Life is good

Overwhelmed

2011-02-21T12:43:00.000-08:00

So it's been awhile since I've written. But something happened recently that is definitely worth sharing.

Our church recently did a 24-hour prayer vigil. We prayed for our church, our surrounding schools, our elders, the world, each other's prayer requests, and so much more. I've talked to several people who were a part of it and they were just overwhelmed. They said there was just something you could "feel" as you went in the room. The presence of God was almost tangible.

Now we know that the back room of our teen center has nothing special about it. It's just a room. But God's people met with him there. They bore their hearts for their family, for our church, for God's world. We cried out to him to heal us, and to make us one. And I can tell you, when I walked into the room after people had prayed for 22 hours before me, it was definitely a powerful experience. The prayers were all around. Some written in notebooks. Some on post it notes on the wall.

Almost everyone who went in said that the 30 minutes went by so fast and it wasn't long enough. What a powerful story to tell. When we truly decide to seek God, to make him a priority in our lives, the time flies by, and we just can't get enough. Many people hung around after their "slot" was through because they were still praying.

Over the next days and weeks, I'd like to post some of these prayers so our church family can hear what was lifted up to God on their behalf. It was a tremendous encouragement to me, and I hope it will be to you as well.

"O Lord, May you be the head of your church, and we be your hands, feet and tongue. Help us to love each other and be a light to others in this dark world. In Jesus name, Amen."

Keep on praying church, and may our Lord Jesus be our greatest desire.

You never know what you're going to get!

2010-01-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

"What are we doing tonight?"

"Why are there no chairs set up?"

"Josh, you look funny!"

Student ministry is definitely interesting! I've been at it a year and a half, not real long by any means, but I still never know what I'm going to get. Sometimes students are drawing mustaches on each others faces in highlighter. Sometimes they are wearing clothes or glasses to get attention. Sometimes they're having a good day, and you can laugh and joke. Sometimes, they're having a bad day, and are totally different people. Anyway, I never seem to know what I'm going to get.

Last night was no exception. Youth group was filled with excitement, some good, some bad. Afterward, one more surprise was thrown my way.

A group of students were gathered in a circle and said, "Josh, come 'ere." "Okay." I said, not knowing what they were up to, or what to expect. I stepped into the circle, and they said, "We just want to pray for you." They proceeded to thank God for bringing me to CCC, saying they were lucky to have me. They prayed for me to have strength to deal with students, to run my half marathon, and just in general for me. It was truly a blessing.

Without even knowing it, they were fulfilling Hebrews 13.17, making my job a joy, not a burden.

You never know what you're going to get in student ministry! But not all of the surprises are bad, or weird. Some of them are tremendously encouraging, and refreshing, and for those surprises I'm thankful.

Press on to know him

2010-01-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

Why does a new year bring up so much thought? Why does simply turning the page on a calendar (which is done 11 other times during the same year) make everything feel so different? It seems to though. The beginnings of New Years are always times for me to evaluate the year before, and look ahead toward the one upcoming.

Despite some of the negative stuff that happened economically or otherwise in 2009, I had some good memories too. I read several books, I read the Bible in 90 days, I got to travel all over the place-Seattle, Spokane, San Antonio, Mexico, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Joplin, and Topeka! One of my fondest memories was beginning and continuing a relationship with my girlfriend Sasha. Oh, and one last memory, I ran a 5k and got second!

All these were great accomplishments and tons of fun, but I still have to press on this year to go deeper and do more. I can't just stop saying, "I think that's good enough." If I thought, "I've read enough books in 2009, no more are needed in 2010" it wouldn't be too long before I wasn't learning anything new, or growing in any way at all. If I thought once through the Bible was good enough, it wouldn't be too long before my relationship with God was dry and stale. If I thought one race was good enough, and no exercise was needed, I would get out of shape pretty quickly. And the same goes for the rest. If I want to be a good boyfriend and continue my relationship with Sasha, I must keep it fresh, and press on to know her further. If I want to be a person of travel, I can't just stay where I am. That's no way to see the world, and experience different people and cultures!

If we can't do that with other areas in our lives, then we certainly can't do that with God. Whatever you do, do just settle on the amount of knowledge you had about God, or the depth of relationship you had with God in 2009. Don't ever get to a point where you say, "That's good enough." Press on to know him. Know him more. Know him better. Read, study, pray, serve. Press on to know him.

So how are you going to do it this year? It's up to you to keep it fresh, to press on. He is almighty God, the most worthy of all our pursuits! Don't miss him. You'll regret it!

What to render to God?

2009-12-22T05:44:00.001-08:00

Just a simple thought this morning. Actually the Psalmist thought it first, and recorded it in Psalm 116.12. He says, "What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?" First reactions are: Well of course you give some money, most people call that the tithe. You give him some of your time, especially making church a priority. We read our Bibles and pray, and call that our rendered services to God (even though those are more gifts FROM God than gifts we give to him).

All of these are good, we should give God those. But the point I want to make, is how often do we think about what we could give? How often do we ponder it, get creative, think about how MUCH we can give God? I mean, really think about how big God is, and then how small you are. In this advent season, think about Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love that are given through Jesus, but even more, in Jesus as He embodies all four of those grand ideas. We have been given Grace! We have the Scriptures! How could we thank God enough? What can we render to God for all his benefits? He heals our diseases, forgives sin, renews us, comforts us, convicts us. What can we render to God?

Don't let the normal answers suffice. If we give him time, how can we give him more time, better time? If we give him money, how can we give more, make more of a sacrifice? If we give him praise, how can we make our God more famous?

Take two quick moments right now. First, just stop and think about the grandness of God. Ponder it. Mull it over. Dwell on it.

Now think about what you can give back to him because of that greatness-just simply because there is no other response that will work.

God has truly been great to us. He has given us so much, and when we don't deserve a single bit of it. What can you render to God today for all his benefits?

A good Christian life

2009-12-01T06:07:00.000-08:00

So it's been awhile since I've written a blog post, but this morning got me thinking. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and amidst the busyness of the season hadn't read my Bible very much. I know, it's a lame excuse, but it's the truth. Anyway, I've been back in the word recently and today specifically reading in 1 Thessalonians, Paul urged that church to live lives worthy of God, who calls us to his kingdom and glory.

Not too often do we think in those terms about the Christian life-Kingdom and glory. Most of the time we think about being a good person, reading our Bible, praying, not stealing, just being an all-around good person. We like to think of ourselves as being clean, both physically and spiritually as Christians. Often the idea of being a good Christian has to do with wearing Sunday best-like a suit, or your nice dress. Going to church is also a big thing. Or "having a church." You might only go to it once or twice a year, but it's "your church" and you are suddenly a good Christian because you have a church and you wear some good looking clothes.

But is that really what living a good Christian life is all about? I mean Paul writes of Kingdom, and Glory. How often do we think in these terms for our lives?

We serve a King, who rules a Kingdom. He rules with an iron scepter, and he is the Lion of the tribe of Judah! He has conquered sin and death! He has been given the name above every name, and at his feet, every knee will bow. We serve a King! We serve a King who has began the process of rescue through his death and resurrection on the cross, and will one day complete the process of rescue by returning for his followers. He will return with eyes blazing and a sword coming out of his mouth! We are part of a Kingdom.

