A Rare Treat

Last week, I got to do some cool things, one of which was totally unexpected.

A Rare Treat

"The merciful man does good for his own soul,
But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh."

(Proverbs 11:17)

Last week, I got to do some cool things, one of which was totally unexpected. My Executive Pastor and I attended a pastors' retreat in San Diego hosted by Pray.com. If you are not familiar with their ministry, take a moment to visit their website. They are continuing to expand and reach people all over the world with biblical teaching. Pray.com started seven years ago when four creative men in Silicon Valley, California decided to launch this app that has now impacted so many. It was a blessing for me to be able to spend time and converse with three of the four original creators of the app. They are some truly gifted believers who have a massive vision to reach people all over the world. Pray.com is that kind of ministry.

We arrived on Monday night and were treated to a Major League Baseball game. We watched the Atlanta Braves play the San Diego Padres in beautiful Petco Field. The Padres lost, but I wasn't sad, because the Braves are my favorite National League team. It was neat being able to fellowship with these guys from all over the country. We would watch the game, eat a snack, and then talk about ministry. At the game, I had a delightful conversation with Adam Mesa, pastor of Abundant Living Family Church in California. Adam succeeded his 62-year-old father Diego. Adam is 35 years old and a very gifted and creative pastor. Their church was the first church to host and promote the Pray.com app.

The next day was such a blast. We left the hotel at 8:00 a.m. and drove for over an hour up in a remote mountain range. I did not see any people or houses and began to wonder, "Where in the world are they taking us?!" We arrived at our destination, and three Navy SEALs were waiting on us.

The plan was for them to personally train us on how to fire pistols and rifles. Talk about fun! I have so much respect for these brave patriots, and to be able to spend all morning with them learning from them was an incredible blessing. The gentleman who taught us how to shoot ARs is the man who trains all the new SEALs. We learned how to properly handle and shoot pistols, rifles, and long-range rifles as well. I hit targets from 250 yards away and was like, "This is too fun!"

That evening we took a three-hour boat cruise in San Diego and got to hear firsthand one of the SEAL's testimonies and all about a new non-profit he has started to help SEALs when they reacclimate back to civilian life. Unfortunately, many of these soldiers end up committing suicide. DFEA will be supporting this nonprofit (Beyond the Brotherhood) financially, and we are so glad that we can.

As Proverbs 11:17 teaches us that it is wise to do good things for your soul. The leadership at Pray.com said their goal was to simply bless us pastors and allow us to have fun. And they did just that!

Are you doing good for your soul? If not, take some time to do so, to rest, to simply hang out with others, and have fun. Many of you reading this devotion today are very busy and have so much on your plate. Slow down, and do some good things for your own soul.

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Coming to America

The Persecuted Church abroad faces assault, imprisonment, and even martyrdom. Could this level of persecution come to the USA? Join Pastor Danny for a hard look at the current state of America's culture and the Church within it.

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