3
But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.

Do you want to please the Lord? Do you want to refresh his heart? Then offer him a sacrifice of praise. Brag on God, boast about him, thank him for who he is and what he has done for you.

You praise will refresh his heart and attract him to you.