Our God also has glory. Angels bow before him, and multitudes scream out "holy, holy, holy!" Our God spoke this world into existence, and holds the world together by the power of his word. He has no beginning and no end. And he has called us to be a part of his life. He has offered this incredible life to us-eternal life-life with no end! And yet, so much of the time, we settle for the good Christian life that we're used to.

Today, think about those two words: Kingdom and Glory. God has called us to his Kingdom and to his Glory, and to live lives worthy of him. That is much more than a "Sunday best" kind of Christian life. This is a Christian life worth living!

A Guy named Rocky

2009-10-25T06:23:00.000-07:00

So I'm sitting at the downstairs bar top after having take a shower in an 8ft by 4ft sauna/shower, sitting next to the pool table, with a poker table in the corner, in the same room as the 100+ inch t.v. screen, next to the workout room!

We're up here in Louisville, KY, at the home of Rocky. We got in last night, greeted with such a warm hospitality. Coffee, brownies, pumpkin cake, and so much more. The house tour was pretty cool, just because everything was so nice. This is seriously as multi-million dollar home. One Lexus, two BMW's, at least six bathrooms, and I don't know how many bedrooms.

As welcoming as the hospitality, what tops it all in Rocky's story. He became a Christian 2 years ago, was baptized one year ago, and is combusting in a ball of fire. He has definitely, as it's been said, "been ruined by Jesus." One of Rocky's friends told him, "Wow it must be nice being retired, you can play golf all the time." But Rocky doesn't play golf. He's so involved in church, he's leading Bible studies–one in particular of nine friends, all of whom weren't Christians! Talk about an influential person. Two of them were recently baptized, and I fully expect they won't be the last.

I said that Rocky doesn't play golf. That's not entirely true. A couple of months ago, he played a Pebble Beach with a friend. Yes Pebble Beach. Anyway, they got a caddie and started their game. Through conversation Rocky found out the caddie had a pretty troubled life–drugs, alcohol, pornography–a lot like many American men. He said, "Rocky, I have a problem." to which Rocky replied, "You don't have a problem, you just need God!" This began a long conversation that whole day, and the next when they played another round of golf. There are pictures of Rocky and this caddie, Tommy, walking with Rocky right up in his ear. He's just exploding with passion from Christ.

Well, even though Rocky is in the East Coast, and Tommy is on the West Coast, they kept in touch. Rocky told him he was going to mail him a package with a book to read, and other material to try to get Tommy to realize his need for God. It was a long time in getting their, way to long. It didn't make sense that a package would take three weeks to arrive, when 5-7 days was the limit. One day, Rocky called Tommy at 10am (7am California time) and he actually answered. When they spoke again, Rocky found out that Tommy had been on a five day binge on drugs and alcohol, and was looking up online how to kill himself. Right before Rocky had called, Tommy's son had called saying, "You have a package here (at his divorce's house) from Rocky." "Son, just keep that safe," Tommy replied, "that's from a special man!" It also came out in the conversation that it had to be God working through the timing and the phone calls. Tommy gave his life to Christ, and is now attending support groups at a local church and learning the Way of following Christ.

Rocky has a business background, a history of Catholocism, and 56 years of life without Christ. He may have had all the toys, maybe even more before Christ. But they all pale in comparison to his joy, excitement, and just straight up pure passion for Christ and his glory and fame. He has a sales background, so much of his philosophy is, "I have the best thing in the world, and you need it." While this may come across "pushy" to some people, he's right. He doesn't just say that he has the best thing either. He lives it, passionately. His eyes burn with fire whenever he tells you about anything, seriously, anything that has to do with God, or the work he is doing for God.

I heard it said recently, "Transformed lives transform lives." Rocky is just one example. His life has been turned upside down by Christ, and he's doing the same in the lives of others.

A new fashioned Tent Revival

2009-09-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

They call it "the 99." 99 stands for the number of teenagers who die every day here in the states, many from poor decisions with drugs, alcohol, or self esteem issues, that play out in car accidents, overdoses, or taking their life into their own hands. It is a large dome (actually a tent supported by a continuous flow of air), which is termed a "walk-through theatre." After you enter the tent you enter many different rooms, each depicting one of these "scenes of reality" where a teenager has died. At the end, there is a very short gospel presentation of Jesus dying for the sins of the world (but interestingly they didn't show the resurrection.) They showed a short video of a man who had to make a decision at the train tracks, whether to save his son, or pull the lever, lower the bridge, and crush his son who had fallen in, so that the approaching train full of people could live. They read John 3.16, asked people to bow their heads, close their eyes, and say a prayer if they wanted to "be sure of their eternal destiny right then and there." Each person was then asked to go out and sit at a small table with a counselor to talk about their experience. At the table I went to, I was asked the question, "If you died tonight, would you be confident of your eternal destination?"

There is nothing inherently wrong with something like this, but just not my cup of tea I guess, for a couple reasons. Don't get me wrong, hell is scary, and no one should want to go, but there is a better reason to follow Jesus. Conversely, heaven is a wonderful, perfect place, but still there is a better motivation for following Jesus. That's just it. It's him. It's Jesus.

In college, my youth ministry professor had a phrase, "What you win them with is what you win them to." If we attract people with pizza, or games, or lock-ins, then we better be really careful to communicate to them the bigger, better reason for which we are really meeting. We must be very careful to never lower our purpose for meeting as God's holy people, his "called out ones" to declare his praises. We must continually go back to the truth that God IS the Gospel. Jesus Christ is the good news. We follow Jesus for Jesus. He is the reward. If all of heaven's perfection, peace, eternal life, etc. existed, but Jesus wasn't there, it would be worth it.

Recently in youth group we've been talking about the subject of following Jesus. One lesson was titled, "What following Jesus Is/Isn't." Let's make sure that we are first of all living, then teaching what it really is to follow Jesus. It's not a "get outta hell free" card. It's not just a decision we make so we may go to heaven. It's not being good for goodness sake. It loosing everything we have for the sake of him who gave it all. It's realizing just how far God went to love us and realizing that we just can't live for anything else. How could we?!

So back to "the 99." At the end, they told me that there would be people praying for specific requests the whole three weeks of this promotion. I took them up on their offer, and wrote simply: "That students would fall in love with Jesus, more than they are scared out of hell."

Hell is scary, probably far worse than we can imagine. Heaven is wonderful, probably far better than we can imagine. However, Jesus is best. He is our most worthy pursuit. To quote one of my favorite songs from the Passion conference of years past:

"Give us one pure and holy passion, give us one magnificent obsession, give me one glorious ambition: to know and follow hard after You."

Follow Jesus on Twitter!?

2009-08-13T05:45:00.000-07:00

"What if we could follow Jesus on Twitter?" my dad asked me last night. He and my mom surprised me for my birthday yesterday, and came to youth group last night to listen to me teach and lead my students. I was introducing them to the new name and theme of our youth group: theFollowing. The idea is that everyone follows someone, or something. Maybe it's a sports team, fashion trends, movies stars, or our favorite people on Twitter. We are connected with what they are doing, where they are going, their general activity in the world.

So what if we could follow Jesus on Twitter? Wouldn't that be pretty cool? I mean the tag line of Twitter is, "What are you doing?" Wouldn't that be amazing if we could have a direct line into the activity of Jesus? It might make it a little easier to answer that ever evasive question, "What does God want me to do with my life?"

He followed his initial question with a statement: "Because through the Holy Spirit we should be able to."

