danfernan

MOVING TO VEGAS!

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 18:31:06 -0400

I am really excited to announce that I’m gonna be moving to Las Vegas next month! I’ll be stepping in as the new youth pastor at The Church at South Las Vegas with Pastors Benny & Wendy Perez! I still can’t believe it!

Honestly, It wasn’t really my plan to leave Los Angeles. Things at my church, with family, at school, with friends had never been better! But when The Lord opened this door it became clear that this was the right move at the right time. We all feel God’s peace about this and I could not be more excited to work with Pastors Benny & Wendy Perez & the wonderful ChurchLV staff! I NEVER thought something like this could happen. It’s honestly really overwhelming. Truly, God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ever ask or think!

Of course, mixed with all the excitement of a new season there are all the other feelings that go along with it. It’s totally bitter sweet. I’m sad to be leaving my church (who’s taught me faithfulness), my friends (who’ve taught me balance), my school (who’s taught me The Word), my youth (who’ve taught me how to love) and my family (who’ve taught me how to live). Words cannot express how grateful I am for these people. I would not be who I am without them.

So, here we go. In just a few weeks things will be very different. Transitions are never easy and so if you think of it, I would really appreciate your prayers in this new season. Thank you so much! And I hope that you’ll come visit me in Las Vegas!! Maybe for Dedicated Conference? :)

Follow God's Peace

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 03:47:00 -0400

This is not as easy as it sounds. Our nature is to follow and live in peaceful external surroundings. Our nature is to be comfortable. Our nature is to live in the familiar. Our nature chooses external peace.

My concern is that we automatically conclude that external peace equals God’s will. It would be logical to think that, right? If our surroundings are good, if all is well, that must be where we’re supposed to be and what we’re supposed to be doing, right? Not necessarily. Is external peace bad? No, not at all! But we must not forget there’s another peace we have access to that is SO MUCH BETTER than any other type of peace, GOD’S PEACE!!! I propose to you that the peace we should be following is God’s peace, no matter where it takes us. And trust me, it may take us to crazy places. Often new, unfamiliar, uncomfortable territories that SEEM like God made a mistake somewhere along the way, but don’t worry! External storms don’t always mean you’ve done something wrong but often that you’re doing something RIGHT. I’ve talked to people in what seems like crazy external storms who have never been happier and more at peace with God. So many people have traded God’s internal peace for external peace. They are at peace on the outside but in a storm on the inside. I would rather be in a storm outside and have peace inside.

Perhaps one of the ways God chooses to guide us is by giving us His peace in our hearts to take bold steps forward, no matter the external outcome. When it comes to making life decisions such as which college to attend, who to date, who to marry, choosing a job, what hair product to use (jk), my prayer is that WE would consider God’s peace and FOLLOW it. Life is so much better this way.

Are you following God’s peace?

Further Thoughts:

Jesus is the ‘Prince of Peace’ (Isaiah 6:8)
Jesus was sleeping (at peace) in the midst of a storm (Mark 4:38)
Peace protects the two things that need most protection, our minds and hearts (Philippians 4:7)
Peace can SURPASS our UNDERSTANDING (Philippians 4:7) - Sometimes we won’t even understand why we feel peace about the decision we’ve made but we know it is God! What a great feeling!

It was a spring day two years ago, after my typical Monday routine, Nordtrom Rack and Starbucks. As I was walking out of Starbucks to walk to my car I noticed something written on the sidewalk that literally stopped me in my tracks. It was something so simple and yet so profound. Isn’t it funny how that works? The words on the ground read: YOU ARE HERE (which I posted a picture of above)

This moment was life changing for me. I was so convicted by the Holy Spirit because I realized I was guilty of living in the past, in the future and refusing to truly accept that I’m right here, right now. It’s SO easy to live anywhere but here and now. In no way am I saying that we should not plan for or think of the future or that we should never remember moments in our past, but I’m talking about a constant dwelling that causes one to ignore the present. Dwelling on the past or the future is like a drug that can numb the present, it can provide some momentary escape, but doesn’t really solve anything. The truth is I had been living in the past, I could not let go of my ex-girlfriend completely. There were feelings of rejection and that infamous “why” question that lingered months later. At the same time I was living in the future, constantly battling that wretched self-talk, “When I FINALLY graduate college I’ll be successful and things will work out better in my life,” I also told myself, “Things will be so much better once I’m married!” I was living in the future, and refused to live here and now. When I came to terms with this and was honest with myself, things really began to change.

