Thursday, December 2, 2010
Prayer Gesture Penalized at Football Game
This can certainly draw up a great debate in arena of sports. Many will want to blame the ref and even doubt his religious beliefs. Some will say that religion has no place in sports. Others might even take the stance that this players penalty is act of persecution...
What do you think? Do you think the penalty was justified? Do you think they player was justified?
I hope this video story causes conversations everywhere. I applaud the players testimony in that he was giving glory to his Heavenly Father Jesus Christ. And now his testimony is being presented on computers everywhere (Yahoo picked up this story this morning). Incredible blessings often come in mysterious disguises (Gen. 50:20).
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Inadequate
Lately I've been thinking about being inadequate vs. being empowered.
There are many days I feel inadequate. I feel as if I'm not good enough, talented enough, strong enough and that there are millions of people out there who can do a better job (life @ home and @ work) than me. I believe feelings of inadequacy are usually fueled by the fires of comparison. It is so easy to feel like your lacking when you're stuck on coveting or comparing what someone else has or is. My mentor in college J.Scott Duvall once said, "When I listen to the tempting voices of comparison, I know I've lost focus on the Father. Renewed focus causes comparison to fade." It's true...when I stop to realize God's power, grace, mercy, and love that he so generously lavishes upon me, my need to be like someone else slips away.
Inadequacies are also fueled by sin. Sin causes me to forget God's provision over me, and even more, it roots guilt which can breed spiritual paralysis. Looking at sin, owning it, dealing with it, and leaving it behind are the keys to developing and understanding redemption and forgiveness.
But when it comes to my relationship with God, I also feel inadequate, unworthy, even shameful in His presence. I am in complete need of Him. So, yes, I am inadequate. My relationship with Jesus shows me how much I need Him and little I bring to the table. I believe His desire is that we become dependent on Him because of our inabilities. Jesus desires from me a sense of utter abandon from self so that I can become completely dependent on Him. Humility, servant minded, and a missional mindset help me to develop a sense of dependence.
It's funny, only when I'm at this state of losing self and gaining a greater perspective on the Father do I truly sense empowerment. Jesus is provider, sustainer, author and perfector. His mighty, Holy, awesome, and overwhelmingly in control. Jesus empowers me through His relationship with me, the steadiness of His Word, and the whispers of His Spirit. I am empowered not because I've gained an ability, risen to a status of influence, or finally become the person I've admired; I'm empowered because I'm His and I'm allowing Him control over me.
Inadequate? Yep, in the presence of a might God. Inadequate? Nope, not among me for my God is empowering me, not for the purpose of comparison or to puff me up, but to glorify His name.
There are many days I feel inadequate. I feel as if I'm not good enough, talented enough, strong enough and that there are millions of people out there who can do a better job (life @ home and @ work) than me. I believe feelings of inadequacy are usually fueled by the fires of comparison. It is so easy to feel like your lacking when you're stuck on coveting or comparing what someone else has or is. My mentor in college J.Scott Duvall once said, "When I listen to the tempting voices of comparison, I know I've lost focus on the Father. Renewed focus causes comparison to fade." It's true...when I stop to realize God's power, grace, mercy, and love that he so generously lavishes upon me, my need to be like someone else slips away.
Inadequacies are also fueled by sin. Sin causes me to forget God's provision over me, and even more, it roots guilt which can breed spiritual paralysis. Looking at sin, owning it, dealing with it, and leaving it behind are the keys to developing and understanding redemption and forgiveness.
But when it comes to my relationship with God, I also feel inadequate, unworthy, even shameful in His presence. I am in complete need of Him. So, yes, I am inadequate. My relationship with Jesus shows me how much I need Him and little I bring to the table. I believe His desire is that we become dependent on Him because of our inabilities. Jesus desires from me a sense of utter abandon from self so that I can become completely dependent on Him. Humility, servant minded, and a missional mindset help me to develop a sense of dependence.
It's funny, only when I'm at this state of losing self and gaining a greater perspective on the Father do I truly sense empowerment. Jesus is provider, sustainer, author and perfector. His mighty, Holy, awesome, and overwhelmingly in control. Jesus empowers me through His relationship with me, the steadiness of His Word, and the whispers of His Spirit. I am empowered not because I've gained an ability, risen to a status of influence, or finally become the person I've admired; I'm empowered because I'm His and I'm allowing Him control over me.
Inadequate? Yep, in the presence of a might God. Inadequate? Nope, not among me for my God is empowering me, not for the purpose of comparison or to puff me up, but to glorify His name.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Too Sexy Too Soon:
Do tween fashion trends push girls to mature too fast? This is a news story from ABC News that provides enlightenment to what student pastors everywhere have been combating...maintaining a sense of innocence through adolescence is so difficult in today's culture.
I hope this video causes discussion between parents and within the home.
I hope this video causes discussion between parents and within the home.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
He Conquered the Grave
Today as I write this, the Bolton High School community is mourning the loss of two students who were involved in a one vehicle car accident on November 9. We have a community of students and parents who grieving over a friend, student, son, and daughter. In encouraging our students of faith through this difficult time we want to impress of them a few things:
1) Life is fleeting. Scripture tells us that we are but a vapor and we don’t know when we will breath our last so we must make the most of every opportunity (Jas. 4:14; 2 Cor. 6:2, Eph. 5:15-16).
2) Our hope isn’t in living but in the one who brings Life. Students need to grieve, but they also need bring hope in the mourning that they know and trust is in the One who has conquered death (Jn.11:35; 16:33; 1 Cor. 15:54-55).
3) We don’t understand why. God’s plans are perfect and in His sovereignty we occasionally can’t understand why things happen, but we can trust in His love for us (Jer. 29:11, Is. 55:7-8; Prov. 3:5-6).