Christian, did you hear that? Through the Holy Spirit we should be able to keep up with what Jesus is doing in this world. (Maybe that's what Paul meant when he said, "pray without ceasing.") We should constantly be "checking in" through the day to see what he is up to and how we can get involved. We should constantly be signing in to see what Jesus has posted or said. Maybe it's through Scripture; maybe prayer; maybe through spiritual conversations with other believers. Jesus, after all, did promise better, more powerful things when the Holy Spirit came!

Maybe our world we be just a little different if Christians followed Jesus with the same intensity and regularity as teenagers (or adults for that matter) check their twitter or facebook status. Maybe if Christians got as excited about Jesus as their favorite sports team, more people in this world just might be introduced to the Savior we so desperately need. Maybe if Christians knew the words and travel plans of Jesus as well as their favorite band or movie star, then this world would be a better place.

Connect with Jesus today. Check in. And do it often. Do it with intensity and passion. Probe every situation for the activity of Christ. Examine Scriptures, the words of Jesus, with an ever increasing joy and fervor.

To end, I'd like to pass along a prayer I came across my sophomore year in college that has stuck with me to this day. I still have it taped up in my house. Maybe you can do the same:

O Holy Spirit, visit now this soul of mine, and tarry within until eventide. Inspire all my thoughts. Pervade all my imaginations. Suggest all my decisions. Lodge in my will’s most inward citadel and order all my doings. Be with me in my silence and in my speech, in my haste and in my leisure, in company and in solitude, in the freshness of the morning and in the weariness of the evening; and give me grace at all times to rejoice in thy mysterious companionship.

Stockholm Syndrome

2009-07-24T13:58:00.000-07:00

"Stockholm Syndrome." I've heard this term twice recently. Once as the title of Derek Webb's newest album, and also on the show NCIS.

It is defined as follows: Stockholm syndrome is a psychological response sometimes seen in an abducted hostage, in which the hostage shows signs of loyalty to the hostage-taker, regardless of the danger (or at least risk) in which they have been placed. The syndrome is named after the Norrmalmstorg robbery of Kreditbanken at Norrmalmstorg, Stockholm, Sweden, in which the bank robbers held bank employees hostage from August 23 to August 28 in 1973. In this case, the victims became emotionally attached to their victimizers, and even defended their captors after they were freed from their six-day ordeal. The term Stockholm Syndrome was coined by the criminologist and psychiatrist Nils Bejerot, who assisted the police during the robbery, and referred to the syndrome in a news broadcast

In one of the first episode's of NCIS season two, there is a victim who has developed Stockholm Syndrome. The victim was a female naval officer, kidnapped, and chained to a wall, dressed in a Wedding dress. She has no contact with the outside world at all. The only thing she can do is walk around her small room, which has been made to look like a room from the 50's. Her captor has also planted a pamphlet from the 50's called "The Good Wives Club." This is all she knows. Her world, which was once filled with opportunity and adventure, excitement, the light of day, has been drastically reduced to a single room. Although she isn't in a cell, her dwelling has literally become a prison.

At the end of the episode, Tony (NCIS special agent) finds this poor young woman, tells her that they found her captor, and that she would soon be free. Her rescue is imminent! However, as Tony turned his back to her to make a phone call, she picked up a lamp, and hit him over the head with it, causing him to fall on the floor. She then pulled out a gun, pointed it at Tony, and through confused tears exclaimed, "We were going to get married!"

Stockholm Syndrome.

As I watched the scene, I couldn't help but think of our lives in this world. When we continue in a life of sin, we have become victims of Stockholm Syndrome. So much of the time, we are tricked by Satan to believing a lie, to live our lives in sin, greed, immorality. We end up living in and participating in a life that is inhumane. It has become our reality and somehow we are okay with it. We don't realize we are chained to a wall in an underground dungeon, waiting around to marry a creep.

My hope and prayer is that we would realize the freedom that Jesus brings. As people once captives, may we realize our freedom in Christ. He has come into our prison, and broken that chain from our wrist. We don't have to be captives anymore, yet so much of the time we go back to what is familiar; some place where we feel like we know someone (even if that someone is a sick abductor like satan that is abusing us.) Don't go back to an old life and let Stockholm Syndrome define you. Fight against the devil and his schemes so he will flee from you. Listen to Jesus, and live the life to which he has called you. He has your best in mind, even when it looks like the ways of the enemy are more attractive. Trust Him, and resist the Stockholm Syndrome!

My humble...frustrated opinion

2009-07-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

I'm a youth minister. I've been at it officially getting paid for it for a little over a year now. I guess I'm not a veteran by any means but I'd like to simply offer my humble, yet frustrated opinion.

I recently attended the Junior High Challenge at Kentucky Christian University. Great program, by the way, and if you're familiar with CIY's high school conference MOVE, then it's basically like that, except for junior high/middle school students.

Anyway, one of the days during recreation time we loaded up and headed to the lake. We were planning on going to the place we went the day before, but it was closed. So we turned around and decided to pull into another spot close to the lake. I'd seen a church van parked there so I figured down the path, we'd eventually find some water to cool off in after a nice long walk. Sure enough, eventually, we found water, and even other people from the conference. Good so far. This specific spot had cliffs you could jump off from into the lake below. Cool right? Yeah, except that I had heard that it was actually illegal. I told my students to wait before they did anything, and I asked around. After speaking with a few people I found out that the park ranger had been the day before and said that most of these cliffs were illegal to jump from, except one, about 10 feet from the water. So, our group only jumped from that one. We had a good time, and not one got hurt.

The problem was that this other group was jumping from the other cliffs, about 25 feet high, that we knew for sure were illegal to jump from. Later we found out that, the same group had been the day before, the park ranger had showed up, and told them they shouldn't jump, yet they were there again. The whole time, they were led by their youth minister.

Later, when we were leaving, the park ranger himself actually showed up. As we passed each other, I asked him, "What is the official rule about these cliffs? I've heard several things." He said that you could legally jump off anything as tall as you are. I'm 5' 9" so I could jump off a rock 5' 9". Pretty simple. Well now we found out that we were jumping illegally. To our credit, there were no signs posted (because people who still want to jump continually tear them down), and we'd heard that the cliff from which we jumped was legal. We apologized, and let him know we wouldn't do it again, and the first thing I told my students in the van was that we would obey the law and not do it again.

It just really bothered me that the other youth group was jumping off the other cliffs. Not that they were jumping, not that they were having fun, not that they were being together, but that they knowingly, being led by their youth minister, disobeyed the law, which they had been told the day before, by the park ranger himself, and by the KCU staff.

What made it worse, was that they theme of that day at the Junior High Challenge was to be SIMPLY You. Basically what that means is this: Stand up for what you think is right. Be yourself. Don't be the person in the crowd who just conforms to what you think everyone else wants you to be. Do the right thing, even if others want you to do the wrong thing. Have the guts to say no, even if what you are being tempted with looks fun, or cool. A phrase that the speaker used was, "Be a Reuben" because Reuben, in the Old Testament, was the one who stood up for his brother Joseph and convinced the other brothers not to kill him. He stood up, 1 against 9 and did the right thing.

That very day, after hearing that message, a youth minister led his students out to cliffs, and intentionally disobeyed the law, claiming that as long as they didn't get caught, it was okay. I have no problem with Cliff Jumping. I had fun myself, but when it is blatantly against the law, I have a problem with that!