I’ve discovered that SO MANY PEOPLE live this way and are really missing out on things RIGHT NOW. Whether it’s thinking that we’ll be happy once we get in a relationship, get married, have kids, get a good job, get a new car, more money, a house, graduate college, get a masters degree, get 2 masters degrees, move to our dream city, be in full time ministry, be involved in missions work, the list goes on and on! I can’t tell you how many people I’ve spoken to who have graduated college (I’m on the 15 year plan, don’t judge me) over the years that tell me, “I wish I could go back and do it all over again!” The problem is that while they were in college all they thought about was graduating and didn’t really enjoy their experience. The same goes for marriage. I’ve spoken to people who’ve said, “Marriage is great but listen, enjoy being single! All I wanted when I was single was to get married and I didn’t really enjoy my single season.” Trust me, I’m the first to admit, I totally want to be married! Bring it on LORD, amen. But I’m quite enjoying this single season! God is a God of seasons; I want to enjoy the one I’m in NOW. And as the seasons change, I’ll enjoy that season, too!

Some further thoughts:

Are you really embracing your “HERE”?
Really enjoy RIGHT NOW, enjoy THIS season! Even enjoy the NOT enjoying!
When you embrace your “HERE” you can look around and know what needs to change. What does God want to do in you NOW? What does He want to do through you NOW?
Coming to terms that YOU ARE HERE will bring clarity for what’s next. Think of when you look at a directory, you have to find where you are to get to where you want to go.
When you live “HERE” there’s a sense of gratitude that comes over you. And as they say, “Gratitude is the opener of locked up blessings!”
I propose to you that maybe your “HERE” isn’t as bad as you think… look around and enjoy the little things you maybe have been missing!
God has called us to have faith for a BIG FUTURE, but He has also called us to exercise our faith in the PRESENT.

I look around at the season I am in now and I can’t help but be overwhelmed with gratitude for where i am and the people I am surrounded with right now. I am really enjoying these moments. I’m taking it all in. I can honestly say there’s no where else I’d rather be than HERE.

What I Learned From Batman

Wed, 23 May 2012 09:00:00 -0400

I’ll make this as brief and as plain as possible:

I think we could learn something from Batman.

Batman was created by a guy named Bob Kane in 1939.
In 1966 ABC produced a TV Series called “Batman” and it was a huge success.
In 1989 Warner Brothers produced “Batman” the movie starring Michael Keaton directed by Tim Burton. In 1992 Michael Keaton and Tim Burton returned for the second Batman movie titled, “Batman Returns” - they were pretty popular.
In 1995 “Batman Forever” was released with director Joel Schumacher and starring Val Kilmer as Batman. Just 2 short years later Shumacher released “Batman & Robin” now with George Clooney as Batman.
In 2005 Christopher Nolan wrote and directed “Batman Begins” – a complete reboot of the Batman franchise. Followed a few years later with “The Dark Knight” and the yet to be released “The Dark Knight Rises” – These have been incredibly popular!

If you didn’t know your Batman history now you do.

Ok, so here’s the point:

Each generation from the 60’s and on had a version and emphasis of Batman that fit that moment in time. Adam West’s Batman was amazingly successful in the 60’s. But, we watch it now and it’s not as entertaining. It’s guys in spandex suits. Kinda cheezy. Well fast forward to Tim Burtons version of Batman in the 80’s and early 90’s it was successful because they told the story of Batman to that generation. Batman remained the same but it was retold in the context of that generation. We look at it now and it’s almost laughable. Jack Nicholson as The Joker… enough said. Joel Shumachers Batman told the story of Batman to that generation again with a different emphasis. Well, along came Christopher Nolan in 2005. He took the story of Batman. Kept the essence of Batman. But retold the story in such a unique and creative way that it sparked a new excitement to a generation who had lost interest in Batman.
I say this because we can’t keep telling the story of Jesus like they did in the 60’s, in the 80’s or the 90’s. If we are going to influence a generation, our generation, we have to retell the story of Jesus. We have to go Christopher Nolan “on this mug” - as my friend Jordan would say. It’s not about changing Jesus. We are not adding to Jesus. We are simply retelling the story of Jesus in the context that we are living in.
If you think this is anti-Biblical then just read The Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. In ‘How To Read the Bible For All It’s Worth’ Fee & Stuart pose the question as to why Jesus never wrote a book in the Bible, instead, four men wrote four books about Jesus. They say the reason for this was because the Gospels themselves serve as hermeneutical models for us today. In that Matthew, Mark, Luke (Synoptic Gospels) and let’s throw John in there too, all wrote about the SAME Jesus but in a different style, different emphases, different examples for different contexts. A model for us to use in our lives. I think we have a gospel to give.
What Christopher Nolan did with Batman is what we need to do with Jesus. He retold the story of the SAME Batman in a creative new style and emphasis in a new context - this literally brought interest and fascination to a new generation. We can’t keep doing what was done. We can’t keep showing re-runs. No matter how good they were. We’ve got to retell the story. And let’s just go ahead and say, the story of Batman does not even begin to compare with the amazing story of Jesus Christ. I want to retell – and ultimately LIVE - the story of Jesus in such a way that it fascinates people; Because Jesus really is fascinating. He is magnetic.

And that’s what I learned from Batman

24: Life, Love, Self, & God

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:36:00 -0500

Today is my birthday. I’m 24. Here’s a blog. ———————————————————————————————————————

1. Having life verses for the season you’re in makes a huge difference; a current favorite: Abraham stuck it out and got everything that had been promised to him. (Hebrews 6:15 MSG)

2. I try my best to give what I see people need.

3. God can speak through anything. Like a commencement speech by Conan O’brien, for example.

“Way back in the 1940’s there was a very funny man named Jack Benny. He was a giant star and easily one of the greatest comedians of his generation. And a much younger man named Johnny Carson wanted very much to be Jack Benny. In some ways he was, but in many ways he wasn’t. He emulated Jack Benny, but his own quirks and mannerisms, along with a changing medium, pulled him in a different direction. And yet his failure to completely become his hero made him the funniest person of his generation. David Letterman wanted to be Johnny Carson, and was not, and as a result my generation of comedians wanted to be David Letterman. And none of us are —- my peers and I have all missed that mark in a thousand different ways. But the point is this: It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique.

It’s not easy, but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right, your perceived failure can be a catalyst for profound re-invention. So, at the age of 47, after 25 years of obsessively pursuing my dream, that dream changed. For decades, in show business, the ultimate goal of every comedian was to host The Tonight Show. It was the Holy Grail, and like many people I thought that achieving that goal would define me as successful. But that is not true. No specific job or career goal defines me and it should not define you. In 2000, I told graduates to not be afraid to fail, and I still believe that. But today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality.” (Conan Obrien’s speech to Dartmouth college, 2011) 4. I’m regaining my love for song writing & recording. (Music coming soon)

5. From what I’ve seen: There seems to be a connection between my strongest disciples and my level of transparency with them.

6. I want to be just like my dad: Loving husband, father, pastor, friend, integrity, character, hard working, funny, and a man who’s life is marked by prayer.

7. I would love to go to a Coldplay concert one day

8. I think we Christians are a little too impressed with ourselves. And, I think sometimes were a little too deep for our own good. You can’t go wrong with simplicity.

9. I love camping. There’s nothing like the outdoors.

10. I love the feel of Christmas time. My sister and I are pretty hardcore about Christmas btw.

11. When I’m too comfortable and life is too easy I get a little worried.

12. I strive to be grateful for what I have and not be upset about what I don’t have.

13. Three messages I’ve loved preaching this year: Don’t Dye, Comma & You Are Here. They are still changing me.

14. I used to want to be famous. Then I got around a lot of Christians and wanted to be ‘Christian Famous’. Now I just don’t care.