4) The death of a peer can lead to others being open to spiritual conversations and even salvation. Death naturally causes one to think about life and life is empty and hopeless without Christ (Jn.14:6; Col. 4:5-6).
I didn’t know the students who passed away, but my heart hurts for their families and their friends. We must take every day as a gift and use it according to the purposes of Christ in His mission in sharing the gospel.
1) Life is fleeting. Scripture tells us that we are but a vapor and we don’t know when we will breath our last so we must make the most of every opportunity (Jas. 4:14; 2 Cor. 6:2, Eph. 5:15-16).
2) Our hope isn’t in living but in the one who brings Life. Students need to grieve, but they also need bring hope in the mourning that they know and trust is in the One who has conquered death (Jn.11:35; 16:33; 1 Cor. 15:54-55).
3) We don’t understand why. God’s plans are perfect and in His sovereignty we occasionally can’t understand why things happen, but we can trust in His love for us (Jer. 29:11, Is. 55:7-8; Prov. 3:5-6).
4) The death of a peer can lead to others being open to spiritual conversations and even salvation. Death naturally causes one to think about life and life is empty and hopeless without Christ (Jn.14:6; Col. 4:5-6).
I didn’t know the students who passed away, but my heart hurts for their families and their friends. We must take every day as a gift and use it according to the purposes of Christ in His mission in sharing the gospel.
Monday, November 8, 2010
In Action
It is so cool to see people being made into disciples.
A few weeks ago we had a man come forward during an invitation at one of our morning services who wanted to accept Christ. Immediately you could tell this guy hadn't grown up in church, not to mention his sheer size is enough to fill a refrigerator box.
To date, this guy accept Christ, attended our membership class, was baptized, and last night attended my "Discovering Spiritual Maturity" class (the second class in our Discovery process). He is a changed man and I'm so excited for him.
Here is a man who has a wife, kids, and lived without Christ for many years. But after encountering Christ, his life was significantly changed and his actions today are proof of the saving and incredible power of God. He is being made into a true disciple and follower of Christ...it is so good to see God in action and to observed people living out the 'switched' life.
A few weeks ago we had a man come forward during an invitation at one of our morning services who wanted to accept Christ. Immediately you could tell this guy hadn't grown up in church, not to mention his sheer size is enough to fill a refrigerator box.
To date, this guy accept Christ, attended our membership class, was baptized, and last night attended my "Discovering Spiritual Maturity" class (the second class in our Discovery process). He is a changed man and I'm so excited for him.
Here is a man who has a wife, kids, and lived without Christ for many years. But after encountering Christ, his life was significantly changed and his actions today are proof of the saving and incredible power of God. He is being made into a true disciple and follower of Christ...it is so good to see God in action and to observed people living out the 'switched' life.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Fire Pits and Halloween
We live at the very end of a cove. In fact, we really like where we live. Our street is rather quiet and our kids can ride their bikes and play and we don't have to worry about traffic or any creepers looking at our kids. Our neighbors are wonderful people that we really enjoy sharing life with. A couple of homes have grown children so we're able to seek wisdom and learn from their experiences. Other homes have kids our ages and we desire to raise our kids up according to God's Word. They attend school together and make up a little grade school posse.
Last night we decided to take over our cove for Halloween. We brought out lawn chairs, a couple of tables, and a couple of fire pits. As it got dark we roasted the hot dogs and made smores and the kids went trick or treating on our block in the quest of who could become the biggest candy glutton. We were able to pass out candy and enjoy the evening cool air as a group of families.
Toward the end of our evening a couple hand in hand walked down the street to our cove. I noticed they didn't have any kids and we're watching us pretty closely. The gentleman had long hair in a ponytail and was in Harley Davidson get up from head to toe. They introduced themselves to us and came down because they were curious. They saw the fire pits, kids playing, and wanted to know what was going on. As the conversation progressed she is a single mom with a 16 year old daughter and they live several doors down. We engaged in pleasantries and I am hoping that our conversation will give me an in to invite them to our church in the near future.
I wonder how often people outside the church look on the inside of church and see love, community, security, fun, hope, and care and long to have that in their lives. I believe that just like last night, people are looking at churches wondering what all the joy is about and can they have a part in it.
This begs two questions:
1) Is the environment in my church like the environment on my cove? Do we foster love, community, and care in such a way that those on the outside want what we have in the inside (1 Peter 2:12)? Too many churches chase after meaningless mishaps and add depth to gossip driven drama and forget that people are looking in to see if what we have under the steeple is any different than what they have in their sin.
2) Would my church accept, with open arms, outsiders? Ben, who sought us out last night, seemed like a really fun character. His long hair, leathers, and curious personality might not be accepted at several places of worship - what a travesty...I hope that my church will be a place with arms wide open to people looking in.
Who knew fire pits and Halloween be an opportunity to foster care not only in my neighborhood but also my church? I'm praying I'll be able to talk to Ben and Amy again...
Last night we decided to take over our cove for Halloween. We brought out lawn chairs, a couple of tables, and a couple of fire pits. As it got dark we roasted the hot dogs and made smores and the kids went trick or treating on our block in the quest of who could become the biggest candy glutton. We were able to pass out candy and enjoy the evening cool air as a group of families.
Toward the end of our evening a couple hand in hand walked down the street to our cove. I noticed they didn't have any kids and we're watching us pretty closely. The gentleman had long hair in a ponytail and was in Harley Davidson get up from head to toe. They introduced themselves to us and came down because they were curious. They saw the fire pits, kids playing, and wanted to know what was going on. As the conversation progressed she is a single mom with a 16 year old daughter and they live several doors down. We engaged in pleasantries and I am hoping that our conversation will give me an in to invite them to our church in the near future.