I distinctly remember in youth ministry class in college, and just in conversations with people, talking about kids who graduate from a youth ministry who aren't mature. They don't take their faith seriously, and many walk away within the first several months of graduating from the youth group.

I guess after experiences like this, I'm starting to realize why. When the people leading our moldable youth live with a double standard, why shouldn't they. When teens see a leader in Christ's church more committed to fun than to doing the right thing, then why shouldn't they be in it for the fun as well? When they see a respected role model totally choose whatever they want to do over the laws which the legal authorities (who have been put in place by God by the way, read Romans 13) have set up, then why shouldn't they drink when they are underage, speed all the time in their cars, shoplift or share music as long as they don't get caught?

Is it any wonder that people accuse teens of immaturity, even graduates from youth ministries. Is it any wonder that even "church kids" are more committed to fun, pleasure, or whatever, than what Jesus Christ, our reigning King would ask us to do?

I am by no means claiming perfection, and would say that even today, I did some things that made me feel like a horrible hypocrite. But come on. We've got to do better. May we all step up and realize that if we are a leader of youth, in any way at all (and I mean any way, paid or not, a parent, relative, friend, volunteer, whatever) we've all got the responsibility to lead well, honestly and above reproach, no ifs ands or buts, no matter what else may be fun or cool.

Robe-Grabbing Internationals

2009-07-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago I read the book of Zechariah. It had been awhile. Toward the beginning of the book, he has all kinds of visions of horns, flying scrolls, horsemen, measuring lines, high priest, lampstands, and all kinds of stuff. I don't pretend to know what all that is talking about, and that's not even what I want to talk about anyway.

So here it is. My favorite chapter in Zechariah (possibly due to themes N.T. Wright writes about so frequently) is chapter 8. This chapter anticipates the work God will be doing in Zion. If you read these texts you can see Jesus in them pretty clearly. Check some of these out:

- "I have returned to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem."

-"I will save my people from the east country and from the west country, and they shall be my people, and I shall be their God."

-"But now, I will no longer deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days...for there shall be a sowing of peace."

-"I have purposed to bring good to Zion"

-"The fast of the fourth month and the fast of the fifth and the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace." (Remember when Jesus said, "how can you fast when the bridegroom is here?")

All these are descriptions of what those finals days should look like; when Jesus is king and his people live like it. However, perhaps the most striking image of a people living with God as their king is at the end of chapter 8.

" 20"Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities. 21The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, 'Let us go at onceto entreat the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going.' 22 Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD. 23Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"

What a picture! People all across the world are begging to go with the people of God because what they have is so good. The way in which they are living is so attractive that people are grabbing onto their clothes and saying, "Take me with you–because we have heard that God is with you!"

Is the picture you get when you first think of the people of God today? Are people begging to be a part of what we are a part of? What if it was? What if instead of having all kinds of attractional outreach models like car shows, carnivals, giveaways, or whatever, that people were begging to come with us!? What if the way of life we lived among each other and those with whom we interacted was so contagious, so genuine, so real, that we didn't have to invite (dare I say beg) people to come to church?

I guess it just seems to me that we have diminished the glory, honor, celebration, and goodness of living under the kingship of God ruling through Christ Jesus. We've diminished it to doing the right thing and being a good person, which are good things to do but not quite the same picture of a crowd of people grabbing your shirt saying, "Take me to God! I've heard that He is with you!"

How do we do this? I don't know. I guess I have more questions than answers. A good place to start may be right here in Zechariah 8. Maybe we should truly celebrate that God has come. Truly rejoice that he doesn't deal with us in the way He once did, but there is a new way, a once for all way, where Jesus died, and was subsequently raised from the dead, bringing about vindication. I guess we would do well to "Speak the truth to one another; render in our gates judgments that are true and make for peace; not devising evil in our hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all those things the Lord hates," declares the Lord.

Maybe this picture is only that–a picture. Maybe it's not supposed to be literal, where the nations physically grab ahold of the people of God and ask to come with them. But what if it was? What if we can bring heaven to earth? What if the lives of God's people screamed, "Jesus is King," and it magnetically drew the world to God? What if?

Come to me, ALL...

2009-06-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

This morning I read Matthew 11.28-30, a familiar passage to many Christians. It's the one where Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Now I've read this verse many times before, but this morning it really hit me again.

Recently, I've been talking to people who are hurting, and for a variety of reasons. Some are wearied because of something they are doing, or not doing for that matter. Others are weary because something is happening to them. Some are weary because someone else in their life has disappointed them, and they just don't know what to do. There are others that don't know they are burdened...they think they are doing fine because they read their Bible all the time, and have some sort of prayer life, and give a little money to the church. The problem is that they are doing those things out of selfishness–they want to impress men. They are burdened by their own holiness as they rely on what they do, instead of what Jesus has done.

There are so many that are weary and burdened. Some know it, others don't. Some are burdened by bad things, others by good things. It's been said that everyone is either in the midst of a trial, just getting out of one, or getting ready to enter one. Wherever you are today, realize that Jesus calls ALL to come to him. He will give ALL rest from whatever is holding them down.

I guess there are just two questions:

1. What wearies you? Something bad, from yourself, someone else, a good thing you do?

2. Do you trust that Jesus is powerful enough to relieve those burdens, both good and bad?

For those who care...or maybe just me.

2009-06-25T09:33:00.001-07:00

Last night I was talking to a good friend about how I hadn't done this whole blog thing in awhile. She read a few of my posts last night; probably the first to do so in awhile. So if you're reading this again today Sasha, hope you enjoy it. Here goes.

A lot has happened since march 13th, 2009. It's been good for the most part. Among other things I travelled to four countries following in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, learning from his life and ministry. It was a life changing experience to see the seven churches of Revelation, Walk the Egnatian way, visit actual places where we know Paul stood, and just to see amazing touristy kinds of things. And the food was great too! Coffee, Baklava, Gelato, just to name a few. The people on the trip were great as well. All ages, from all around the US, and a few who I became pretty good friends with, one especially, so that's really cool.

The summer has definitely began here in Loganville. Kids are out of school, swimming, playing paintball or whatever. We have already been to a CIY conference to try to avoid the football camps that start up later in the summer. The conference was both and encouragement and a challenge for all the students and the adults.

Lately, I've been enjoying afternoons at the pool, or a round of disc golf, or a good netflix movie, or picking up a classic book–The Princess Bride. The days are longer and it stays lighter later which I love. I love summer, only if we could somehow change the 85% humidity we have almost constantly.

Like always, there is a mix of really good stuff, and some not so good. Sometimes people, or situations just let you down. But usually, if you look for it, you'll see God at work in people's lives. I'm grateful to be a part of his service. I'm also very grateful for the relationships I have in my life both new and old. The relationships that remind you that that's what life is all about. A friend celebrated a birthday today, another celebrated an anniversary this week, my parents celebrated theirs last week. A mentor and friend is getting married this fall, and another just got married last weekend. I've really enjoyed catching up with the old friends and talking late into the night with the new.

Anyway, for those of you who care, and might read this, there you go. My thoughts in 10 minutes or so. If no one reads this, at least I enjoyed writing it and being reminded once again that life always has ups and downs, but life is good.