15. I love crawfish étouffée. Its my favorite meal, ever. And I’ve semi learned how to make it. Ask me, I’d love to make it for you.

16. Some of my favorite movies of all time: A Few Good Men, Inception, Batman(Christopher Nolan’s versions), and Good Will Hunting. Let’s have a movie party.

17. Sucky seasons suck but the great thing about seasons is they change eventually.

18. A relaxing day: Sitting at a coffee shop with a vanilla latte(egg nog latte if it’s Christmas, passion tea if it’s summer) a book/bible/iPad & some good music. Also, having coffee with a ton of people, talking about life, about God, and quoting movies.

19. I love to preach.

20. For me, driving is therapeutic. Shopping can be as well. Trying to cut back though..

21. I’m blessed with loyal friends, an incredible & supportive family, and a healthy church.

22. Ministry: The longer I’m in this the more I realize I don’t know what I’m doing but HE does so I’m good with that.

23. It’s so much easier to say, “It’s in Gods hands” than it is to live it out and actually not put our hands in there to “help”

24. 24 years & here’s what I’ve gotta say: He’s good. He’s our father. Our future is bright.

Thanks for reading & thanks for all the birthday wishes,

danfernan

you should do an internship if...

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:02:00 -0400

September of this year will mark 6 years since the time I first moved from Los Angeles to Baton Rouge Louisiana to intern at Bethany World Prayer Center. From the moment I arrived at the north campus of that church (after a 3 day drive - horrible) my life has been rocked! I am a huge supporter of internships! And now as a youth pastor I have the ability to encourage young people to do as I did. Of course, internships aren’t for everyone, but I’ve been able to identify 7 things that mostly all the folks I interned with had in common. Here they are: (please note, when I say “internship” I don’t mean some 2 day a week job at a church that requires you to make copy’s and set up tables. I mean “internship” as an intense ministry formation environment, emphasis on intense!)

You should do an internship if…

1. You just graduated (either High School or College):

What better time to go intern when you are in a transitional phase in your life! Something I’ve heard over and over again is, “I’m just gonna go to college one year and I’ll do internship next year” WOMP WOMP. Every single person who’s said that to me has not done it. It’s a lot harder to go once you’ve settled where you are. Go now, while your in transition!

2. You are not sure about your future:

Most students I talk to don’t know what they are going to do after high school, career wise. The answer I most commonly get is, “I’m going to community college then transfer to a 4-year”. That’s great but I say if there is uncertainty about your future, why not give God a season to determine your future for you!

3. You are constantly doubting your faith:

If you are constantly up and down, on and off, doubting and believing with God, it is just a matter of time that something will happen that you won’t understand that will cause you to turn away completely. Internships (the right ones) are great ways to get you founded and firm in your faith in God.

4. You feel like there’s something more:

Maybe everything is great for you. You’re growing spiritually. You’re loving life. But, at the end of the day you feel like there’s something more. If that’s you, maybe you need to go be an intern!

5. The thought of leaving freaks you out:

If leaving your home, family, friends, job, environment, freaks you out more than anything, you need to go! A very respectable pastor once said, “Sometimes the most fear will be in the places that you are most anointed to be in”. If you are freaked out, maybe you gottsta go!

6. You know you are called to full-time ministry:

Anyone that tells me they want to be in ministry I always recommend doing an internship! There is discovery of self and gifts, there is development of self and gifts, and there is deployment (commissioning) of self and gifts. Internships are great starting points for ministry. I don’t think I would enjoy bible college so much now If I had not interned first.

7. You finally decide, “Yea, Ok, I’m going!” and things start to go wrong in your life: Sometimes, the fact that there’s trouble, means were doing something right! Keep going!