I wonder how often people outside the church look on the inside of church and see love, community, security, fun, hope, and care and long to have that in their lives. I believe that just like last night, people are looking at churches wondering what all the joy is about and can they have a part in it.
This begs two questions:
1) Is the environment in my church like the environment on my cove? Do we foster love, community, and care in such a way that those on the outside want what we have in the inside (1 Peter 2:12)? Too many churches chase after meaningless mishaps and add depth to gossip driven drama and forget that people are looking in to see if what we have under the steeple is any different than what they have in their sin.
2) Would my church accept, with open arms, outsiders? Ben, who sought us out last night, seemed like a really fun character. His long hair, leathers, and curious personality might not be accepted at several places of worship - what a travesty...I hope that my church will be a place with arms wide open to people looking in.
Who knew fire pits and Halloween be an opportunity to foster care not only in my neighborhood but also my church? I'm praying I'll be able to talk to Ben and Amy again...
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Vomit
Yuck.
That's what went through my mind as I was awakened by the sound of my son getting sick all over my bedroom floor. He made an attempt to tell us he was sick by coming into our bedroom but before the words could come out, his dinner did.
The last 72 hours have been us nursing him back to health. For 48 hours he was vomiting and couldn't keep anything down. His energy level plummeted and his normally infectious smile faded. Our little guy was a sick little guy. Because I'm strange (for some of you that is not new information) I began to think of how violently his body was rejected anything in his stomach and his intestines. His body was expelling everything and anything in such a destructive manner.
I wonder how often I hold on to sin and pride in my life and yet I know the Spirit within me wants me to rid my life of the sin that draws me out of fellowship with God. I don't think that God's concept of my ridding my life of sin is "on my terms and my way"...rather, I think it maybe more along the lines of what I saw in my son this weekend: a violent urgency to rid the heart of destructive sin. God's intent is not that sin lingers in our life, but that it be expelled, destroyed, and all together gone. Sin is an affront to God's holiness, it grieves the Holy Spirit, and it squats on God's residence in our life.
Removing sin is never easy. I burdens me to hear so much about the freedom of Christ as a tool of passivity when it comes to sin. Grace was not meant to be a "get of jail free" card. Sometimes it's easy to abuse grace which can so easily divert our attention from the seriousness of sin. Jerry Bridges wrote in The Discipline of Grace that "the way to stay on the right side of the fine line between using and abusing grace is repentance." Repentance is vital in the violent removal of personal sin. Lord, I pray that I'll see sin for what it is. Help me to understand the destructive nature of sin and how important it is to immediately deal with sin through repentance. Help me not to hang on, linger in, or rest within my sinful nature; rather, help me to respond to the Holy Spirit's desire to remain holy, useful, and in fellowship with a most Holy God. Help me never to be a place where I'm so lukewarm with sin that God wants to vomit me from his mouth.
That's what went through my mind as I was awakened by the sound of my son getting sick all over my bedroom floor. He made an attempt to tell us he was sick by coming into our bedroom but before the words could come out, his dinner did.
The last 72 hours have been us nursing him back to health. For 48 hours he was vomiting and couldn't keep anything down. His energy level plummeted and his normally infectious smile faded. Our little guy was a sick little guy. Because I'm strange (for some of you that is not new information) I began to think of how violently his body was rejected anything in his stomach and his intestines. His body was expelling everything and anything in such a destructive manner.
I wonder how often I hold on to sin and pride in my life and yet I know the Spirit within me wants me to rid my life of the sin that draws me out of fellowship with God. I don't think that God's concept of my ridding my life of sin is "on my terms and my way"...rather, I think it maybe more along the lines of what I saw in my son this weekend: a violent urgency to rid the heart of destructive sin. God's intent is not that sin lingers in our life, but that it be expelled, destroyed, and all together gone. Sin is an affront to God's holiness, it grieves the Holy Spirit, and it squats on God's residence in our life.
Removing sin is never easy. I burdens me to hear so much about the freedom of Christ as a tool of passivity when it comes to sin. Grace was not meant to be a "get of jail free" card. Sometimes it's easy to abuse grace which can so easily divert our attention from the seriousness of sin. Jerry Bridges wrote in The Discipline of Grace that "the way to stay on the right side of the fine line between using and abusing grace is repentance." Repentance is vital in the violent removal of personal sin. Lord, I pray that I'll see sin for what it is. Help me to understand the destructive nature of sin and how important it is to immediately deal with sin through repentance. Help me not to hang on, linger in, or rest within my sinful nature; rather, help me to respond to the Holy Spirit's desire to remain holy, useful, and in fellowship with a most Holy God. Help me never to be a place where I'm so lukewarm with sin that God wants to vomit me from his mouth.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Communication is Key
It's interesting being on the other side.
I've been in church work for over 15 years. For most of that time I have serve in some capacity on staff, on the inside if you will. Today I found myself on the outside.
One of my kids has been hounded me about a certain activity they'd like to do. I've been hestitant because I wanted them to be a bit older, but they have been persistent. Our church doesn't offer this particular activity but I heard of a neighborhing church who does. Not knowing the church all that well, I did what any regular Joe would do: I checked out their website.
Lame. Nothing there about the activity so I called. I got a great receptionist who directed me to the right person and she told me the day and time of the sign ups. I looked on my calendar this morning and today is the day. I cut my nap short this afternoon, made arrangements and altared some other things to be there on time. I walked in to sign up and found out that his age group has been postponed and more than likely postponed indefinitely. No notification on the web, no phone call, nothing.
In the enormity of life, this really isn't a big deal. We'll figure it out and our lives will definitely go on. However, for the first time in a long time, I wasn't on the inside of communication and I felt helpless and frustrated. As staff we often don't think about how our miscommunication or lack of communication effects those on the outside. I walked out this afternoon thinking if I really was a regular Joe, their lack of communication left a bad taste in my mouth....they might have lost the right to minister to me and my family.