2009-03-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

This last Wednesday night, the topic was the last of a series of questions that I was answering in youth group. The specific question was the most important of them all–Did Jesus really rise from the dead? I began the night by saying, "How you answer this question will affect every aspect of your life–how you spend your money, treat other people, vote, and so on." So I went through the talk and gave some reasons, historical probabilities that point to Jesus rising from the dead. Kids were a little crazy because it was the first week that it stayed lighter later and other stuff, but for the most part it was like any other week. Some good, some bad mixed in all together.

Afterwords though, I led one of the discussion groups. As I asked questions of some of the students, some of them didn't even know what the word resurrection meant, let alone have any idea for the implication on their lives. It hit me. It hit me hard. I grew up in a great family where we talked all the time about spiritual things and the story of Jesus. But these kids don't even know that they are lost. They have no clue about the good news of Jesus, but they don't even know that the life they are living can be so much better. They're just clueless. It's sad to me. But it reminds me of the enormous responsibility to tell truth about Christ. How do I convey a message to people who not only don't want it, but they don't know anything about it?

I'm just as bad as they are without Jesus, but I know what it is to live with him. I guess that's part of the answer. Just telling my story and letting the Spirit work. I need him now more than ever. I know I can't do it alone. I think people are convinced of truth in a rational way, but I know that something has to happen through the work of the Spirit. I can only pray that the Spirit will work.

Anyway, I'm just one ragamuffin who needs a whole lot of saving myself. Times like these remind me of that. Just because I know a message about Jesus does not make me a better person, it just makes me more fortunate. I have a responsibility to proclaim this message boldly and clearly as I should.

Seek to Understand...

2009-02-09T08:11:00.000-08:00

This past week at Youth Group I did a special project. The previous four weeks we had listened to testimonies from several adults--we heard their stories. So last Wednesday I wanted to give the students an opportunity to tell their story. I gave them paper and pens and clipboards. I got about 30 responses from about 55 people, so it could have been better, but still I got to hear many of the stories.
It's amazing the kind of insight you can have about people when you simply ask...and mean it. Kids go through a lot these days, and often we don't know exactly where they are coming from. We get frustrated because they don't act like us, or they don't know all the rules. But our stories aren't their stories. The cool thing is that in everyone's story there is a place for Jesus. There is a need, some people have realized it and it has changed their life in an incredible way. Some have yet to realize it, and it is sad. These are some of the same kids who write about fellow teenagers, "they just want to fit in, or they are concerned about only today, or it hurts when people betray you." The answer to all of this is Jesus. He gives us meaning for today, but beyond today. He is there when we hurt, and when life is good to us.
Recently I've been thinking alot about the prayer from Francis of Assisi, "May I seek to understand, not to be understood." That is so profound, because we can't really tell people about Jesus very well without understanding them, and what they are going through. My hope is that by understanding just a little bit about this group of students I'll be able to be there for them and help them to see Jesus through all the confusion of the teenage years.
Two things: There are walls in peoples lives--walls of abuse, or broken homes, or bad teaching, or fitting in with contemporary culture. There is also incredible immaturity. My prayer and hope is that both issues would dissolve. That God would break down walls, and that he would also whisper softly into the ears of those who would listen and draw them closer to him along this lifelong journey of discipleship.
So after a long entry of several scattered tangents, my biggest hope is that God would continue to help me understand: to understand people's stories, to understand how incredible his love still is, even after I've heard, "God loves you" a million times. I want to understand so I can communicate clearly and boldly as I should.

Transition Sunday

2009-01-04T06:45:00.000-08:00

I am currently sitting in my office here at Corinth Christian Church, about 45 minutes before the big transition from Don Hardison to Adam Turner as Senior minister of our church. Adam will actually be called the preaching minister I think, but whatever. It's a big day with people buzzing around like crazy and I'm sure emotions are all over the map. Many are ready for this day, and have been ready, not because the don't like Don, but just because they are excited for the future here.
There is going to be an actual torch that is passed, special music, a meal afterward. Quite a production. But what would you expect after on man served a church for 42 years. A Wonderful testimony of faithfulness. I'm glad to be able to be a part of it.
Now the time ahead approaches. How will we as Corinth Christian Church go into this new time ahead? How will we still affect our community? How will we grow, both numerically and spiritually and relationally with each other. Only time will tell, but we as the leaders are confident that God has amazing stuff in store for us here. We only need to be faithful. Well, I better sign off so I can go be a part of everything going on. Until next time...

Update 11.20.08

2008-11-20T10:31:00.000-08:00

Well it's been awhile and I just decided that I should write a little bit. Things that have happened lately include:
getting pantry stocked by a clergy appreciation dinner
looking forward to having my family coming to my house for Thanksgiving
Drinking americanos at Starbucks
playing Fifa '08
trying to figure out junior high schoolers
proceeding on my car situation.

Last week I went the Athens GA to scope out the town a little bit. I'm going to take my family there when they come. I'm also going to Longhorn steakhouse tonight. It should be relatively incredible. Other than that, I just continue to plug away, trying to learn the best I can how to be a good youth minister. Enough for now. I'll talk to ya later...

The Way I see it #141

2008-10-25T12:51:00.001-07:00

"I used to feel so alone in the city. All those gazillions of people and then me, on the outside. Because how do you meet a new person? I was very stumped by this for many years. And then I realized, you just say, 'Hi.' They may ignore you. Or you may marry them. And that possibility is worth that one word."

--Augusten Burroughs

I read this quote today at Starbucks and enjoyed it, so I thought I would share it. Hope you enjoy!

Ressurection letters volume II

2008-10-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to a free Andrew Peterson concert in Conyers, GA. The name of his album is the title of this post. The songs are all about how Jesus brings new life--resurrection to all those who put their hope in him. The stories in the songs are really powerful. I enjoyed it thoroughly and bought two c.d.'s. It is called volume two because after they had already wrote all these songs about our ressurrection, they realized that all this is possible because Jesus died and rose from the dead. So they are going to go back and write volume 1--all about Jesus' ressurection. I'm looking forward to that one too.
TTYL

The Roller Coaster of Life

2008-10-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

Well this last month has been way up and way down. There seems to not be any middle ground. It's either really good and pleasant, or really frustrating and depressing. A month ago I got my shoulder dislocated. Not long after that I got to go home, to Joplin MO and see family--a great time. However, when I was gone, my plans I had set up for youth group just flopped big time. I got that worked out though and the next week I got to go to a huge conference for free, and actually get paid to go to it! However, the night before I was leaving I received very disturbing news that someone wanted to quit helping with the ministry because they felt that I had pushed them out. Once again I was in the valley. Well I got that worked out and hosted a good friend in town for the weekend. That was awesome. Then the next week, I was just complaining to God in my journal because I felt slightly burnt out, and it was really hitting me hard that this thing I signed up for doesn't just end. It's ongoing, all the time. Well that day, God showed me his faithfulness like crazy and everything went better than I could've hoped. The very next day, someone pulled across my lane of traffic and I crashed my car into a minivan. I'm fine physically, but my car might be totaled because it is so old. I don't have money to buy a new car. Then, on top of that, I found out that two people close to me made some very foolish decisions. It really disappointed me. Both of them have potential for leadership.
I'm still awaiting the outcome of this car thing. It's frustrating and confusing, but causing me to trust all the more. Hopefully the next direction is up, since the last few days have been filled with really sucky stuff. It makes me really evaluate my title, because sometimes life doesn't seem like it's so good. I guess it still is. I know I'll get through it, and that sometimes life just happens.