If that’s you, where you are, with every head bowed and every eye closed.. JK. What internship should you do? I don’t know. Do some research. Look for an internship that you feel is best for you. There are tons of phenomenal ones out there.

the right time

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 22:46:00 -0500

So, I’ve been on this thing about timing. Timing really is everything, and God is the master at good timing; we, are not. In fact, we suck at this the most I think. We just don’t understand Gods timing and so we end up doing things in our own timing… which is for the most part wrong timing. Sometimes, we even have the audacity to say that God led us to do that particular thing at that time because we “felt” it was God. I am by no means an expert but I observed some things from Galatians 4:4 (and some other scriptures) that I think will give us all some insight into Gods timing. (P.S. I’ll be using romantic relationships as an example because I think we can all relate to this but its not limited to this) Here it goes:

1. Peoples capacity had been realized:
When people had done all they could do…it was the right time (Romans 5:6) Again, I am by no means an expert but maybe when we reach our full capacity, at that moment, the right time comes. When you stop focusing on “finding the one”, on getting a promotion, on getting that job, on whatever it maybe, that right there could be the right time. It always amazes me when talking to couples about how they met because an answer i come across a lot is, “Well, I had actually stopped trying… And then I met…” If you find yourself feeling like you’ve done all you could do don’t quit! It seems like at our capacity comes Gods ability.

2. The right time brought fulfillment:
Plain and simple: Jesus’ coming at the right time brought fulfillment of the laws requirements. I believe the timing of God brings fulfillment. Whatever it may be, a job, a wife, a husband, a promotion at the right time brings fulfillment. However, we should not confuse satisfaction with fulfillment. God offers satisfaction & fulfillment. Culture only offers satisfaction. That’s why sex outside of the TIME of marriage only brings satisfaction, not fulfillment. Whatever you are waiting for in your life, I think a sign that its the right time is the fulfillment you will feel, not simply a moment of satisfaction.

3. The right time simplified:
Between the 10-Commandments, the Levitical system of sacrifices & the social rules and regulations there were approxamtley 614 laws you had to keep. Now, I’ve never been good at math (or any other subject for that matter) but here’s what God did: He took 614 laws and with Jesus’ right-time-coming, those laws became 2, Love God and Love people! (1 John 4:21). Unfortunately, I’ve seen people get into (and I have even been in as well) wrong relationships and they really jack up both people. Are you thinking of that person right now? Remember those feelings of confusion, disorder, fear, anger? Well, want to know a clear sign that you are in a wrong relationship? Is your life more complicated or is it more simplified? I’m not saying everything will fall at your feet when it’s the right time but I am saying there will be peace, a simplicity that will come when its the right thing at the right time. Confusion & disorder are not results of God. If you find yourself in a relationship that breeds both, you should get out quick.

4. God knew when the right time would be:
I KNOW it seems like whatever it is your waiting for will never come. You ask questions like, “God, when’s it gonna be my time?” and will be tempted to make something happen which isnt good! Please know that God is faithful and he knows exactly when the right time will be. And that is where faith comes in. We may not be able to see when the right time is, but we can see the person who can see the right time, and you know what? I’m good with that.

5. The right time ultimately pointed to more Jesus:
I have never seen a clearer picture of WHY we should wait to find the right person at the right time than when I’m at a wedding (and I’ve been to A LOT of weddings!). Seeing those two up there always brings tears to my eyes because THAT is bringing glory to God. It is an incredible public display of Gods plan. The right time, I believe ultimately brings most Glory to God, or in other words it points to more Jesus. Maybe we need to stop asking, “When is this gonna happen?” and start asking, “When will this bring most glory to God?”

the fig tree

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 23:44:00 -0500

3 messages by judah smith that changed my devotional life 5 years ago and are changing me again today! take a listen with an open heart, i guarantee you’ll be challenged! there’s nothing more important than spending time with jesus, amen?! oh. right. i’m not preaching.. ahem.. so anyway, as pastor judah puts it, “this christmas, put yourself under the christmas tree”. enjoy!

Found Under The Fig Tree: http://bit.ly/gBtFKn

Nothing But Leaves: http://bit.ly/fqWtAh

Tending The Tree: http://bit.ly/h9yakJ