Communication is key. The church must do an excellent job at clearly communicating the X's and O's of our activities, philosophyies, and overall the gospel. I'm on the inside and knowledgeable about what's happening, but today I got a glimpse of how it is on the outside of communication. I renews my vision to communicate clearly so that I can win the right to minister to students and families.
I've been in church work for over 15 years. For most of that time I have serve in some capacity on staff, on the inside if you will. Today I found myself on the outside.
One of my kids has been hounded me about a certain activity they'd like to do. I've been hestitant because I wanted them to be a bit older, but they have been persistent. Our church doesn't offer this particular activity but I heard of a neighborhing church who does. Not knowing the church all that well, I did what any regular Joe would do: I checked out their website.
Lame. Nothing there about the activity so I called. I got a great receptionist who directed me to the right person and she told me the day and time of the sign ups. I looked on my calendar this morning and today is the day. I cut my nap short this afternoon, made arrangements and altared some other things to be there on time. I walked in to sign up and found out that his age group has been postponed and more than likely postponed indefinitely. No notification on the web, no phone call, nothing.
In the enormity of life, this really isn't a big deal. We'll figure it out and our lives will definitely go on. However, for the first time in a long time, I wasn't on the inside of communication and I felt helpless and frustrated. As staff we often don't think about how our miscommunication or lack of communication effects those on the outside. I walked out this afternoon thinking if I really was a regular Joe, their lack of communication left a bad taste in my mouth....they might have lost the right to minister to me and my family.
Communication is key. The church must do an excellent job at clearly communicating the X's and O's of our activities, philosophyies, and overall the gospel. I'm on the inside and knowledgeable about what's happening, but today I got a glimpse of how it is on the outside of communication. I renews my vision to communicate clearly so that I can win the right to minister to students and families.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Dad, that was a close one!
A year ago I agreed to help coach my 6 year old's soccer team. Last season, we rocked. Lost only one game and had a great team. This year he moved up a division and we had to restructure a new team. This season, we're rocky.
I've got great boys on our team. But only half of them are there to really play and compete. The others either have never played or have no real desire to play. As I plan our game strategy I have to split our team up between those who want to win and those who really don't care.
To help our new team stay focused I implemented the Five Rules of Soccer:
1) Have fun.
2) Put the ball in the goal.
3) Don't touch the ball with your hands (unless you're a goalie(.
4) Have fun. (just for emphasis).
5) Be a team.
I know it sounds basic (I never said I was a good coach!) but it helps keep our guys focused on the play. We don't have a rule about winning...just having fun...mmm.
I was reminded of this concept two weeks ago. After losing 5 straight games and only scoring 2 goals all season I was ready to hang up the cleats on our team. Being a collegiate athlete, I'm fairly competitive and somewhere along the way, winning really became priority. I was visibly frustrated with our team when they would make a mistake or not follow instructions; when we'd lose I was in a foul mood for the rest of the afternoon and I even dreaded coming to games. However, at this particular game we played especially bad and lost 6-0. On the way to the car my son Caleb grabbed my hand and said, "Dad, that was a close one! We almost won!"
In that moment, I realized that Caleb had no idea what the score was nor did it matter to him...he was just following rule 1 and 4: having fun.
It's always nice to have your 6 year old correct you. And right then and there God used Caleb to correct my spirit about competition and how I was losing sight of why I agreed to coach in the first place: to invest in my son and help other non-churched families see a "switched" life.
Grabbing his hand and walking to the car, I was humbled and broken. It's here that God often speaks the loudest to me. I repented and renewed my vision to coach our team. The next Saturday morning I got a call that our best player wouldn't be there to play our afternoon game. Instead of allowing that to ruin my day, I headed to the field ready to encourage my guys and not worrying about the outcome of the game. It was so liberating to enjoy the game and see my son score his first goal of the season. I finally stopped allowing the pressure to win to overshadow the joy of coaching.
Our boys played great and won their first game. God always has a sense of humor.
I wonder what we would be like if we stopped allowing the outside pressures of work and relationships kill the joy that God has for us. Trust him, relax, we don't exist for the praise from others or to have a winning record. We're called to worship the king and reflect His glory alone.
I've got great boys on our team. But only half of them are there to really play and compete. The others either have never played or have no real desire to play. As I plan our game strategy I have to split our team up between those who want to win and those who really don't care.
To help our new team stay focused I implemented the Five Rules of Soccer:
1) Have fun.
2) Put the ball in the goal.
3) Don't touch the ball with your hands (unless you're a goalie(.
4) Have fun. (just for emphasis).
5) Be a team.
I know it sounds basic (I never said I was a good coach!) but it helps keep our guys focused on the play. We don't have a rule about winning...just having fun...mmm.
I was reminded of this concept two weeks ago. After losing 5 straight games and only scoring 2 goals all season I was ready to hang up the cleats on our team. Being a collegiate athlete, I'm fairly competitive and somewhere along the way, winning really became priority. I was visibly frustrated with our team when they would make a mistake or not follow instructions; when we'd lose I was in a foul mood for the rest of the afternoon and I even dreaded coming to games. However, at this particular game we played especially bad and lost 6-0. On the way to the car my son Caleb grabbed my hand and said, "Dad, that was a close one! We almost won!"
In that moment, I realized that Caleb had no idea what the score was nor did it matter to him...he was just following rule 1 and 4: having fun.
It's always nice to have your 6 year old correct you. And right then and there God used Caleb to correct my spirit about competition and how I was losing sight of why I agreed to coach in the first place: to invest in my son and help other non-churched families see a "switched" life.