Planes and razorblades

2008-10-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

So I flew four times in three days, carried on all my luggage, and it was great. Of the three airports I was in (Atlanta, Chicago, and Springfield Missouri) my bag only got checked in Springfield. I was honestly frustrated because I knew that I didn't have anything in there I wasn't supposed to. I even packed all my liquids and gels in a little ziplock like they want you to.
When I opened my suitcase today I realize why they might have stopped my bag. The pair of shorts I packed had a razor blade knife in it. I big box knife! I snuck on a razorblade on accident! I guess I'm not the brightest knife in the shed. Maybe the airport security isn't either though seeing how they pulled my bag out, searched it and missed the knife.
Last week before I left for the three day trip, I had that box knife in my pocket and just threw my shorts in without really looking. I got a kick out of that today unpacking all my clothes.

My Trip Home

2008-10-03T09:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm sitting in Springfield Missouri's airport after a rush of two days back in Joplin, my hometown, at a CIY brainstorming session for next summer's MOVE conference. It was great. I got to meet several new people, and make great connections in ministry in several different states. Yesterday (wednesday) we had a planning session all day. We got a lot hammered out. We talked about theme, scripture to go along with it, issues that our students face, all kinds of stuff.
About 5:00 we were finished for awhile and so I headed on over to OCC and went to the cafeteria to see some people. It was a crazy mix of seeing new faces and seeing some people still there that shouldn't be. It brought back good memories. I got to see several friends and hear how this year was going. I guess things can go on without me. I also went up to Williamson 1st and saw my old floor. That was really cool too. The guys are doing great and really stepping up in their leadership.
Seeing my family was really great too. We surprised Megan and Jordan on Tuesday night. I rang the doorbell on Tuesday night about 9:00 and Megan was super surprised and excited. I'm smiling right now as I think about her reaction. I saw her wedding video and the improvements to the house they had made. At one point Megan said, "You guys gotta see what I did in the bathroom." Immediately my mind thought of something I'm sure Megan didn't mean. We had cheesecake and tea, and played a game. A great time. I really love my family alot. They are so cool. I'm extremely blessed to have them.
One more tangent. Last night we ate at Stouts, a very original pizza place in Joplin. There was a table in the corner with a family of four that made Georgia look not so redneck. These Joplinites each ordered their own pizza! Not a personal pan, but an entire pizza. The Dad put his all away and the rest of them finished over half. They were missing teeth but not manners. They were actually very clean and respectable, but the sheer amount of pizza was incredible.
These past three days have been incredible. I love what I'm doing, and the new people I've met, but it has made me miss the Ozark relationships. I hope we can import that Ozark culture where everyone is so focused on Kingdom value things and the sense of community and understood need of it is so great. I was the only single person this entire weekend. Everyone else was talking about their families and children and such. It made me a little lonely. I'm doing okay though. Things will happen in their right time. Now I just want to focus on getting a roomate and having a little extra money to pay mortgage and do a little more flexible things. I never want money to trap me though. It can easily do that the more we have of it. There is a fine line I don't want to cross of having enough extra for when a rainy day comes, and putting your hope of salvation in the dollar bill. Maybe this stock market bailout thing can teach me a lesson about that. Anyway, that is enough for one day. A lot about a lot. So many emotions are going through my head right now. Untill next time...

Maybe I'm not so lucky

2008-09-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

Well, 9 days ago I dislocated my right shoulder playing soccer in a local indoor league. Maybe I'm not so lucky after all. Everything is fine now, and I seem to be recovering well. I see the doctor in two days, so I'm hoping he will give me good news and a good plan for rehab.
It sure makes normal tasks difficult if you only have one hand. Try driving, cooking, doing laundry with your non-dominant hand.
To make things better though, I'll be in Missouri this next week and see my family, which I'm really excited about. I'll be doing the CIY thing, evaluating the conference last summer and looking at next summer's theme and ideas. I'm really honored and excited. I'm trying to get ahead so I won't have to stress about lesson plans and all that. I think I'm almost there. This first year continues to be a mixture of good, new, hard, stressfull, and a lot of mixed feelings. I was looking at pictures of the OCC soccer team today on Facebook and it got me missing it. Also the dorm life and cafeteria life is just so special. However, there are plenty of good things here. I also am confident this is where I need to be right now. I just need to get over the stress of planning trips many months out, and trying to decide on themes for retreats and such. It's all going to be okay.
Well I guess it's time to go back home and watch football and take notes on Exodus. Untill next time...

I'm just lucky I guess

2008-09-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

This past week I've found out about two really cool opportunities. First, I've been invited to be a representative at a conference to promote a new book. This is a conference that I already wanted to go to, but it gets better. They are going to pay me $100 to go and volunteer. The only thing I'll have to do is adjust my day off at work and go. It will be pretty cool.
The other thing is a CIY planning session for the MOVE summer conference. I've been invited to help plan and evaluate so next year will be better. What's so great about this is that CIY is located in Joplin where my family lives. I'll get to see them again, plus many Ozark friends that I miss. That will be really neat. I just have to make sure my bases are covered at church. That shouldn't be a problem--I already have preliminary plans.
Beyond that, I continue to grow and be stretched. Last night after youth group a girl asked "You said that God wins in the end. Does Satan know he is going to lose?" That made me wonder where in scripture points to that fact. Sometimes ministry is hard. Alot of the time I just hope that what I am doing is accomplishing what I intend it to. I just want these students to grow up into mature Christian adults who know how to take care of their own spiritual lives. I want it to be so much more than just something we do on Sundays because we've always done it. I want it to be so much more than just a Lion's Club. Our communities need to be intentionally focused on Jesus.
Tonight I plan on going to a JV football game and then on to my soccer game. Life continues to be good even though there is so much that is also hard and stretching. Well, untill next time.

Good Quote

2008-09-10T06:01:00.001-07:00

"The world needs you to find the hero within you. The real battle is not between good and evil but between less and more. Most of us don't choose the worst life; we just don't choose the best. We can't afford for you to sleep through your dreams. . . Very few are meant for a life of notoriety, yet all of us are meant for a life of significance." --Erwin McManus

That has been a lot of what I've learned in my first three months here in GA. Alot of people, alot of the time just get by and live an okay life. I don't want to be them. I want to live the best possible life I can!

Life and Ministry

2008-09-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

Well, just to catch up on what's been going on recently. Today I woke up at 5:30 to leave at 6:00am for the hospital in Atlanta to see one of our youth group girls who was having a procedure. She was really glad that I was there. It was definitely an investment in my ministry, but a short night. My attitude about it started out good, then changed to aggravated, but then changed back to good after I got back about 10:00. They gave her "loopy medicine" which took awhile to take effect, but once it did, it was really funny. At one point, she turned over from lying on her back to getting on her hands and knees on her bed and putting her face into the pillow! Lot's of fun.
Last night was also a first for me. I led the youth band for the first time. Things went well. No major problems. My microphone lost battery power right at the beginning, so Jennifer ran and got new batteries and replaced my mike halfway through the first song. We've only practiced twice, so I was overall pleased.
Also, last night I had a video chat session via skype with 1st floor Williamson. That's the floor I lived on for three years in College and was RA for two of those year. I really loved that place and those guys. It was really cool to see them.
Other than that, just still learning and adjusting to life in GA. It's familiar now, yet still new. It's home in most ways, but still new in many as well. I'm going to dive back into an N.T. Wright book now. Wish me luck!

