Pastor's Blog - 2013

Hi Daybreak Friends,

This past Sunday night in our Life Group at the Den we had a wonderful time learning about another aspect of the devotional Bible study method from Rick Warren's 40 Days In the Word study series. It’s called "Paraphrase it" and this week as we read through the book of James, there are selected verses in our workbook that we are to read several times, and then write out in our own words. The point is, we don’t really understand the Bible until we can say it in our own words. So far this week, I’ve found this to be true and I’ve really enjoyed it--getting carried away at points. I hope you all are enjoying the study/series so far this summer and that your times in God’s Word are encouraging and challenging to you.

Today, I thought I’d share my paraphrase from the past two days with you. Ever heard of the DHT version of the Bible? It’s the Dave Hakes Translation: J

This morning, 13 Daybreak guys gathered for a fun breakfast together at the Limerick Diner. We ate a hearty breakfast and enjoyed the connections and conversations with one another. I shared a devotional with the guys from 2 Timothy chapter 1 and encouraged them to "fan into flame" the gifts that God has given them. I retold our legendary bonfire from last year's Men's Retreat when Kent cranked up his leaf blower and fanned the flames straight up into the sky. You know over time our spiritual passion can wane because of life's pressures, stress, other people's criticism, sin, etc... I challenged the guys to rekindle their spiritual fervor and burn hot for Christ. Times like this morning are so good for our relationships as men. I look forward to doing this again soon.

-Pastor Dave

I recently saw the blockbuster hit, Iron Man 3 with my neighbor. I have to admit, I really enjoy these Avenger guys! We thoroughly enjoyed the action-packed explosive thriller! I give it 3 ½ Bibles out of 5. What can I say – I’m a pastor. When the movie concluded, the credits began to splash onto the screen as highlights from the film accompanied with the thumping music kept our attention. With a crescendo, that all eventually came to an end. The music softened and the credits scrolled up the screen in traditional black and white style. As I gathered my belongings, I noticed that my neighbor wasn’t moving and didn’t seem interested in leaving just yet. I said, “Well, are you ready to go?” He insisted that we wait until the credits were over just in case there was an extra scene or preview of the next Marvel movie. I was like, ‘oh I highly doubt there will be anything at the end of this never-ending scroll. If there were bloopers or any extras it would’ve played before these boring credits. The movie is over man! Let’s go!’ He didn’t budge. 

So … we sat there and watched the credits roll on and on and on. It was like watching paint dry. Have you ever watched a movie all the way to end? Don’t. Even the custodians don’t wait … they get in and start cleaning and prepping the theater for the next showing. Well, here we are staring at the credits. And I got to admit, I couldn’t believe so many people had worked on this movie. There were probably a thousand names that briefly appeared. 

It was a beautiful night at the old ball game! About 20 folks from Daybreak gathered at the Reading Fightin Phils and enjoyed a wonderful time of fun and fellowship around the picnic tables in the outfield. Aidan Hakes threw out the first pitch! The all-you-can-eat buffet of BBQ chicken, burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, fruit cups, fries, etc... was delicious! The kids splashed away in the heated outfield swimming pool. The many mascots entertained us during the baseball game. The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks show! It was a fun time with our Daybreak friends!

-Pastor Dave

Everyone loves a great story! The Bible tells a compelling and life-changing story that many have heard, some have read, but few have actually experieinced. During the month of March at Daybreak, we will be offering you several ways to experience the Bible story - perhaps for the first time! See how your story intersects with God's story!

Choose from these opportunities!  

1. Listen to the Sunday Message Series, "The Story"

Join us for all 5 Sundays in March at the Spring-Ford High School at 10 AM for this life changing series culminating on Easter Sunday, March 31st! Experience the Bible stories you know told like never before with thought-provoking sermons and stunning video clips from the TV miniseries. 

3. Reflect daily on the Bible using a handy study guide.

Daybreak Church is providing the companion study guide "The Bible: 30-Day Experience," by Bob Hostetler free of charge! Ask for your copy this Sunday or by calling the church office at 610.489.8080. On each day of this 30-day study you will have a short Bible reading along with reflection questions for you to think about and space provided to record your thoughts. 

4. Join a Bible Discussion Group on Sunday Evenings.

You are invited to connect with others in thoughtful inquiry, discussion, and prayer by joining a discussion group at the Daybreak Den on March 3, 10, 17, 24 and on Good Friday, March 29 (hours vary, check the Calendar for details). This group is going to be facilitated by Kent & Darlene Tyson. They will be using the weekly discussion guide found in the "The Bible: 30-Day Experience," mentioned above. 

Hi Daybreak Friends,

Thanks for inviting your friends to our special service at Daybreak yesterday! I’m praising God that at least 17 people that I know of came and experienced Daybreak for the very first time! So cool! I’m going to enjoy following up with these folks this week and I’m praying that some will even stick! Way to extend invites to others whether they came or not! The lunch was a delightful time as well and a perfect opportunity to meet our guests and catch up with one another. 

Thanks to everyone who had a part in our ministry yesterday from start to finish!  

Shining bright!

Pastor Dave

This past Sunday, Matt Redman won a Grammy award for his song, “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord).” We’ve used this song in our worship celebrations at Daybreak. It’s a fantastic expression of praise and I personally enjoy worshipping God with this particular song. There’s a phrase in this song that goes like this, “You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger.” This description of God is recorded all through Scripture. Psalm 103:8 is one example: “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Without getting too theological or bogged down here, this is an attribute of God that just amazes me! God is just and intolerant of sin yet He is full of love and grace. His fuse is incredibly long. How do I know this? He puts up with me!

How about us? Can we make an effort with the help of God’s Spirit in us to be people that are rich in love and slow to get angry? People who extend grace to others, not impatient frustration, rage, and rudeness. The latter seems to be the norm in our culture, work environments, and even families … just react, vent, give people what they deserve, complain, assume the worst … No. God says, when it comes to anger, take your time like I do … be long-suffering, slow to get angry, assume the best!

I’ve been so impressed recently with many of my friends at Daybreak who have demonstrated rich love toward others. To single out one couple, Phil & Linda … thanks for your genuine concern, compassion, love and care for Steve during these last couple of months! I’ve been blown away by your selfless acts of love. It’s truly been impressive and even contagious! You’ve abounded in love and are a wonderful example for us. Let’s be a church of people that is slow to anger but quick to forgive, quick to love, and quick to extend grace just like our God (Jonah 4:2).

Pastor Dave