Grabbing his hand and walking to the car, I was humbled and broken. It's here that God often speaks the loudest to me. I repented and renewed my vision to coach our team. The next Saturday morning I got a call that our best player wouldn't be there to play our afternoon game. Instead of allowing that to ruin my day, I headed to the field ready to encourage my guys and not worrying about the outcome of the game. It was so liberating to enjoy the game and see my son score his first goal of the season. I finally stopped allowing the pressure to win to overshadow the joy of coaching.
Our boys played great and won their first game. God always has a sense of humor.
I wonder what we would be like if we stopped allowing the outside pressures of work and relationships kill the joy that God has for us. Trust him, relax, we don't exist for the praise from others or to have a winning record. We're called to worship the king and reflect His glory alone.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Facebook: I Like It On... Really?
Lately women world wide are posting on their facebook status, "I like it on the..." and they name a place. Immediately, you begin to wonder what in the world are they talking about.
Turns out it's about breast cancer awareness and they are referring to where they place their purses...http://voices.washingtonpost.com/blog-post/2010/10/i_like_it_on_your_facebook_sta.html
Really? The innuendo implied by these facebook statuses is yet another challenge for students and adults to keep their minds pure. Although, it maybe "cute" and "raising awareness" I think it causes minds to flutter. It's unfortunate that women would use this type of tactic to become a cry for such a worthy cause. I think it's demeaning towards women, it cause people to stumble in their thought life, and it's hard to redeem the necessity for such a slogan.
Turns out it's about breast cancer awareness and they are referring to where they place their purses...http://voices.washingtonpost.com/blog-post/2010/10/i_like_it_on_your_facebook_sta.html
Really? The innuendo implied by these facebook statuses is yet another challenge for students and adults to keep their minds pure. Although, it maybe "cute" and "raising awareness" I think it causes minds to flutter. It's unfortunate that women would use this type of tactic to become a cry for such a worthy cause. I think it's demeaning towards women, it cause people to stumble in their thought life, and it's hard to redeem the necessity for such a slogan.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
life book
Today I picked up over 1600 life books as we ready ourselves for The Life Book Project next week, October 11-15. We're asking that everyone of our Barlett area high school students jump on board and pass out 25 copies of the life book. I'm anticipating incredible things from this project and hope and pray that other churches in our area are as committed to this project like we are. Students don't need to hear men, they need to hear the word of God and the life book is an incredible opportunity for unchurched and unreached students to read God's word. Praying...
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Rescue Me
Yesterday we had the terrifying experience of our middle son getting caught in a strong riptide and being swept out to sea.
We're in Ft. Morgan, AL enjoying a condo with some great friends, Clif an Sarah Anderson, this week. We've enjoyed the beach despite the media scare of oil ridden beaches and waters. Luckily, where we are at we have the occasional tar ball on the beach, but the water is clear and the beach has been fine.
The boys in our group have enjoyed some great body surfing due to a recent tropical storm in the gulf. Yesterday, Caleb was body surfing with his buddy and doing just fine in the somewhat rougher waters. I took a phone call away from the beach area so I could hear better and when I was returning I saw a bobbing head of a child in rough surf and three men running into the water to get the kid who was obviously been taken out by strong currents. I quickly realized that the kid in question was my red-headed boy wonder. Clif got there just in time to grab him. I was right behind him and was experiencing the riptide that had sucked Caleb out. Clif threw Caleb to me and when he got his arms around my neck he held on like he had never before. Together we got back to the beach safely having experienced a pretty close call. Aside from being shaken up, Caleb was fine.
This morning I got up thinking about what if we didn't get to him in time...enough about that.
When we take matters into our own hands in sin, we are headed for certain destruction. Sin draws us in and before we know it when in over our heads and overwhelmed with peril. God sent His Son Jesus to be our rescuer from the riptide of our sin. By the cross, Jesus pulls us out carries us into the safety of His will. I hope that when Jesus comes to my daily rescue as I'm enticed to sin that I'll clutch to him like my son clutched me.
Lord, give me the eyes to see the warning signs of sin. Father, when I'm being pulled away help me to recognize the rescue your Son provides and give me the strength to clutch to Him.
We're in Ft. Morgan, AL enjoying a condo with some great friends, Clif an Sarah Anderson, this week. We've enjoyed the beach despite the media scare of oil ridden beaches and waters. Luckily, where we are at we have the occasional tar ball on the beach, but the water is clear and the beach has been fine.
The boys in our group have enjoyed some great body surfing due to a recent tropical storm in the gulf. Yesterday, Caleb was body surfing with his buddy and doing just fine in the somewhat rougher waters. I took a phone call away from the beach area so I could hear better and when I was returning I saw a bobbing head of a child in rough surf and three men running into the water to get the kid who was obviously been taken out by strong currents. I quickly realized that the kid in question was my red-headed boy wonder. Clif got there just in time to grab him. I was right behind him and was experiencing the riptide that had sucked Caleb out. Clif threw Caleb to me and when he got his arms around my neck he held on like he had never before. Together we got back to the beach safely having experienced a pretty close call. Aside from being shaken up, Caleb was fine.
This morning I got up thinking about what if we didn't get to him in time...enough about that.
When we take matters into our own hands in sin, we are headed for certain destruction. Sin draws us in and before we know it when in over our heads and overwhelmed with peril. God sent His Son Jesus to be our rescuer from the riptide of our sin. By the cross, Jesus pulls us out carries us into the safety of His will. I hope that when Jesus comes to my daily rescue as I'm enticed to sin that I'll clutch to him like my son clutched me.