Friday Night Footbal

2008-08-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

Last night was the first game of the Loganville Red-Devils football season. They were playing a team that was supposed to beat them pretty badly. However, Loganville pulled it out in overtime 29-28. It was cool to experience the local fun. More and more this is becoming home for me. It's really not been that bad of a transition. I'm not too homesick or anything. God has brought a fair amount of friends into my life, for which I am incredibly grateful.
Last night I noticed something. Most of the youth group was at the game. They were enjoying themselves and their friends. I'm sitting here at Starbucks writing this and Starbucks is once again (as usual) pretty busy with a fairly large crowd. What is it about these places, these events that cause people to be such a part of that community? What is it about high school football that brings so many people together. Why is the team so big when many don't even step on the field to play. Why are they commited to it? Why do people sacrifice their money at Starbucks for a drink they could make at their house for a small fraction of the price?
There is just something about the community of the football team--even being in the audience. We are called to something bigger than ourselves, and we start saying things like, "We have the ball our 40 yard line." Why do we say "We?" I'm not out there. But somehow I belong to the team. There is comraderie. Even at Starbucks, there is some sense of this community that brings people together.

What can the church learn from these places? I'm not really sure. There is something about high school football and Starbucks though. There is just somethng that brings people together and calls them to commitment. All those guys have to pay the price every day in practice and most don't even step on the field. Why do they still go? Somehow they believe, (and know) that what they do is important. They are part of something bigger than themselves.

Well I guess that's enough for now. Just stuff to think about. I have to go to a funeral now, and then get ready to have some friends over for dinner tonight. Untill next time...

growing up

2008-08-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

Well, today I ordered business cards and personal postcards online. Pretty cool. I got to upload my own design. I'm excited for them to come in. They are simple, with only my name on them. Then I can write whatever else I want to on them.
Other than that, earlier this week I bought a card table with folding chairs. It's weird that I would buy something like that but I'm domesticated now. I also get excited about grocery shopping, which is weird as well.
These things make me think of when I was younger. I had bunches of homework and I thought my life was pretty crazy busy. I remember thinking, "Wow, I can't wait till my life is like yours Mom. Then I can just work from 9-5 and be done. Forget homework and all the other stuff. My life will be much easier then." But now I'm here. I'm older, and I was way off base back when I was younger. However, even though it's stressful, it is good.
Okay, that's all for now. I'm sure I'll be back before long.

Birthday fun

2008-08-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday was my birthday and it was a good one. This was the first birthday that I spent away from Joplin, but I still felt the love of so many family and friends. I got something like 40 facebook messages, a couple of texts, several phone calls, including both my parents and my newlywed sister and my brother in law. I talked to a good friend on the phone for 30 minutes and received a couple of cards as well. I also received hotwheels from a six-year old and candles from a four year old. Oh, and I got two cakes. So all in all, it was an awesome day. These are truly the best presents anyway, more than money and all the other stuff, just the communication with people you love and knowing that they love you is pretty cool.

Home!?

2008-08-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I am now in Joplin MO, arriving safely after an all night drive from Loganville GA. It took about 12 hours, two of which I slept. I just woke up from a nap back down in my old room in the basement. Already I've got right back into the swing of things--eating breakfast homemade by my mom, playing with Cali, our little dog, and tonight we are going to have some more family time.
The reason I'm back for these few days is because Megan is getting married. I'm really excited for her, and super glad to be here. Jordan her fiance is great, and I like him a lot. He treats her well and they really love each other. It's good to be home...
However, there's a different feeling now. I still feel right at home wit my family, and there is always going to be an aspect about Joplin that is "home" but the feeling when we pulled in today was different. I knew that I would only be here for a few days. I'm a home owner in GA now, or least on my way to becoming one. I've made investments in the students in the youth group, and tried to make new friends and relationships in Loganville, whether that is at Starbucks, the grocery store, my neighborhood, or wherever. Home for me has started to change and in many ways has already, even after only two months, become Loganville, GA. I pay a mortgage, electric, water, and gas bills to companies in GA. The people I talk to every day live in Loganville. The students in the youth group that I'm thinking about, praying for, and hanging with are all here. The church body that I worship with is here. It's just different. There are parts that I love and parts that are really hard.
Home for me has changed, and that is really crazy.

Incarnation!?!

2008-07-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

So I was getting ready for a youth group lesson about the Incarnation of Jesus and asking questions like--what is it exactly, why do we need it, what makes it so amazing? One observation that I came across that I had never thought of before was from Genesis 3.8 when God was walking in the Garden. I mean, I had noticed that before, but never thought about it in this certain way. See I had also been reading Scriptures like Col. 2.9, "The fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form..." Then Phil. 3.21 speaks of of our bodies being transformed into a body like Jesus' glorious body. Hebrews also speaks of a mediator, which is Jesus, that has to be a man so he can understand fully the situation that man finds himself in.
Anyway, what I'm am getting at in a roundabout way is that Jesus is still living incarnationally--fully God and fully man. Paul writes that the fullness of the Deity lives--currently--in bodily form! It seems to me that one thing that the Incarnation does is start the restoration process to get back to Eden. There was once a time when God walked in the Garden and Adam and Eve heard him. I'm not sure exactly what that was like, but what if he was in human form--incarnationally fully God and fully man. What if Jesus coming to our level--taking on a body, dealing with sin, and identifying as our perfect high priest is part of the restoration process to redeem this broken and fallen world.
Pretty cool to think about. Jesus is reigning as fully God and fully man--Incarnationally. Through Him we ar on our way back to Eden--to the perfect dwelling!

Mixed Emotions

2008-07-24T08:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I am about a month and a half close to two months on the job here at Corinth Christian. For the most part things are going well. I'm enjoying people, making new friends, watching new movies, getting settled in a house, learning to cook, and being domesticated. I'm getting used to life as an adult.
Last night at youth group two things happened. First, before it started, three girls from the group gave me a not that was filled with encouragement. They all said that I was doing a good job and they enjoyed having me here and that they hoped that I was enjoying myself and liking them as well. That felt pretty good--to have someone tell you that you are awesome.
But then later in the middle of youth group, I was preaching and right after I made a historical claim, I heard someone whisper (but loudly) "that's not true." Now, if it was just an ordinary kid, it wouldn't have made me nervous. The problem is, this kid is super smart, probably on the level of a genius. It really made me think hard about what I was saying. I trust this kids knowledge. It made me realize that I have to be on the top of my game and I can't just make a claim because it sounds like it should be true or because I read it somewhere. I need to make sure I've documented everything and done very careful study and research.
Now, it could have just been a misunderstanding between what I said and how they heard it, because I did a little more research today and I feel like I was right--it might have just came out wrong. Nevertheless, talking about Jesus and making claim for Him and in His name is a big deal.
All in all though, I am happy. I am learning new things all the time. They are stressfull to the max sometimes--people telling me that they want to do what they can to help. I don't know if they really mean it, or if they just want to keep an eye out. Plus, everyone has their own ideas about how things need to be done, or how they have been done in the past, and I've only been here a month. It's becoming more and more my home though. Last night at youth group, I was the most myselft I've been here yet. I was nice.
Anyway, enough for now, I'm going to go eat lunch!