Lord, give me the eyes to see the warning signs of sin. Father, when I'm being pulled away help me to recognize the rescue your Son provides and give me the strength to clutch to Him.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Earn It
I'm on my way to lead an FACS Leadership Retreat in Gulf Shores, AL. I'm super excited about the opportunity to invest in these seniors and coaches. I'm praying for God's strength, wisdom, and relentless love to overwhelm our meeting times. It's going to be a great week.
Here's a glimpse of some of the things we'll talk about...
EARN IT.
Saving Private Ryan is perhaps one of the greatest war movies of this generation. The movie takes place during World War II. After the invasion of fortress Europe on June 6th 1944, Captain John Miller (played by Tom Hanks) leads his squad from the 2nd Ranger Battalion of the 29th Infantry Division, on a mission to find and bring home Private James Francis Ryan (played by Matt Damon) after the death of his three brothers. The mission takes them through Nazi occupied territory to establish contact with Ryan's unit: an element of the 101st Airborne Division. However, during their mission several members of the squad are killed as they attempt to bring back Private Ryan. At the end of the Capt. Miller jumps in the line of fire and saves Ryan. Before his death Miller utters something into Ryan’s ear,
“Excuse me, sir” asks Ryan.
“Earn this…earn it.” says Miller as he dies.
Man, what a line. Can you imagine the enormity of the charge? Capt. Miller was telling Private Ryan to earn his death by living his life, and living it well. I’m not sure how I would feel holding the dying body of a man who just took a bullet for me, not to mention him telling me to earn his death.
I can’t help but to think about Jesus’ death on the cross for my sins. He sacrificed his life, experienced the pain of a criminal’s execution, and took on the wrath of God, so that I can live. Choosing to live my life for the moment, to live my life for selfish gain seems to cheapen the Jesus’ death for me. I know I can never earn my salvation, but I hope I’m living my life in such a way as to glorify His death that gives me life.
Pray for us this week.
Here's a glimpse of some of the things we'll talk about...
EARN IT.
Saving Private Ryan is perhaps one of the greatest war movies of this generation. The movie takes place during World War II. After the invasion of fortress Europe on June 6th 1944, Captain John Miller (played by Tom Hanks) leads his squad from the 2nd Ranger Battalion of the 29th Infantry Division, on a mission to find and bring home Private James Francis Ryan (played by Matt Damon) after the death of his three brothers. The mission takes them through Nazi occupied territory to establish contact with Ryan's unit: an element of the 101st Airborne Division. However, during their mission several members of the squad are killed as they attempt to bring back Private Ryan. At the end of the Capt. Miller jumps in the line of fire and saves Ryan. Before his death Miller utters something into Ryan’s ear,
“Excuse me, sir” asks Ryan.
“Earn this…earn it.” says Miller as he dies.
Man, what a line. Can you imagine the enormity of the charge? Capt. Miller was telling Private Ryan to earn his death by living his life, and living it well. I’m not sure how I would feel holding the dying body of a man who just took a bullet for me, not to mention him telling me to earn his death.
I can’t help but to think about Jesus’ death on the cross for my sins. He sacrificed his life, experienced the pain of a criminal’s execution, and took on the wrath of God, so that I can live. Choosing to live my life for the moment, to live my life for selfish gain seems to cheapen the Jesus’ death for me. I know I can never earn my salvation, but I hope I’m living my life in such a way as to glorify His death that gives me life.
Pray for us this week.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Ministry Vomit
Several years ago I had an intern who replied, "we not to stop feeding our students so much - let's give them an opportunity to throw it up."
Although graphic, what he meant was, we need to provide opportunities for our students to apply what we've been teaching. C.S. Lewis wrote, "Experience is a brutal teacher, but you learn." In ministry, we are called to equip the saints through knowledge but we do them a great disservice if we don't help them apply their new found knowledge.
Last night we had our first of three planning meetings for our upcoming Student Led Sunday. On this special day we'll teach all of our adult connect groups, lead in worship, preaching, and the other duties of a Sunday morning - greeters, ushers, etc. It was really great to cast the vision and become a member of the group as they brainstormed and thought through how we are going to minister and share the gospel on this special day.
Some of my most rewarding moments in ministry isn't speaking in front of thousands, writing a published article, or being around giants of the faith. I find the most fulfillment in ministry when I see students grab vision and begin to apply God's Word towards serving others. I love hearing the conversations that are full of "what if's" and "maybe we could" and "what about" and "how can use God's Word".
I'm excited about what the next few weeks holds as we gather thoughts and begin working toward serving the body in this meaningful way. I'm looking forward to seeing our students stretch themselves in serving the Savior and see what God might do in the life of our church and our students.
Last night we had the beginnings of ministry vomit and I was feeling great.
Although graphic, what he meant was, we need to provide opportunities for our students to apply what we've been teaching. C.S. Lewis wrote, "Experience is a brutal teacher, but you learn." In ministry, we are called to equip the saints through knowledge but we do them a great disservice if we don't help them apply their new found knowledge.
Last night we had our first of three planning meetings for our upcoming Student Led Sunday. On this special day we'll teach all of our adult connect groups, lead in worship, preaching, and the other duties of a Sunday morning - greeters, ushers, etc. It was really great to cast the vision and become a member of the group as they brainstormed and thought through how we are going to minister and share the gospel on this special day.
Some of my most rewarding moments in ministry isn't speaking in front of thousands, writing a published article, or being around giants of the faith. I find the most fulfillment in ministry when I see students grab vision and begin to apply God's Word towards serving others. I love hearing the conversations that are full of "what if's" and "maybe we could" and "what about" and "how can use God's Word".
I'm excited about what the next few weeks holds as we gather thoughts and begin working toward serving the body in this meaningful way. I'm looking forward to seeing our students stretch themselves in serving the Savior and see what God might do in the life of our church and our students.
Last night we had the beginnings of ministry vomit and I was feeling great.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Sweating Courage
I know that services all over the world will take place tonight in observance of Maundy Thursday...the beginning events of Jesus' trial and crucifixion. According to Wikipedia (not that I use all that often)most scholars agree that the English word Maundy in that name for the day is derived through Middle English, and Old French mandé, from the Latin mandatum, the first word of the phrase "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos" ("A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you"), the statement by Jesus in the Gospel of John (13:34).
As Jesus walked to the cross, he was leaving morsels of truth to help his disciples, of whom he calls friends in Jn. 15, continue in the work of the Gospel. But I can't help but wonder one if one of the most significant moments of the Easter events isn't in the garden before Galgotha...
It is recorded that Jesus sweat blood while in the garden...a sign of incredible stress and anguish. It's here that Jesus prays, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will but yours, be done." Jesus is struggling, hurting, stressed, overwhelmed in such a way that his body responds by sweating blood. Although Jesus is obedient, sacrificial, unwavering, the word that comes to mind is courageous.
Jesus had courage.
Courage to go through with it.
It wasn't all just talk.
It wasn't all just a show.
It wasn't all just a put on.
More than prophecy fulfilled, it was extraordinarily brave.
Knowing that his entire incarnational experience is pointing to this moment, and knowing what he is about to endure, he courageously stands and meets the crowd of accusers who will lead him to six different trials, to be beaten, scourged, and eventually crucified.
What incredible courage our Savior had to meet his purpose head on.
I hope that when tests come my way to prove my purpose as a faithful follower of Christ, I'll be half as brave.
"Jesus, faithful King, Lord with grateful hearts we sing, how great is the love of our Savior. The weight of the cross, the curse of our shame, you carried it all and rose from the grave. How great is the love of our Savior!" - Meredith Andrews, singer/songwriter
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Night
A few nights ago I heard a cover of The Black Eye Peas song, I Got a Feeling at a Christian concert. I loved the way they redeemed that song and it sort of became the theme song for us tonight at SWITCH.
We hosted Super Switch: our quarterly outreach oriented Wednesday night service where we ask our students to bring unchurched friends, bring in a guest speaker, and challenge our students to be inviters and our unchurched friends to be responders to the gospel message. Tonight we had Mac Cockrell speak and wow, what a great job. For a young guy (only 25) God has blessed him and I expect to hear a lot more from him the future. Our students owned up to the challenge and we had over a hundred there (106 to be exact) with 8 public decisions....it was awesome. We had most of the Bartlett High Football team, the Arlington High Girls Basketball team, and a lot of guests... We gave away a free camp, enjoyed worship with our band, and even played ICE CHEST (boys are given oversized t-shirts and girls are asked to dump as much ice in their shirts in 1 minute to see who has the biggest ice chest).
We looked at Paul in Acts 17 as he "turned the world upside down" and most of our formal decisions were of students desiring to do the same. What a good word.
My team prepared, Mac spoke, our kids invited, the Lord moved...it was a good night.
We hosted Super Switch: our quarterly outreach oriented Wednesday night service where we ask our students to bring unchurched friends, bring in a guest speaker, and challenge our students to be inviters and our unchurched friends to be responders to the gospel message. Tonight we had Mac Cockrell speak and wow, what a great job. For a young guy (only 25) God has blessed him and I expect to hear a lot more from him the future. Our students owned up to the challenge and we had over a hundred there (106 to be exact) with 8 public decisions....it was awesome. We had most of the Bartlett High Football team, the Arlington High Girls Basketball team, and a lot of guests... We gave away a free camp, enjoyed worship with our band, and even played ICE CHEST (boys are given oversized t-shirts and girls are asked to dump as much ice in their shirts in 1 minute to see who has the biggest ice chest).
We looked at Paul in Acts 17 as he "turned the world upside down" and most of our formal decisions were of students desiring to do the same. What a good word.
My team prepared, Mac spoke, our kids invited, the Lord moved...it was a good night.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
We Go Together: a level playing field
Last night was just one of those nights.
it is interesting to talk to other youth pastors and I'm sure we all struggle with having to be four different people on any given program night: the tech guru, worship planner, preacher, gamer, janitor, etc. Last night was just one of those nights.
Our space has tech gremlins that like to hideout until we start our SWITCH Service and it can be overwhelming to try to negotiate with those suckers...especially while not losing it in front of your students. Alongside our tech issues, I just had a lot of distractions last night, especially before getting up to speak. Last night was just one of those nights.
We started a series last night: We Go Together. For several months I've been noticing this ugly virus that has been popping up among our students: "I don't like her." "He really bugs me." "I'm not going if they are going to be there." "I can't stand her." This virus of pride is dividing our group and it was time to open God's word to expose his position on unity and togetherness in the church.
We are ONE; we are MANY; and we are the SAME from 1 Cor. 12:12-13; 24-26; Eph 4:4-6 is what we tried to wrap our hearts around last night. I felt like it was a good night as our students seemed to respond with the conviction of, "I think he is talking to me, so I'm going to look down at the carpet as to not draw attention to myself." In all seriousness, we do have some students who get what the body needs to be about: encouragement, love, affirmation, discipleship, and welcoming others. I am so proud of those students who see church as more about others than themselves. I'm praying that that kind of attitude will bled over to the mainstream side of our ministry.
While speaking it hit me like a ton of bricks...students often engage (or as in our case, disengage) other students based on the social rules that they are most familiar with and spend the most time in: school. The social rules of school don't and shouldn't apply at church. School is a place of judgment, church should be a place of acceptance. School is a place focused on achievement, church is a place of humility. School is a place of social classes/orders, church is a place where we remind that Jesus destroyed the social order. We have got to re-train students to understand that church is not school and the same rules do not apply.