Why pray...especially in groups

2008-07-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

If God already knows what we need, why pray? Why go before the all-knowing God of the universe with the facts and requests of our menial lives. In addition, yesterday, someone asked me "why do you pray in groups. I find it easier to pray and easier to focus when it's just me and God"--plus we all could pray at the same time rather than just listening while the others pray.
It was a question that no one had asked me before for sure. At first I was blown away, and shocked but then gained composure and answered the best I knew how. I said as a community we are a body, each not complete without the others. We learn more about God and each other as we approach him together. God has given us passion about different things, and when we pray we learn the broader picture of God. I also tried to paint the picture of him learning about his father and loving his father more deeply while simply listening to him interact with his mother, or his brothers. He would see different sides of his father and get to know him better simply by watching him interact with others.
Anyway, this is just one example of how I am learning a lot at this time in my life. If you read this, please post a response to the question--why pray in groups, or even more generally--why pray at all. I want to get a broad perspective. Thanks. Untill next time...

Whirlwind of awesomeness

2008-06-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

Well, things are off to a good start here at Corinth Christian Church. This last week CIY Move came and went in a whirlwind, my second week on the job. Things are crazy but they are good. I got to baptize two students in the Atlantic Ocean of Savannah on Thursday. That was quite an experience. Then right when I got home today, I met my neighbor Jeff. He is really cool and was very friendly and invited me to hang with him and his fiance on the fourth and seemed like he would be willing to help whenever, with whatever. It is so cool how the Lord answers prayer like he does, because I was praying this last week at CIY that I would meet my neighbors and then I get home and that is the first thing that even happened. Then I got to take a nap and refresh from the tiring week in my new bed and slept comfortably in my house. The Lord has been so good to me. I woke up from my nap and went grocery shopping on a gift card given to me by church members. And now I'm at Starbucks writing on my new laptop that the church bought for me as a work tool.

I don't deserve any of this and I just find myself in the middle of so much blessings. I need to be very careful to not get prideful. All of this is a gift from God--everything from life, to computers, to neighbors to a house.

If you read this, please stop for just one moment and think about all the good things in your life right now, and thank God that he has been so gracious to you. I'm loving this ride, even though it is tiring, and new and it will be really hard at times. I'm learning a lot and it's totally worth it!

It's finally here

2008-06-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I 've been talking about it for awhile now, and anticipating it for some time, but I'm finnally here in Loganville GA as a youth minister. Things are great so far. I'm settled into my new townhome, and my set up is pretty good. I have all the essentials and everything--I'm not going to starve and I have a place to sit. It is still becoming my home though. My parents accompanied me on the trip to help me move in. They left this morning, so today I am really starting to realize that I'm an adult now. I'm looking forward to everything and learning a lot. I've got to go for now, but I'll be back soon. I love you all if anyone even reads this. As always, life is good...

Changes

2008-05-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

Change sucks. But change is good. Change will stretch us and grow us into the people God is shaping us to be. I'm processing all of this right now because in one month I'll experience the biggest change of my life so far. I'm moving thirteen hours away, and it's going to be hard to say goodbye to relationships here--old and new. I'm confident that this is where God is leading right now, and I feel very good about this chapter of my life, but that doesn't make it easy. As a youth minister, I will be involved in students lives who are hurting and need hope. They are often confused, and rebellious, and far too often I feel like I don't have big enough eyes to see their hurt, and a big enough heart to feel it like I should.
My only hope is that God would open up my eyes and my heart, and work through me in such a way that it is obvious it is Him and not me.
My life is changing very much in the upcoming months. But some things never change--like a God who is faithful and who loves us. This reminds me of the very title of this blog. No matter what life throws at us, life is still good, because we are not ultimately in control. Change is good!

Wordplay

2008-04-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

Basically I just stumbled into this picture tonight and was reminded once more that graduation is so close. I thought I would share it with you all. Hope you enjoy it!

Buying a house

2008-04-13T20:16:00.001-07:00

Okay, growing up is weird. I'm graduating in two months and hope to be buying a townhouse down in Loganville. In the past two days, I have purchased a loveseat, a living room chair, dining room table with four chairs. They are all second hand and definitely used, but they came at a good price, and at least I have something now.
It's kinda weird, you know, becoming domesticated. Parts of it are fun, but parts of it are scary. I still have a pretty long list of what people would suggest you need for your first time in a house out on your own. I know a few things though. I know that Corinth Christian Church is very good about taking care of its people. They are so good! I also know that I have a God who cares for even the lillies of the field, the sparrow, the wind and waves, sun, moon and stars. I think he can manage a little time for me. He is more than capable and willing.

It's been awhile

2008-04-09T16:22:00.001-07:00

Well, it's been like a year and a half and I finally got back on my site. It's pretty weird, going back, but anyway, I thought that I would just update anyone who sees this as to what's going on in my life.
Here in two short months, I will be moving thirteen hours away to a place called Loganville Georgia. I will be working at a church their called Corinth Christian Church. It's a really neat opportunity, and I'm excited about it. However, I'm also nervous because it's change. It's always easier to just stay the same where you're comfortable you know. I guess change is when you grow the most and realize the most that your strength doesn't come from yourself.
Now it's just finishing up school which I am more and more ready to be done with. I'm ready in a lot of ways to just be living in the real world and realizing all over again that life is still good, even though it's hard sometimes.

Halfway around the world

2006-12-20T22:46:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official. I've been accepted to go on the Sub-Sahara trip to Mali and Niger with CIY this next summer. I am really excited about it. I need to raise over $6,000 for it however. I know God will provide but it is still worrisome. Anyway, be praying for me and this trip and the church for the future in Sub Sahara Africa. It desperately needs it.

2006-12-07T18:55:00.000-08:00

I know it's been awile but here we go. Last wednesday I started working at Red Hot and Blue. It's pretty fun and I'm liking it because I get to learn something new. I've never worked in food service before. Anyway, I'm also liking it because I'm back in the real world again. Yes, it is actually refreshing to hear people cuss and talk about sex, and tell dirty jokes. It is refreshing in a weird sort of way. This whole semester for the most part I had been around Christians. Ozark, Colloge Heights, my friends. Even at Watered Gardens there are alot of volunteers who are Christians and a lot of the people coming in are Christians. Red Hot and Blue reminds me everyday that there are real people with "normal" lives that really need Jesus. I'm excited about this oppurutnity. There are a couple people especially that I feel that I could influence in the long run...so if you're reading this, pray for me and my oppurtunities at the Blue.

2006-11-20T09:03:00.000-08:00

This last weekend I was at the National Missionary Convention. It was awesome. I was able to go to some cool workshops and get a few connections with people for some possible long-term stuff. Anyway, I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving break and all that it holds.

What is it?

2006-11-14T13:38:00.000-08:00

Well, this is my first post of my first blog. I know I am a little behind on the times. Oh well, here goes. What you are looking at is actually a galaxy. Out in the middle of the universe somwhere is a galaxy with a cross in it. Sometimes you just have to stand back and let yourself be amazed at God. This is one of those times. Even if people won't testify to the goodness of God, creation will testify that God is there and he is good. This is one of those times for me. You might think I'm crazy, but I think God did this on purpose. This is just one of the many surprises that make life so good!