It was awesome last night, in the midst of so many distractions, helping our students understand that they go together as one, although they are many, because Jesus loves us all the same. Reminding them we are all sinners in need of the same Savior brings perspective to how we ought to treat and love one another despite our differences. We go together.
Monday, February 15, 2010
These pictures were taken at Half Moon Bay, Calif., for the Mavericks Surf Competition this past weekend. Apparently not only were the waves just incredible, but the spectators experienced a rogue wave that suddenly crashed against the shore engulfing everyone in it's path. Several people were injured in this freak incident. (View the story here http://www.foxnews.com/slideshow/us/2010/02/13/mavericks-surf-competition?slide=1)I thought of how sin is a like a rogue wave suddenly descending upon spectators. Its easy not to see the wave coming, especially if you're not looking for it. Like any large amount of water, there is little to do to stop it's devastation once it hits land.
Often we allow sin the right to destroy us. That is the intent of all sin: destruction. It doesn't care who you are or what great things you've accomplished. It's like a virus bent on complete destruction of your life. Once it hits us we bend and break under it's weight and movement in our lives.
Scripture says that Satan is on the prowl and like a rogue wave, his strike maybe sudden and unexpected, but as believers we are to watch and pray, faithfully following our Lord, so when we see the wave coming we remove ourselves from it's purposeful path of destruction
Monday, January 11, 2010
Coloring and Contentment
Sorry it's been a long time (not that people are lining up to read my rantings).
I was a little overwhelmed today. I'm part of the twitter-rific world of instant blog/thought about life and ministry and as a man in my early 30's it is easy to feel unsatisfied about all that you aren't doing. I've always been my worst critic and always had a deep sense of passion to be on the top of my game. As I'm logged on right now, thousands of great thinkers, strategists, missional pastors, teachers, and influencers are typing, texting, blogging, writing, and speaking an incredible amount of insightful, helpful, ministry-changing ideas at their high level churches, ministries, and offices. To quote Chandler, "these guys are seriously legit."
It's easy for me to be overwhelmed at not only the enormity of information but how little I feel that I contribute. I want my church, our ministry, and the people that I lead to catch an unprecedented vision from God to reach our community for Christ and I often hold myself accountable to helping our people see the need and the possibilities. In a nutshell, I want to be legit and wow those are some big shoes to fill. So, yes, there are moments when I'm stressed, frustrated, and overwhelmed and today was one of those days.
A little dejected, I came home and just began to read the paper at the hub (aka breakfast table) trying to mute the noise of the boys playing in the living room, Brooke preparing dinner in the kitchen, and everything else in between. Yet, I heard the sweetest thing...I noticed my 4 year old daughter at the end of the table singing. She was singing a made up song of unintelligible words just lost in her own world. She had a piece of construction paper and large bright markers. She was coloring a picture, singing a song with not a care in the world. She had abandoned the noise (doing a much better job that I was) lost in her own enjoyment; not paying attention to the world around her; content as can be.
I stared at her for a few moments and I can feel my mind and soul take a breath. I began to wonder if I was feeling some of the same joy and warmth that God feels as He sees His children simply content. They aren't trying to keep up or speed up with the world, people, jobs, MINISTRIES around them; they are just content to be a child of the King, in His presence, under His grace. I wonder if God stares at us and can find the enjoyment of seeing us content with nothing else than just Him. All it took for my daughter was a piece of paper and a few markers; surely with the majestic power of the Lord of All Creation I can simply be content.
Lord, reassure me of Your power, mission, and purpose when I'm overwhelmed and help me to find contentment in Your calling and Your strength.
I was a little overwhelmed today. I'm part of the twitter-rific world of instant blog/thought about life and ministry and as a man in my early 30's it is easy to feel unsatisfied about all that you aren't doing. I've always been my worst critic and always had a deep sense of passion to be on the top of my game. As I'm logged on right now, thousands of great thinkers, strategists, missional pastors, teachers, and influencers are typing, texting, blogging, writing, and speaking an incredible amount of insightful, helpful, ministry-changing ideas at their high level churches, ministries, and offices. To quote Chandler, "these guys are seriously legit."
It's easy for me to be overwhelmed at not only the enormity of information but how little I feel that I contribute. I want my church, our ministry, and the people that I lead to catch an unprecedented vision from God to reach our community for Christ and I often hold myself accountable to helping our people see the need and the possibilities. In a nutshell, I want to be legit and wow those are some big shoes to fill. So, yes, there are moments when I'm stressed, frustrated, and overwhelmed and today was one of those days.
A little dejected, I came home and just began to read the paper at the hub (aka breakfast table) trying to mute the noise of the boys playing in the living room, Brooke preparing dinner in the kitchen, and everything else in between. Yet, I heard the sweetest thing...I noticed my 4 year old daughter at the end of the table singing. She was singing a made up song of unintelligible words just lost in her own world. She had a piece of construction paper and large bright markers. She was coloring a picture, singing a song with not a care in the world. She had abandoned the noise (doing a much better job that I was) lost in her own enjoyment; not paying attention to the world around her; content as can be.
I stared at her for a few moments and I can feel my mind and soul take a breath. I began to wonder if I was feeling some of the same joy and warmth that God feels as He sees His children simply content. They aren't trying to keep up or speed up with the world, people, jobs, MINISTRIES around them; they are just content to be a child of the King, in His presence, under His grace. I wonder if God stares at us and can find the enjoyment of seeing us content with nothing else than just Him. All it took for my daughter was a piece of paper and a few markers; surely with the majestic power of the Lord of All Creation I can simply be content.
Lord, reassure me of Your power, mission, and purpose when I'm overwhelmed and help me to find contentment in Your calling and Your strength.
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